SFU student and prof face off
Rob Lachlan, The Peak

On November 27, 19-year-old SFU political science student Dareck Faichuk will make a bid to be the youngest MP ever to sit in Canada's House of Commons. But to do it, the Progressive Conservative candidate for Surrey North will have to beat his former teacher, Liberal candidate and SFU professor Shinder Purewal.

Faichuk is a former student of Dr. Purewal's political science 151 class, and the two candidates remain on friendly terms despite their current rivalry. Purewal describes Faichuk as "a very good student," and Faichuk returns the compliment, speaking highly of Dr. Purewal's teaching.

Faichuk, however, states plainly that "Just because he was my teacher doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on him. I think that I have a very strong chance of beating him, sending him a message that his party's not wanted any more in Canada."

"I think that I'm a better candidate than him, it's that simple," he adds.

Purewal is more circumspect when asked who the better candidate is, declaring he'll "let the voters of North Surrey decide that."

Not surprisingly, both Faichuk and Purewal have made education a large part of their platforms. Faichuk expresses a desire to make education more affordable. He points to several proposals in the PC platform, including an extension of the grace period between graduation and repayment of student loans, an end to the taxation of scholarships, and income-dependent debt relief for graduands.

Purewal has similar concerns about the affordability of education, and argues the Liberals will do the most to make education more accessible to students.

While Purewal defends the Liberals' record, Faichuk is severe in his criticism of the party in power; "The Liberals under Chretien are the most whipped party of all time. At least I can go to Ottawa and not be scared to stand up and tell Jean Chretien how it is. If you send a Liberal MP, they'll sit there and keep their mouth shut because they're not allowed to say anything or they'll be kicked out."

Faichuk expresses determination in his goal of achieving federal office, declaring that if he doesn't succeed in this election, he'll be back. "My ultimate goal is to become the youngest prime minister in Canadian history," he says.

While Faichuk appears to be planning a long career in federal politics, Purewal professes an entirely different philosophy. The Liberal candidate believes career politicians have become "a class unto themselves," and proposes a limit of two terms in office as a solution.

"If you haven't achieved anything in two terms," Purewal suggests, "it's highly unlikely that you would achieve anything in three or four terms." After serving as an MP, Purewal plans to return to teaching.

Both candidates exude a quiet optimism about their chances in the November 27 election. Purewal asserts that a large number of NDP supporters will back him in order to prevent the election of an Alliance candidate.

Faichuk believes his success will depend on who votes. "If a lot of young people come out," the PC candidate reasons, "I think I have a very strong chance of being elected."

For more information on Dareck Faichuk's candidacy, visit dareck.dhs.org. For more information about Purewal, see www.liberal.ca.

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