What Makes Us Different?

All political parties promise to represent their constituents. So what makes us different?

How's "We really mean it. Honest!" sound? Not too good, right? That's because it sounds like something a guilty six-year old would say. Unfortunately it is also the best arguments traditional political parties ever offer.

The NOP isn't a traditional party and we're proud of that fact.

What we lack in polish and money we make up for with innovation and determination.

One such innovation is our commitment to free votes. There are no whipped votes in the NOP. Nor will there ever be! Our MPP's will vote in their riding's best interest—even above the party's.

Why does that matter? Well, think back to the federal Gun Registry debacle. Northern Ontario was nearly a sweep for the NDP and they promised—promised!—to fight for our gun rights. Then the party's leader, Jack Layton (a Toronto politician), overruled the northern members. He whipped his party into line and the NDP voted to support the registry. Our MPP's betrayed us! Something the NOP will never do.

We don't make promises. Political promises can't be trusted. Instead: We listen.

That's not some fancy motto dreamt up by a high-priced Toronto marketing firm and focus-grouped to perfection. It's our core principle.

We listen to our members. We listen to our constituents. We even listen to our opponents. Good ideas are not partisan. Good ideas come from all over…if you're paying attention. And aren't too arrogant to change.

The NOP doesn't claim to have all the answers. We're willing to admit we don't even know all the questions. That's where you come in. Bring issues to our attention and we'll listen. We make no guarantee that we'll agree with you however.

And that's okay. Passion is a good thing in politics. We've got it in spades. So do most Northerners (just visit any local coffee shop and you'll get an earful!). Sure, the NOP might lack the practiced polish of professional politicians—we sometimes express ourselves in a more rough-around-the-edges way than expected—but look beyond our working backgrounds and you'll see the Northern Ontario Party has some rock solid ideas.

Ask us a question and we'll give you a straight answer. That makes us different too. But different is good. Give different a try.