Nick Flaumitsch is dissatisfied with local MP Blake Richards, tired of identity politics, rejects the culture of political correctness and believes we bow to the interests of international corporations far too often.

This week, the Airdrie resident has announced his intention to challenge federal MP Blake Richards for the Banff-Airdrie seat in the next general election.

Flaumitsch hasn't previously run for office, but that has not discouraged him from bringing attention to issues he believes are being sidestepped by all mainstream federal political parties. He's running as an independent and through his campaign hopes to draw support from those of all political stripes who believe enough is enough.

"I feel like we always kowtow to the big corporate interest but when it comes to actually helping out Canadians there's a lot more that can be done," says Flaumitsch. "Personally, I'm just fed up and I'm looking to put up my own fight." 

His primary goal is to address personal, federal and provincial debt because he believes the choice between austerity or creating more debt is a bad choice and a false choice.

Flaumitsch met Richards a few months ago to discuss a number of issues but didn't receive any definitive answers. He believes supporting any of the major parties in Alberta is pointless.

"They all work together and vote in line and always vote in the interest of wherever the most populous is, which is, of course, is Ontario and Quebec. So I don't see how the Conservative government can put up a real big fight for Alberta and our oil when they have to kowtow to Ontario and Quebec."

He's now putting his campaign team together and will be reaching out to constituents in the New Year in several manners, including knocking on doors and conducting Ted Talk-style conversations in Banff, Cochrane and Airdrie.

"I don't have high expectations of winning, although it would be great if I did. The goal is to start talking about ideas."

"It's going to be a very grassroots campaign. It's not going to have the financing of Blake Richards."