Fired due to her tweets, Windsor Lake NDP candidate vows to speak truth to power

It took losing her job for Kerri Claire Neil to realize how much she values speaking her mind and how much she wanted to continue doing so.

"Iwas called into the office last week, and told Iwas dismissed.And it wasn't because of my work ethic or my attendance, but because Ihad a political, critical Twitter profile," said Neil,the newly minted NDP nominee for the district of Windsor Lake.

"That was really hard and humbling to hear, butIthink it really set me on a different career path.Idecided my strong opinions are a valuable asset that others would appreciate."

Her Twitter bio describes her as a feminist and social economist, and Neilis very active on the platform, tweeting about everything from Indigenous rights to criticism of Muskrat Falls.Neil declined to specify her former employer, beyond saying it had been a "cool" non-governmental organization, and that she had been in a probationary period.

"Iknow a lot of NGOs feel pressure from the governmentto not criticize the government, which Iactually don't think is good for our democracy. Ithink there's a lot of problems when we don't hold our government to account," she said.

"That's why I'm running, because Ithink the people of this province deserve an MHAthat represents them and is not afraid to speak truth to power and can be held accountable."

Say no to the status quo

Neil is running against two well-known names in provincial political circles: Paul Antle for the Liberals, and PC Leader Ches Crosbie. But Neil, who is currently completing a master's degree in sociology and has a background in economics, welcomes the challenge.

"Idon't see much different between them, besides maybe they weardifferent-coloured ties," she told CBCRadio's St. John's Morning Show.

"Ithink they both represent the status quo.And I, as well as the people of the province, know that the status quo has not been working for us. We need fresh ideas and new solutions."

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Neil promised to represent those who don't often see themselves on the ballot, such as young people or women. The Windsor Lake byelection was triggered by former finance minister Cathy Bennett's resignation, and Neil said she was disappointedwhen Bennett stepped down.

"Windsor Lake has this incredible history of electing strong, smart women into the legislature,and Ihope to continue that legacy. Iam that strong, smart woman," she said.

The byelection is set for Sept. 20.

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador

With files from The St. John's Morning Show.