Freedom Flyer 12

The basic tenets of the Freedom Party are individual freedom and individual responsibility, says Chris Balabanian, the party's standard bearer in Mississauga South.

The purpose of the party, says the 42-year-old Balabanian, is to protect freedom of choice, not restrict it. He attacks the three mainline parties as "socialist" and says his party will not change its positions if it wins power.

Balabanian doesn't expect to win the riding, but he says he's running to attract new supporters and members. The Freedom Party is fielding about a dozen candidates across the province.

The party's platform includes no restrictions on Sunday shopping, an end to censorship in Ontario, and promotion of free markets. As a small - business man who has operated the Golden Gate Clothing boutique in Port Credit for four years, Balabanian says he's felt the long arm of government in his business.

"We are being overtaxed to the point of suffocation," he says. "You cannot breathe without breaking some obscure law."

The candidate lives in Mississauga East where another Freedom Party candidate, Bill Frampton, also lives. Balabanian ran in Mississauga South because his business is located there.