Cullen Giving Strong Consideration To Provincial NDP Leadership
Thursday, September 26, 2013 @ 11:20 AM
Prince George, B.C. – There is a strong movement afoot among B.C. New Democrats to draft federal M.P. Nathan Cullen as a potential leader of the provincial party, and Cullen says he is giving it very serious consideration.
During his regular bi-weekly scrum with the regional media today, the Skeena-Bulkley Valley M.P. says he recalls the
words of former federal NDP leader Jack Layton, that “you never say never.” Cullen says he has been approached by several prominent members of the BC NDP who feel he is the best fit to replace Adrian Dix as leader. Cullen says “my initial reaction was one of some coolness for a number of reasons, most predominantly because of the work that I’m doing right now at the federal scene, in the House of Commons, and on behalf of the northwest. It’s been engaging me fully and the idea of jumping to provincial politics just seemed like a remote possibility, even just a few months ago.”
words of former federal NDP leader Jack Layton, that “you never say never.” Cullen says he has been approached by several prominent members of the BC NDP who feel he is the best fit to replace Adrian Dix as leader. Cullen says “my initial reaction was one of some coolness for a number of reasons, most predominantly because of the work that I’m doing right now at the federal scene, in the House of Commons, and on behalf of the northwest. It’s been engaging me fully and the idea of jumping to provincial politics just seemed like a remote possibility, even just a few months ago.”
But he says things have shifted. “While I’m still somewhat cool to the idea in terms of likelihood, it’s been warming up for me almost entirely based on the kinds and number of calls and interactions I’ve been having with people of some influence and deep respect that I have for them. So I’ve been listening and contemplating what that future would look like, how it would affect the work and the projects that we’re up to in the region and right across the country.”
Cullen says he’s going on northwest tour in a few weeks, talking with supporters and getting their input on the matter. “These are a lot of the people I’ve relied on since day one in trying to bring forward a different kind of vision for our region and our country.” Asked whether, given the industrial activity occurring and planned for the Kitimat area, he might be more effective in provincial politics than in Ottawa, Cullen says “I think arguments could be made both ways, and if you’re talking about energy policy it’s one that, while the province dominates in terms of authority, it is a shared responsibility when you talk about exports and a lot of the projects that are happening in the northwest involve both levels of government. Some have made some pretty persuasive arguments that to really affect that immediate change turning the dial provincially and being in that conversation at the leadership level is a more direct way to get at things. So that’s one of the tests that I’m putting to this. If there is a bunch of things that I want to affect on behalf of people, what level is the most effective way for me to do it. That’s one of the things I’m battling right now because you’re only on this planet for so long and you want to make sure you’re doing the work you were meant to be doing.”
Cullen won’t go into just who is lobbying him for to run for the provincial leadership out of respect for things said in confidence “but ya, folks up and down the food chain if you will. People sitting in the caucus, people in positions of some knowing whose opinions I respect. It just feels like due diligence is required and when people like this call, out of respect and out of intelligence, one should listen and that’s what I’m doing.”
Cullen says the B.C. NDP has some strong potential leadership candidates in Mike Farnworth, John Horgan and even newcomer David Eby. “There’s not a great worry in my mind that if I don’t go then it’s going to be a Bad News Bears. I think the team is amazing there and I think there is also a potential for somebody outside to take a run at it as well. What’s been consistent is that people are certainly talking about the internal race, but the dominant part of the conversation is about winning in four years time and how we get a progressive vision of British Columbia back. That means people are not so internally focused on the party politics and are much more interested on the peoples’ politics.”
As to when he will make a decision about a possible run, Cullen says “what runs in my mind right now is a month or two but I don’t like being in a place of indecision. With that ability to go and talk with the people I need to talk to I’ll have all the information I need so it’s got to be well before Christmas but I would hope even shorter than that. I’m trying to be calm about it and not get too excited and make the right call because it’s a 15-year commitment at a minimum, and those kinds of decisions you shouldn’t make lightly.”
Comments
Is Mr. Cullen the real thing, or just another political opportunist?
Time will tell. Maybe he means what he says, that he will ask a cross section of the people whom he represents, to see if they think he should work for Victoria instead of Ottawa.
He seems to put himself out among his constituents a lot, and/or gets more press coverage, than some elected representatives, for example the two who are MLAs for PG and area, whats their names again? Oh, I’m sure they are just beavering away, too busy working for the people to stop and talk to reporters.
metalman.
