My personal political convictions are rooted in the populist political traditions of western Canada.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I know a lot about Canadian politics. I lived in Canadian bars for six years.
Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me.
Even some of my Republican friends say I have a populist, progressive streak. I am not a doctrinaire, anti-government person.
By temperament and disposition and emotions, I'm a liberal; but in my beliefs about what's best for the country, I'm a centrist.
Canada has a passive-aggressive culture, with a lot of sarcasm and righteousness. That went with my weird messianic complex. The ego is a fascinating monster. I was taught from a young age that I had to serve, so that turned into me thinking I had to save the planet.
Usually, whatever people's particular political leaning is, they either think I'm just like them or the opposite.
For 20 years I've had the privilege of representing Canada around the globe... first on the bike and then on my blades. The experiences have shaped me into who I am today.
I've been through so many different political races.
I come from a working class community in eastern Scotland, and I've always been a populist, though not a patronising populist.
My political beliefs are my moral, quasi-religious framework.