Lessons from Building a New Political Party

Ryan Smyth Reflects on Advocating Free Markets via Atlantica

New Political Party

IO Podcast|Episode 41

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This episode features Ryan Smyth, former treasurer of the Atlantica Party from Nova Scotia, Canada. He explains the challenges and successes of managing a startup political organization focused on free markets and individualism in the classical-liberal tradition. After four years of inactivity, the Atlantic Party re-entered the political scene in 2016, contesting the 2017 and 2021 provincial elections. While they did not secure seats in the legislature, Smyth believes they shifted Nova Scotia’s political dialogue.

In April 2024, the Atlantica Party opted to deregister, given a lack of volunteers. However, Smyth contends that operating the Atlantica Party was a worthwhile endeavor, albeit from the margins. Despite modest electoral results, the party succeeded in bringing classic-liberal concerns to the electorate. Several of their proposals have been adopted by other political parties and leaders, marking a lasting influence even without legislative representation.

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Fergus Hodgson

Publisher: Fergus Hodgson, CAIA, is the director of Econ Americas, a financial and economic consultancy. He holds an MBA in finance from Rice University and bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science from Boston University and the University of Waikato. He was the founding editor in chief of the PanAm Post. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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