Being an Independant Journalist is hard!

I decided that with the upcoming election that I would ask some of the candidates the same set of questions and see how their responses differ. In order to do this of course, I called the campaign offices to see if the candidates could spare 5-10 minutes of their time to answer my questions.

I called the PC office first and they were very nice. They took my number and said they'd call me to let me know when William Forrestall would be going door to door on my street so I could be sure to be home. Assuming that this isn't a lie, I must say I was happy that they were so helpful.

Next I called the Liberal office to see if I could have the same 10 minutes with Greg Byrne to ask the same questions. The lady I spoke with on the phone was extremely patronizing and basically mocked me. She was not impressed with the fact that I was a student and suggested I should join the young liberals. After I insisted I was an independant journalist, she suggested that I go to the debate at the STU/UNB campus. I told her that I couldn't make it there because I was volunteering that night. She then proceded to tell me to get my priorities straight! I don't know about you, but when youth are volunteering their time, I am blown away by their commitment to the community! I then emailed the president of the Young Liberals and told her about what happened and suggested that she tell her candidates that they need to be more supportive of the youth and encourage them to be more involved in politics, or they are going to lose votes. I must say the whole conversation left a bad taste in my mouth. I'll post my email and the response from the president when she emails me back.

Next I called the NDP who actually took my number and said they'd consult Alison Brewer's schedule when she's in the office and call me back with a scheduled appointment. They also congratulated me on taking action to get involved with politics and start my own "newspaper". That made up for the call to the liberals.

So, PC, suprisingly helpful (I hope).
Liberals, mock the youth and independant media.
NDP, helpful and encouraging.

We'll see how these interviews go over the next few days and if the Liberals can make up for their worker's rude behaviour today.