Working as a security guard at the legislative assembly building, Patrick Winstanley doesn’t like what he’s seeing at the political level. He is hoping to do his part to change that.

At a noon-hour press conference Tuesday, Winstanley announced he’s seeking the NDP nomination in his home riding of Lake Laberge in the pending election, which must be held by October.

“Basically, I think it’s time for a change,” the 58-year-old told reporters gathered at Rotary Peace Park for his announcement.

Winstanley argued the current Yukon Party government has behaved like a bully when it comes to its relationships with First Nations governments.

“I listened to the Pasloski government’s same old rhetoric about mining and the economy and watched it go nowhere; not bringing in any jobs,” he added.

“I decided to join a team that would put their words into action. I decided to join the slate of Yukon NDP candidates.”

If he wins the nomination and the election, Winstanley said he would work to “mend fences” with First Nations.

He would also move toward the development of alternative energy, including wind power and well-thought out hydro projects.

Winstanley would also work on local riding issues such as paving roads and improving water supply options.

Winstanley was a supporter of the NDP and has volunteered with the party.

That support goes back long before he arrived in Whitehorse eight years ago.

“I’ve been a life-long supporter of the NDP,” he said, noting the party’s economic and social values align with his.

Born in Nelson, B.C., Winstanley grew up in the Lower Mainland of the province. He spent most of his adult life working in sawmills in a variety of roles. He eventually worked his way up to a journeyman-level saw filer, responsible for maintaining and repairing saws.

“In fact, that’s how I came to the Yukon,” he said.

After the financial crisis of 2008, he was hired on at the Dimok Timber facility in Haines Junction.

Since then, he’s gone on to work as a corrections officer and in his current role as a security guard at the legislature and at Whitehorse General Hospital.

Since 2002, the Lake Laberge riding has been held by Yukon Party MLA Brad Cathers, who has already stated his intention to seek his party’s nomination there again.

Alan Young will run under the Liberal banner for the seat.