Panel data provided by Madison's Canadian Lumber Reporter.

NDP Leader Speaks To Small Chamber Luncheon Crowd

By 250 News

Carole James (at podium) takes questions from the audience at the Ramada

NDP Leader Carole James says she was asked prior to delivering the keynote address at today's Chamber of Commerce luncheon, why she would be appearing before the business group...

James says it's exactly those tradtional views that she's working to move beyond, she says many opportunities in this province are hindered by confrontation and old "political divides".

The Leader of the Official Opposition and the 32 NDP M.L.A.s are in the city for their first-ever caucus meeting outside of the Lower Mainland this week.  And James says this won't be a one-time visit, she says many of the relationships built with local stakeholders will be sustained over the next three-and-a-half years as her party works to represent all British Columbians.

James says the mountain pine beetle and changing economy are examples of how everyday realities are changing here in Prince George and she says, "I believe it's time for political leaders of political parties to also change to meet those everyday realities for you."  She says the provincial leaders need to take their cue from municipal politicians who bring all parties to the table when there's an issue that needs to be resolved.

James says her party still fulfills the traditional role of the Opposition, holding the Liberals' feet to the fire on issues like the pine beetle epidemic, children at-risk, safety on the CN Railway, and the skills shortage in B.C..  But she says the New Democrats are also offering up proposals.  James would like to see the revenue from the increase in the annual allowable cut due to the beetle go into a regional fund, managed by the region, rather than going into general revenues.

James says this dual role of opposing, but also proposing is the way the New Democrats feel they can be productive, "to make sure that we're doing what we can on behalf of British Columbians."

The NDP Leader was speaking to just a small crowd at the Ramada over the noon hour -- there were fewer than 60 people in attendance and that included several of the visiting M.L.A.s.
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