The Canadian Future Party, a new federal party that describes itself as centrist and advocates more spending on defence, is running a candidate in the upcoming byelection in Winnipeg’s Elmwood-Transcona riding.

Zbig Strycharz, a Canada Revenue Agency employee, has registered to run in the byelection to succeed former NDP member of Parliament Daniel Blaikie, who resigned his seat to move back to Winnipeg and work for Manitoba’s provincial NDP government.

The Canadian Future Party, which was officially registered by Elections Canada earlier this month, describes itself as “not left, not right, but forward” on its website. It also prioritizes democracy in its policies, both domestic and international.

“Until the world is safe for democracy, it won’t be safe for Canadians; our decisions must push for more trade with democracies and a clean break with dictators,” the party states on its website.

Strycharz said he was attracted to the new party because it advocates for small government but is committed to maintaining a social safety net.

“Every year I voted, always voted for what felt like a best-worst choice. No party really represented me properly,” Strycharz said Tuesday in an interview.

He said the Canadian Future Party can offer something different to the voters of Elmwood-Transcona, who have elected NDP candidates in all but one election since the eastern Winnipeg riding was formed.

Conservative Lawrence Toet represented Elmwood-Transcona from 2011 to 2015.

“Essentially, we’ve been voting for the same two parties, and the same two parties seem to have failed on providing results,” Strycharz said.

There are five other candidates running in the Elmwood-Transcona byelection: Sarah Couture of the People’s Party, New Democrat Leila Dance, Green candidate Nicolas Geddert, Liberal Ian MacIntyre and Conservative Colin Reynolds.

Nominations close on Aug. 26 and the ballot will be set two days later.

Advance voting takes place from Sept. 6 to Sept. 9. Election day is Sept. 16.

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