If you don't know what a Libertarian is, Matt Badura wants to change that. That's why he's running in for the party in the riding of Kelowna West in the upcoming provincial vote.
Badura admits he's not likely to take the seat in the election, but if some Libertarian ideas get into the conversation, that's a win. And if his candidacy leads to a future election win, even better.
"Every human being should have the freedom to choose their life and live it the way they see fit," he explained, when asked to describe his political affiliation.
He said Libertarians want to maximize the ability for people to make decisions for themselves. "As long as they don't interfere with the rights of others to do the same," he added.
"The government goes ahead and taxes you, right off the get-go on all of your earnings, spends it as they see fit, and then leaves you to figure out the rest," he continued. "So as a Libertarian, we would be reducing those taxes."
But Badura explained that it wouldn't be a sudden removal of the government offerings people have come to expect. "We would want to slowly work to a place where we would not need as many of the social services."
He added that even difficult problems, such as homelessness are better left to non-governmental groups to deal with.
"I find that a lot of organizations, churches and self-made organizations do a better job at it," he said. "There are lots of people who are constantly volunteering, spending their own money to help society."
As for running a campaign in a riding that looks like a safe seat for the Liberals, Badura is philosophical. "Healthy progress takes time," he said.
"This allows us to have the open discourse, the conversations and present our ideas," offered Badura. "At the end of the day, if a large party like the Liberals goes and takes a bunch of our ideas and implements them, that's a win."
He points to the Liberal vow to end ICBC. "We've been advocating for that for over 30 years."
For more on Matt Badura and the Libertarian Party, click here. British Columbians go to the polls October 24.
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