Strait Talk Ep. 51

PPC Candidate Ryan Smyth Brings Global Experience—and an Unconventional Perspective—to Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish Race

Ryan Smyth, the People's Party of Canada (PPC) candidate for the newly drawn federal riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish, recently sat down with civic journalist Jake Boudrot to discuss his journey to politics—and the worldview he brings to the campaign.

Smyth grew up in Cambridge, Ontario, and attended Wilfrid Laurier University before spending two decades living and working abroad.

“I left to work overseas for about 20 years,” he said. “I spent about 14 years in South Korea, some time in Malaysia, and a few years in Australia. When my wife and I moved back to Canada, we went back to Cambridge and then eventually settled here in Antigonish.”

Professionally, Smyth works in software and is a partner in a blockchain-based video game platform. “I’ve done everything under the sun—designing, UX, UI, marketing, translation into other languages,” he explained. “I’m also working on some Internet of Things (IoT) devices. My main focus right now, other than the election, is a device to help people quit smoking.”

When asked if his varied background and skill set make him a strong candidate for Member of Parliament, Smyth gave an answer that defied typical political rhetoric.

“I don’t think anybody’s really qualified to rule over other people’s lives,” he said. “You’re the best person to make decisions for you. Nobody else can really do that. What MPs tend to do is come up with one-size-fits-all solutions to every problem.”

Smyth then discussed the key issues he sees shaping the election, shared some of his strategies for addressing them, and offered insight into how he’s connecting with voters across the expansive new riding.

The Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish district includes Richmond County, the Town of Port Hawkesbury, parts of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and the counties of Inverness, Victoria, Guysborough, and Antigonish.

As he continues on the campaign trail, Smyth aims to bring his global experience—and a belief in individual autonomy—to every conversation with voters.