Freedom Flyer 12

By Joseph Ruscitti

(This is the last in a series of interviews with the candidates in the London North provincial byelection.)

Barry Malcolm is running for the Freedom Party in his second campaign. The 33-year-old operator at the Greenway Pollution Control Plant unsuccessfully contested the same seat in September.

What does the "freedom" in Freedom Party stand for?

Basically, freedom of the individual from the ravages of state intervention. We believe people should be free to make choices without undue state interference.

That doesn't mean we're anti-state. We believe in a strong but limited government. People themselves are in the best position to seek solutions to their problems.

In the last election you won only 534 votes, and you're not likely to get elected this time. What do you hope to accomplish?

Even before the last election, the Freedom Party and the people who have given their time and money to us have had an effect on people.

For instance, members of our executive addressed (Ontario Premier David) Peterson's standing committee on Sunday shopping. The Liberals said they were firm in their stand, then we had some effect on changing their mind although they turned to the wrong alternative. It should be the choice of retailers to conduct business on any day they wish.

This election is another opportunity to get our ideas out and gather more support. It's a chance to have the people come to know us in London. We are more in tune with reaching out to the community than getting the ear of politicians.

What purpose, if I can use the term fringe party...

Well I do mind you calling us a fringe party. "Fringe" connotes an idea of unreasonableness and irrationality and we are not that kind of party at all. We're a major party just getting started.

What purpose, then, do major parties just getting started serve?

We're too small to govern at this point, but we're very action - oriented in the community and have a strong role in defining the issues. And we can influence voters to voice their concerns in a way that protects their freedoms.

Most would say our freedoms are already protected.

Well, take the issue of Sunday shopping - it's not just a single issue. What you have is the government stepping in and saying you can't trade on Sunday, you're not allowed to shop and you're not allowed to work, even if you want to.

I find it odd the government would restrict the right to work. It violates individual and property rights by not allowing people to open up their businesses.

What are the other issues for you in the upcoming byelection?

Free trade. Dianne Cunningham wants to reestrict Sunday shopping, yet thinks free trade is a good thing. I agree it is, but why the hypocrisy? She doesn't seem to know.

Elaine Pensa doesn't want responsibility for protecting free choice in Sunday shopping, but wants to restrict choices in free trade.

What other issues?

The education issue is very important in London North. People should be able to direct their education tax dollars to the school of their choice. Ultimately, their education taxes should end once they've paid off that account.

How do you forsee people being able to do that?

As one example, someone would register at a school and the expense the school charges would be sent to the government. Then that education account would be paid off in taxes by the people using the services.

That sounds like a pretty heavy bureaucratic burden to me, especially coming from a party trying to get government out of as many areas as possible.

As possible, yes. That's the key. The government would only be providing the opportunity to pursue it, not dictating the type of education people desire.

Does that cover all the issues?