Hundred-plus runs later, Milton byelection candidate still chasing victory

Among the candidates running in the upcoming Milton byelection, one has a notable history of losing — now tallying in the triple digits.

John Turmel, 73, is making yet another attempt at political office after enduring 108 election defeats over a span of more than 40 years, a run started in 1979.

He's run throughout southern Ontario, as well as in Ottawa, Quebec and Nova Scotia. This marks his fifth byelection run in the past 13-and-a-half months alone.

This seemingly-endless perseverance landed him a spot in the Guinness World Records in 2016, when he was officially recognized for “most elections contested.” He had been on the ballot in 90 federal, provincial and municipal elections up to that point.

“It was nice,” said the perennial contender of the recognition.

But “it would have been nicer for humanity” if he had won, he quipped.

An enthusiastic Turmel described himself in a phone interview with MiltonToday Sunday as a math genius who made a living as a professional gambler for more than four decades. With a degree in electrical engineering, he also likens himself to Star Trek's Mr. Spock for his problem-solving acuity.

On why he keeps putting his name on the ballots despite the odds, Turmel said: “It’s my duty as an engineer.”

“When they gave me my iron ring, I had to promise I would fix things,” said the Brantford resident, whose run mainly as an independent over the years, but also represented the Pauper, Abolitionist, Christian Credit and Social Credit parties. All told, he's garnered a combined 33,442 votes -- ranging from 4,563 during a 1994 run for regional chair in Ottawa-Carleton to a mere 11 during the Whitby-Oshawa provincial byelection in 2016.

There’s only one main goal on his platform: institute an interest-free banking system worldwide.

“It’s the overall balm that cures everything,” he said. “Get rid of the interest rate.”

Turmel spoke at great length about his “solution,” something he references when asked about local issues faced by Milton families, including a lack of affordable housing. 

In the past, Turmel had fought — and lost — a court battle for candidates to get equal time during debates. With two candidates meetings scheduled this week, Turmel mentioned he’ll likely miss Tuesday’s rural debate due to a hospital visit for cancer treatment.

As he reflects on his “spectacular” career, he’s not yet ready to hang up the flag.

“Let’s put it this way, I’m not gonna stop until the job is done," he said.
 
The byelection is set for May 2.