Conservative Candidate in Châteauguay–Les Jardins-de-Napierville : unconventional path

David De Repentigny, the Conservative candidate in the Châteauguay–Les Jardins-de-Napierville riding, has entered federal politics for the first time to “make politics accessible” and take action instead of just criticizing from the sidelines.

A Napierville resident, he describes his background as unconventional. A high school dropout, he worked various jobs—locksmith, outdoor camp guide, and in security—before joining the Canada Border Services Agency in Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle in 2006. He is also a lieutenant with the Napierville Fire Department and has always been involved in his community through volunteer work.

The pandemic motivated him to get more involved. “When you look at conversations within families and among friends, where ideas clash, there’s a division that feels almost impossible to bridge,” he says. “Instead of sitting in my living room just criticizing, I figured maybe it’s time to put citizens back at the center of the conversation.”

He joined the Conservative Party of Canada because it reflects his values, but made it clear to the party that he intends to represent all citizens in his riding. “The party is an alignment of values, a coalition of forces moving in a direction that benefits people in the riding—but even those who didn’t vote for the MP must be represented,” he explains.

De Repentigny met Pierre Poilievre and says he discovered a man who listens to citizens—very different from his public image as Opposition Leader.

On the doorstep, he hears concerns about the situation in the U.S., Canada’s deficit, and proposed Conservative budget cuts. He says his leader advocates for “strategic cuts,” pointing to soaring consulting contracts with outside firms, despite the expertise already available within government.