He’s an MP now.
I don’t mind Cullen personally, but he lives in the same state of denial / fantasyland most NDP’ers live in.
Oh I am not surprised JB, if you can like a divorcee college/university drop out, I would imagine anyone else would be palatable.
I’m not sure what you have against people who are divorced. Approximately 50% of marriages end up in divorce. Pretty hateful statement for someone who claims to be ‘People#1’.
And you only like people who have a college/university degree? Wow, that’s a pretty small number of people.
Maybe you aren’t as ‘People#1’ as you claim to be.
I know right JB.
Lonesome wanted me to apologize for pointing out the fact that Christy Clark the Leader of the Liberal Party and our Government premier was divorced.
Like why should I apologize for pointing out a fact that some people may not have known, I am just informing them is all, it’s not that her marital status would have any bearing on her ability to perform her duties as premier.
Just like her lack of education would have any bearing on her ability to perform her duties… as premier… hey wait a minute wouldn’t a lack of education actually … on wait that explains why so many other people with a lack of education would voted for her… or maybe not.
Excuse me, I was just thinking aloud…
“Posted by: lonesome sparrow on September 22 2013 2:59 AM
So the best response when the glaring hypocrisy of your posts are exposed is yet another ad hominem attack?
tsk tsk in the words of Cindy Lauper “your true colors are shining through”
An apology to Ms.Clark would have been in order for a true “leftie”
When you find yourself in a hole and want to get out the first thing to do is quit digging, better put down the shovel people#1.”
—————————————————————
Nowhere in that post did I say you should apologize….suggest that you may be a hypocrite or a phoney….yes.
And you questioned others reading/comprehension ability today?
Wow! People #1 lack of education and a divorcee! I was up front and personal at a private dix campaign speech where no public was allowed. I recorded it for future entertainment purposes. There were “pretend” fans in the backdrop and local 97 brass complete with running shoes and fishing hats! Real pro. Anyway, back on point, dix was an absolute meathead to listen to! All he did was babble on repeating the word “change” about every 20 seconds. Have you ever listened to christy discuss real issues and the running of this province? I am not ndp at all, and never will be; but i tried to listen to a few of the ndp leaders over the years. Please, don’t pick on a go getter like her, unless you have someone with a brain runnin the other party
I thought people#1 actually had some real credible posts on this site until the crap he or she just spewed above.. Not the mark of an intelligent or compassionate person. Probably some left wing nut bar attending university using daddy’s money to pay for an “enlightened” education..
Do me now.. Im waiting…
I figured that out a week or two ago northman – just ignore the troll.
Just home from work, reading the old 250 News and comments, had a few, and I’m jealous. Either I need to retire, or, get a government funded job so I can get paid and spend my day on 250, spewing how I think the world should run.
Lots of challenges in this province as we go forward.
“Provinces are facing soaring debt loads over the coming decades as demographic shifts â and a new federal plan for health transfers â will force governments across the country to make hard decisions about taxes and spending, according to the Parliamentary Budget Office.”
Demographic shifts, Ottawaâs debt-reduction drive will hit provinces’
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ottawas-debt-reduction-drive-will-impact-provinces-pbo-warns/article14542216/
Not to worry about our provinces charles, they always have that popular option to down load costs onto our cities and municipalities.
http://thetyee.ca/News/2012/05/16/The-Big-Download/
Sorry, doomsday Charles. after common business hours, the 250 conversation dies…. pay your taxes and smile……
I think Cullen would be the best choice for the BC ndp, but I think he makes a good point about what he can do in his current position in Ottawa. The next Parliament will most likely be a minority and as such he will have real power as a king maker, especially if the ndp can hold their Quebec gains….
As a provincial leader he is stuck in opposition with a legislature that never sits. It is however the provincial government that will be guiding the most important economic policy for his region and the province as a whole. As leader of the opposition in BC he would have the most impact on those issues along highway 37, the LNG plants, and keeping oil tankers off our coast….
Classic catch-22
Cullen is most needed in the Federal realm.
Cullen would be the best choice for BC and the NDP and the only hope, IMHO, of the NDP forming government in 2017. He has the right leadership skill set and is highly respected, not just in BC but across the country. He came close to winning the national NDP leadership race.
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