June 27, 2011

Arnprior family man wins Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke NDP nomination

Brian Dougherty & Family

Brian Dougherty, a young family man and electrical worker, will be the NDP candidate in the October provincial election in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. On Wednesday June 20th the local NDP riding association met at the Renfrew Recreational Centre to acclaim the father of two as their standard bearer. Brian was nominated by Eric Burton, the Federal Riding President, and recent federal candidate. He was seconded by two-time provincial candidate Felicite Stairs.

Dougherty said in his acceptance speech that he was interested in working with the community to make life more affordable, create and protect good jobs, and build health care that puts people first.

“You know the status quo isn’t working for you,” he said. “You know it’s time for change. It’s your chance to demand the Ontario you want. In this election, you can stick with the same tired ideas that you know aren't working, that make your life more expensive, and your province less fair or you can pick change that puts people first.”

Dougherty lives in Arnprior with his wife, Kim, and their daughters Samantha 7, and Sydney, 3. All attended the meeting to support him. He is a Licensed Electrician working with T & K Conroy Construction, a family-run business.

Brian was born in Toronto. He went to Northern College in South Porcupine where he received a 3-year diploma as a Native Child and Community Worker. After that he travelled the country and lived in Calgary for nine years. While working as a Child and Youth Worker, he also worked with the Child and Youth Worker Association of Alberta to get the job of CYW designated as professional by t he provincial government.

He and his wife moved to Arnprior almost 4 years ago to be close to her family. Brian entered the trades and expects to be fully licensed as an electrician in the near future. He has been an Eco Energy Evaluator for 2.5 years and an Energy Star for New Homes Evaluator for over a year. He uses these skills to ensure that people are making their homes healthier for the environment and for themselves.

Dougherty’s passion for politics was fed by working with Timmins-James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson as a student, the political work he did with the Child and Youth Worker Association and what he has seen happening in Renfrew-Nipissing- Pembroke and the rest of Ontario since returning to the Ottawa Valley.

At the nomination meeting, CUPE members Claude Venne and Chris Day, members of County of Renfrew Paramedics, attended to express their union's support.

Immediately afterwards, Dougherty travelled with Eric Burton to Toronto where Dougherty attended a training session for new candidates while Burton, who will manage the campaign, received manager’s training. They then took part in the NDP’s campaign kick-off. There, they heard NDP leader Andrea Horwath announce a party platform calling for taking the HST off daily essentials, replacing corporate tax giveaways with rewards for job creators and small business, cutting wait times in emergency rooms in half, and eliminating

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