Dan Burr — Candidate, Windsor-Tecumseh

Despite growing up with a family in politics, Dan Burr, 53, says he never expected to enter the federal arena. Born and raised in Windsor, not only did Burr’s father David serve as a city councilor and eventually the Mayor, but his grandfather Frederick represented Windsor as an MPP with the NDP for 10 years.

Now, Burr is trying his hand at running for federal office for the first time – and with a brand new party. Burr describes himself as upholding libertarian values as he runs to be the representative for the People’s Party of Canada in Windsor-Tecumseh. 

“I really like Max (Maxime Bernier). The leader’s platform and policies. I also felt that the other parties didn’t offer any real choice. They seem too similar to me,” said Burr. 

Burr has never run for federal office until now, though he is not unfamiliar with the realm of politics. Burr’s experience in politics goes back to 1991 when he was elected as one of four commissioners within the Windsor Utilities Commission. He served on the WUC until 1994 but lost the following election, coming in fifth. When one commissioner died in 1996, Burr was  brought back on board to finish the deceased commissioners term. However, by this time Burr was no longer interested in running for office.

“I was trying to get my feet wet and when I ran for re-election again, I didn’t win,” said Burr. “But I also started a job at Chrysler and I just felt like I didn’t want to pursue it anymore at the time.” 

He also played a role in helping Reform Party of Canada candidate Brett Skinner in his campaign for Windsor West in 1993. 

“I was kind of in charge of making sure all the literature that we had got out to the volunteers, help figure out which polls in which areas in the city we would hit, that was kind of my task,” said Burr. 

Skinner came in second in that election. With the help of a man named David McCammon, the three men moved on to create The Great Lakes Liberty Press in 1995, a subscription-based newspaper focused on, as the front page says: “POLITICAL NEWS, OPINION, DEBATE, AND PHILOSOPHY”, and all from a libertarian point of view. 

“There was only a couple issues before we ran out of money,” Burr said, laughing. “So we didn’t last very long, but it was fun.”

Burr pressed on as an assembly line worker at Chrysler Windsor Assembly. Now in his 25th year at the plant, he can add licensed pipefitter to his extensive list of work experience. 

“I would say that it’s mostly just life experience that I’d be bringing into the table. As far as you know, I’ve worked in a factory, I’ve worked driving. I have a lot of experience that people in Windsor have; similar tech experience. So I know kind of what those types of people go through,” said Burr.

Still at Windsor Assembly, Burr now has to balance his time between his job and his campaign. But he is not the only one dividing their time. 

Burr’s wife of 12 years, Cathy, temporarily put off the pursuit of her masters degree in psychology for a semester to help Burr with his campaign upon realizing the weight of the workload. 

“I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am right now, without all the help that she has done, beyond just the campaign of course,” said Burr. “I love my wife, I’ve been married for 12 years now… Just going through life with the person you love is just the most awesome thing.”

Cathy’s official position within the campaign is as Burr’s official agent. Burr says Cathy brings her thoughts, support, and strong organizational skills to the table as well as handling the flow of campaign dollars. 

Outside of the political campaign, the two also engage in fantasy campaigns. They play the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons, where players make characters and go on adventures in a unique fantasy world of elves, dwarves and monsters. The game has been a love of Burr’s since he was gifted the first edition on Christmas morning as a teen.

Working together in fantasy and in life, the pair are hoping to create a presence for the People’s Party of Canada in the House of Commons – when they are not busy slaying monsters, of course.