Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons is jumping into the race to try and become the next leader of the provincial New Democrats.
Simons will make the announcement that he intends to seek the party leadership at a press conference later this morning in Sechelt.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity to lead a team of strong, passionate and principled MLA's," said Simons in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 4. "People are looking for good decision-making, openness, and accountability in politics. I'm offering a new voice, and a new approach."
Simons said it's a time for renewal in the party.
"I hope that over the next few months, my message, and the policies I propose will resonate with the NDP membership and the public," he said. "I have no doubt that the Party will emerge from the leadership race strong and united."
Dana Larsen, former leader of the BC Marijuana Party, announced at a press conference on Dec. 29, his intention to run for the leadership. Three hours later party president Moe Sihota said, in an interview with The Province, Larsen could not run for the leadership because he is not technically a member of the party.
Sihota also questioned whether Larsen is eligible to run after withdrawing his bid for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP during the 2008 federal campaign. Larsen withdrew from the race following the release of video footage showing Larsen taking illegal drugs.
In an interview with the Peak, Larsen dismissed Sihota's comments as "just him going off the rails."
Larsen said that he is a member in good standing and made a donation as recently as November 2010, which alone would make him a member for a year.
Larsen is running on a four-pronged platform laying out increased democracy, sustainability, social justice and alternative approaches to crime, including the legalization of marijuana, as his primary goals. Larsen said he has a "fresh vision" and believes, as an outsider, he can help bring the party together with a new perspective.
B.C. residents have until Jan. 16 to join the NDP if they want to be able to vote for the party leader. The vote for a new leader will take place on April 17.
Adding further complication to the race for the top of the B.C. NDP, rules dictating gender equality among its top executives will force the party to either elect a female leader or replace one of the currently male-filled positions of president or treasurer. According to the party's constitution, at least one of the three positions must be held by a woman. Sihota has said that the party executive will make a recommendation to the NDP provincial council on what to do about the gender issue.
Stay tuned for more on this breaking news story on-line and in Friday's print version of Coast Reporter.
- With files from Powell River Peak
