This dad votes Conservative. His daughter votes NDP. Here's how they find mutual respect

Thanksgiving weekend is a chance for families to share a meal, laugh and talk. But with a federal election around the corner, there's bound to be debates about politics.

Hugh Cooper, a 51-year-old quarry operator and father of four, votes Conservative.

His daughter, Carrie, is a 23-year-old vegan, activist and barista who votes NDP.

They joined London Morning to talk about how they'll navigate Thanksgiving dinner ahead of the Federal election.

Conservative voter Hugh Cooper

Hugh is a self-described libertarian.

"Lots of time you hear people say they're libertarian. It sounds to me more like they're conservative and they just don't want to pay taxes," Hugh dryly explained to morning show host Rebecca Zandbergen.

"I personally believe in the concept of minimal government, as little government as possible. The nearest I have to that, that I can see on the politically landscape is typically a Conservative right-wing sort of thing."

NDP voter Carrie Cooper

Carrie became more aware of her political leanings after attending York University last year. She was an active protestor in the faculty strike that lasted three months. 

As for who she'll vote for this time around, it's NDP all the way.

"I think the government should provide more assistance to people. We have a lot of taxes and stuff that go to wealthier people and to help them kind of thing, but I think there should definitely be more social assistance."

Mutual respect

Both Carrie and Hugh admit the conversation can get a bit emotional at times. In fact, they've even ended tears. 

"We hug it out," Carrie laughed. "I just think it's so funny how we're so different," and added her mother is more similarly minded.

Carrie admitted she's working on keeping emotions out of their debates.

"Learning to bite my tongue. I'm trying to work on having more open-minded conversations rather than just having my own view. So that's a skill I've been working on the last little while. I can't promise anything."

Hugh's characterization of the family?

"We're a very loud, passionate family about things," he said, but added that it's Carrie who usually fires up the political debates.

"Even when we're disagreeing, I'm proud," Hugh said.

"She came to these conclusions by herself. One of the things my wife and I talked about when we had kids was that it's important that they have their own conclusions in life. So we kind of let them follow through. As long as they weren't just following the herd," Hugh explained as a smiling Carrie listened to his comments.

"Whether we agree or disagree, they're passionate, they're thinking. I think it's wonderful."