It’s almost that time again and lawns are littered with colour. No, it’s not winter. It’s the 2015 upcoming Federal Election.

If you’re like most, you can’t help but notice the red, blue, orange, green and of course, the odd brown.

The majority of people know the different parties associated with each colour, but what about the names on the front?

Well, Mike Pyne is one of them. He’s the man behind the red. The one who represents the Liberal Party of Canada.

He has a cheery spirit and his fun-loving nature is quick to put anyone at ease.

Tyler Gilbert, his campaign manager, used the word jovial to sum up Pyne into one word.

“He’s a really positive person and that’s what makes it so easy to work with him, said Gilbert.”

Pyne has loved politics his whole life and his children often refer to him as the champion of the underdog.

“I can’t stand people being abused and I can’t stand people being taken advantage of,” said Pyne. “Life should be a win win for everybody and it can be if we all work together.”

Pyne grew up in Taber before moving to Lethbridge in the late 1980’s with his wife, where they had four children.

He’s now a grandfather to 9 and is expecting number 10, shortly after the election.

Pyne said his family has been his greatest achievement and they’re encouraging of his venture into politics.

“They’re all really supportive, said Pyne.” They’ve been out on the campaign trail with me at different times, it’s become a family affair.”

In addition to being a family man, Pyne currently works as a Safety and Human Resource Officer for a local trucking company.

Earlier in his life, Pyne graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a degree in political science and was involved in politics for a short while afterwards.

His list of undertakings include, being elected as a trustee to the school board in Taber, where he also acted as President of the Taber and District Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, Pyne was on the Oldman River Regional Planning Commission and was the researcher for Alberta, for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Self Government in the 1990’s.

Although he didn’t plan on re-entering politics later in life, something happened that made him change his mind.

“Ten years ago, this guy named Stephen Harper became Prime Minister and politics hasn’t been the same since, said Pyne.” “Stephen Harper is fundamentally changing Canada, we live in a democracy, but it’s not being run like a democracy and we have to get it back.”

As he makes reference to Canada’s health care being in danger, his passion for people is undeniable and his wittiness even more so.

When asked about what he finds most challenging about being a candidate, he laughed and said, being a Liberal.

“Let’s face it, being a Liberal in Southern Alberta is not the easiest way to get a job in Ottawa, said Pyne light-heartedly.”

Ken Covey, Lethbridge resident, has been volunteering with Pyne since the beginning and said in one word, he’s terrific.

“He’s got his own mind, he think’s his own thoughts, it’s not just reading off the cue cards so to speak, said Covey.” “He would be good for the people, he would be a voice. He wouldn’t just be the party line so to speak.”

Like a fracture, Pyne believes the government is broke and needs to be fixed.

“I’ve always believed politics is the art of the possible, said Pyne.” “You take people from way over on the left and way over one the right and through compromise and working together, you come together and you create this fabulous country called Canada.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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