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Quick on the Draw — Stephen Montague

How do you really feel about the Brandon University campus becoming bottle-water free?

We're really excited. It's an initiative we've seen across campuses in Canada and the co-operation with the university's administration to help us make that happen at Brandon University, and being the third campus in Canada to do so, really means a lot. I know the students we've talked to have been really supportive.

What are the best arguments in favour of such a move?

There are actually quite a few. There is the environmental side of it. The fact that you're bottling and transporting what comes out of your tap. Many bottled waters are simply municipal water supplies, so the environmental impact we see from that are huge. But there's also the ethical side. You are purchasing a public right and a public good and some say a basic human right. There are quite a few very good arguments for doing such a thing.

In which other ways are you an avid conservationist?

In my own personal life, I try to purchase fair trade where I can. Make sure that the goods I'm eating are meeting sustainable standards. I drive a small, economical four-cylinder car. I walk when I can to work. Just trying to cut back where I can.

Did you hear from any local companies that manufacture or distribute bottled water?

We haven't. We do know that one of the Canadian representatives for the bottled beverage industry did contact the university . . . sent them a letter, supporting bottled water. The university stuck with us and continued to press forward and eliminate the sale of bottled water.

What are you studying at university and what career do you hope to follow?

Right now, I'm finishing up my political science degree with a minor in Native Studies. Ever since I was 12 years old, I wanted to be a politician, so something in the political field, hopefully starting at the municipal level.

What were a couple of the most important things you learned during your run for a seat on Brandon city council when you ran in Richmond ward in 2006?

I learned that there are a lot of issues in Brandon, a wide array of diverse issues that people want to see. People are looking for members of city council to take the initiative and a leadership role in making effective and efficient decisions. That's one of the biggest things I heard. It was really neat to get out and meet so many people in a couple of months' time.

How does one become interested in politics at the age of 12?

It actually started with Bill Clinton's election in '92. The change in the U.S., all the hype following the first Bush and the transition to Clinton was when I got interested in it. Then from there, I got interested in Canadian politics and have been studying it in school. It was just an interest that continued to grow and to this date, I don't know where I got it from, because my parents aren't political and no one in my family is political.

Where do your political allegiances lie? Left, right, middle?

They vary. They straddle the middle. In many cases, I consider myself a social liberal, but a fiscal conservative.

That covers a lot of bases.

It does, but to me, no single ideology has a monopoly on good ideas.

What are some of the responsibilities of the BUSU president?

It's a fun job of representing a very diverse student population. International students, rural, urban, male, female with a variety of interests, and try to effectively represent them to meet the common goal that I think a lot of students are supporting in terms of their rights as a student, and the way they're treated, but also that the university treats us with respect and realizes some of the issues such as affordability of education, and other issues.

Away from the classroom and student politics, and politics in general, what turns your crank?

I'm a travel bug. I love learning about Canada and hopefully, once I'm out of school and can afford it, I'd like to travel this country. I would love to explore and see what makes this country so great and also head overseas and see where my family came from.

Where did they come from?

A lot of my family came from Europe, mainly England. I'd love to go there, explore the castles, see the countryside. They have such a rich and extensive history over there.

Approximately how many texts do you send and receive in any average day?

I don't know if I can count that high. Quite a few. One of the things I've said is that I want to be available to those I represent, so my cell number is on my card. A lot of the students I represent have my number and they feel free to contact me when they wish. On the personal side, it's an easy way to keep in touch with people.

So might it be 100 . . . 150 . . . 400 a day?

About that. Yeah. I'm on my phone quite a bit. It never leaves my side.

What's the last tune you downloaded to your iPod?

I think it was Jay-Z's new album, from iTunes.

So you pay for it? You don't steal it?

No, I don't steal it. I use my iTunes account and download it on an iTunes gift card I got.

From where do you order your takeout pizza, and what are your preferred toppings?

I don't have one single place. I quite enjoy Little Italy and I usually get a pepperoni and bacon, but if my parents are in town, we're at Marino's, or if I have a coupon, being a student, I like deals.

What do you think you'll be doing 25 years from now — in the year 2035?

Hopefully I'll be well into an established political career and representing the constituents of Brandon-Souris at the federal level.

What's the most unforgettable concert you've attended?

The best concert I've ever seen would be Green Day when they were on their American Idiot tour a few years back. And they had My Chemical Romance opening for them.

I've seen you in a suit and tie at a couple of official functions; how often are you out of casual clothing?

I try to dress up more often lately. I think it shows a little more professionalism. Don't get me wrong: I like the sweat pants and hoodies some days, but it's nice to throw on a nice shirt and a suit and get out on the town and look a little more professional than normal.

Does being the BUSU president help get the girls?

I'm still single, so if it does, I'm doing something wrong.

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