D.O.A’s Joe Keithley Is Running for M.P in B.C’s May Election

Vancouver hardcore punk band D.O.A had many political messages in their music. They played at peace rallies and environmental events. Before he becoming sidetracked by music, vocalist and lead guitarist Joe Keithley planned to become a civil rights lawyer. Through the music he made with D.O.A, Keithley became even more interested in politics and most enjoyed playing shows where he felt the band made a difference.

Now, Keithley has been nominated as B.C. Green Party candidate for the Burnaby-Lougheed riding. This isn’t the first time he has run in a British Columbia provincial election with the Green Party: he also ran in 1996 and 2001.

Keithley says he is running in the May 2017 election because the government needs to be more honest and compassionate.

“The B.C. Liberals and the B.C. NDP only answer to the special interest groups that give them money. My approach is to look for a solution that will lead to more cooperation and to the people having more say; I call this grassroots democracy”.

Having grown up in Burnaby and being environmentally conscious, Keithley also says he will fight against the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion that is planned to go through his hometown.

“I will work to strengthen our economy through enabling a ‘greener’ economy and moving us away from new fossil fuel projects. I am against the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion in Burnaby and the B.C. Green party is the only party that has shown real, principled leadership in an effort to stop it. I have lived in Burnaby my entire life and I grew up two blocks from Kinder Morgan’s oil tank farm. I love this town and will do my utmost to fight for Burnaby’s citizens”.

Andrew Weaver, B.C. Green Party leader and Member of the Legislature Assembly for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, says that he is happy to welcome Joe Keithley back to their team of Candidates.

“I have known Joe for a number of years and I am thrilled to welcome him back to our team of candidates for the 2017 general election. Joe is one of the hardest working people I know; it was an honour to campaign for him in the February by-elections and it will be an honour to work alongside him again”.

Though he might not have secured a riding in the past, I wish him all the luck in May. After all, if a reality TV star can become President of the United States, why can’t a punk rock activist become an M.P?