Even by his own estimates, first time politician Dominick Desjardin has a hard path ahead of him in the race for Halifax Downtown South.
The Rosethay, New Brunswick native is up against former councillor Sue Uteck and the man that dethroned her four years ago, incumbent councillor Waye Mason.
Between the two of them they have nearly 16 years of political experience; all of it as representatives of the district Desjardin is trying to make his own in the upcoming municipal election.
According to Desjardin, his opponent’s prior experience doesn’t worry him. He thinks it’s time for change in a district that has stagnated under its past representatives.
“If you look back, they’re saying the same things that they’ve said all along,” he says. “So my question is why are we only saying it and not doing it?”
A Youthful Candidate
Almost a year ago, Desjardins had his sights set on a much smaller prize than the seat for District 7. One of the few obstacles in front of him was finishing his bachelor’s degree in political studies from Saint Mary’s University.
Now, the recently graduated 24 year old is only focused on the competitive race ahead of him. One of the cornerstones for his campaign is keeping graduates in Halifax.
“Both of my opponents have said ‘Keep graduates in Halifax’,” Desjardins said. “But they’ve had [16] years between them to do something about it and now they’re making it an issue? That really burns my bridge.”
In addition to his education in political studies, the council hopeful has strong ties to the Nova Scotia Liberal party. He served as the President of Saint Mary’s University Young Liberals during 2015 and is currently listed as the Vice President, Provincial for the Nova Scotia Young Liberals.
If elected, Desjardins says his provincial political affiliations will not affect his decisions in municipal politics.
To assist him in his campaign Desjardins has gathered a mixture of student activists, volunteers and political operatives familiar with federal and provincial campaigns.
“[Regional Council] needs an upgrade of minorities, age difference and gender difference and I think we’re going to see that this coming election.”
On the Trail
Although he officially launched his campaign with an event on May 21, Desjardins says he’s been knocking on thousands of doors and laying the ground work for the campaign since January.
“It’s been a very positive reception,” he said. “And even the youthful aspect [of my campaign] has been welcomed with open arms.”
Desjardins has been called naive for his youthful approach to politics but he says his experiences in life allow him to bring something different than his opponents.
“I’ve been a student, I’ve lived in low income apartments,” he said. “My opponents seem to be focused on getting reelected and that’s something that turns me off.”
Although he lived in Dartmouth until at least 2014 – no property records exist in his name – Desjardins says that he’s always felt like Halifax’s South End has been his home.
Business Experience
According to records from Nova Scotia’s Registry of Joint Stock Companies, Desjardins and business partner Shawn McGee created Profalco Construction in early 2014. Focused on construction and painting, the company’s registration was revoked in 2015 as a result of non-payment.
A spokesperson for the registry says the non-payment was a decision by the partners of the business.
Desjardins says juggling school, running a company and having a social life was too much as a full time student and that’s why the business ended. But he’s taken a lesson away from his time as a business leader.
“It’s important to take time for what really matters,” he says. “Making changes to our community and growing our community is what matters to me.”