Altemeyer has long been involved in social justice and environmental issues in the Winnipeg area.
Altemeyer served a two-year term on the Council of Canadians, and has taken part in a variety of activities in the fair trade/anti-globalization movement.
Prior to the 2003 provincial election, he served as an assistant to New Democratic Party of Manitoba (NDP) Cabinet Minister Tim Sale.
He received 3482 votes, against 1193 for his nearest competitor, Green Party leader Markus Buchart.
He also played college baseball for two years in North Dakota, on an athletic scholarship.