THUNDER BAY -- John Rafferty says he has unfinished business on Parliament Hill.
The two-term NDP MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River announced Friday morning that he's seeking a third term, looking to continue his work to fight for pension reform, veterans' affairs and the constituency. The party has yet to formally declare their candidate, with official nomination meetings to come.
With a recent NDP victory in Alberta and a surge in the federal polls, Rafferty said it's a good time for the Official Opposition to gain more ground in Ottawa.
"It's pretty clear that Canadians are starting to think and starting to believe that the NDP is the alternative to Stephen Harper," he said during a media conference at the Slovak Legion.
Rafferty wants to see pension reform not just for older Canadians but the next generation as well.
"I want to ensure that 40 years from now young Canadians will know that they've secured a retirement for themselves," he said.
Until recently, Veterans' Affairs were untouchable for the federal government when considering cuts. But with offices closing, including in Thunder Bay, Rafferty said he wants to make sure that doesn't happen again.
"It's beyond me why this government has fumbled that file so badly," he said.
The next term of parliament will have important issues to tackle, including doctor assisted death and prostitution. Rafferty said he's been asking constituents for input.
"I think people in my riding know that I'll vote the way I need to for them," he said.
The NDP candidate will be facing Conservative candidate Moe Comuzzi-Stehmann, Green Party candidate Christy Radbourne as well as one of three Liberal candidates - Don Rusnak, Randy Boyd or Vince Riccio.
