An Abbotsford man has created a new political party that bases some of its values on an ancient idea.
Michael Halliday named his new entity the B.C. Excalibur Party, and he uses the name and image of the legendary magical sword yielded by King Arthur.
The sword logo, which includes the words truth, honour and justice, is a symbol of what his party stands for.
“It (Excalibur) was a symbol that united the country and gave them a golden age … at a time when things were falling apart,” said Halliday.
He feels it is a fitting analogy for today’s society, which he said is collapsing.
Halliday said he made the decision to create the new party after talking to voters. About 85 per cent of the people he spoke to said they either weren’t going to vote in the May election or didn’t know what party to support.
“People are so disgruntled with the parties out there right now that we need something new and different and that’s what the Excalibur Party is.”
While he knows it’s a late start for his party, Halliday said he is trying to attract people who are willing to run as candidates. So far he has about eight people who are interested, though none has officially confirmed.
“I want to run the full slate of candidates; that’s my goal.”
He admits that will be difficult to attain.
Halliday ran for office in the 2009 B.C. election as an independent in the riding Vancouver- False Creek.
He plans to run this year in Chilliwack.
“My power base is more in Chilliwack,” he said, explaining that he still wants to find candidates for the Abbotsford ridings.
Using the name Excalibur has prompted some people to ask Halliday if he’s serious about politics or just joking around. He understands that concern.
“It is for real and there is that problem, but at the same time it’s a name that people instantly recognize and understand and some people instantly know what it is and I get real strong reactions with the symbolism of it,” he said.
For more on the new party, visit bcexcaliburparty.com
