Mikkel Paulson, Pirate Party of Canada leader, plans to run for election in Edmonton.

Mikkel Paulson says the Pirate Party of Canada has something to offer that the high-profile federal political parties cannot.

The Pirate Party is focused on several core issues including copyright reform, patents system reform, privacy, net neutrality, digital sovereignty, and open government.

But Paulson, the party’s recently elected leader, said candidates will be free to take their own positions on issues that fall outside the scope of the official platform.

“When they’re elected—and sooner or later I promise that someone will be—they will be in the unique position of being able to represent their constituents ahead of the party,” he told the Straight by phone from Edmonton.

“MPs from the major parties, they don’t have that luxury,” he added.

“It’s something that people aren’t used to. They’re not used to the idea of a party that doesn’t have one all-encompassing platform.”

In April, the Pirate Party was recognized by Elections Canada as eligible for registration.

Paulson, a freelance web developer from Edmonton, won the party’s leadership election in a narrow 85-81 vote against a lone opponent.

So far, the party has approved three candidates to run in the next federal election: Paulson for the riding of Edmonton Centre; Jake Daynes for Nanaimo-Alberni; and Craig Nobbs for Langley.

Paulson said the party aims build up support and also target the ridings of Vancouver Centre—held by Liberal MP Hedy Fry—and Ottawa Centre.

“Ultimately how effective we’ll be able to be in the next election depends on when the writ drops, how much preparation, [and] how much in donations we’re able to raise before then,” Paulson said.