A local B.C. Olympian is trading in his snowboard for the blue power suit of Ottawa.

Ross Rebagliati, gold medal winner at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, is ready for what could easily be his most challenging contest to date - taking on Conservative MP Stockwell Day for the Okanagan-Coquihalla riding.

On Oct. 26, 2009, Rebagliati was selected as the Liberal Party of Canada's candidate for Member of Parliament.

Rebagliati says he really doesn't like the ‘business as usual' model of government, which he says he feels is intentionally designed to discourage and disengage the majority of voters, especially younger people.

“In a democracy, you don't shut your opponents out of the room - you invite them in, and defend your position in the light of day,” says Rebagliati.

Parliament has been suspended until March 3, 2010.

With the shutting down of parliament, all bills and committees currently before the house are automatically killed.

“I don't feel prorogation was necessary at all,” said Rebagliati.

“MPs are being paid a six figure salary and now, the work they have done last year is for nothing,”

“It is far too obvious what is going on.”

Some opponents to prorogation say that it is an attempt to silence critics of the Harper government and put an end to the debate around the improper transfer and torture of Afghan detainees.

Rebagliati says that with the name recognition he has earned through snowboarding, he can be a voice for those who have felt silenced by traditional approaches to politics.

Supporting amateur sports and the encouragement of a healthy lifestyle will definitely be issues Rebagliati will champion.

Lowering tuitions, adequate healthcare for seniors and universal daycare are also high on his list of important issues.

For Rebagliati the focus and determination he has developed through sport will definitely serve him well as he prepares himself for what could very well be his greatest challenge so far - the blood sport of politics.