June 4, 2003

NDP Leadership Race Begins

It is going to be hard for anyone to fill Joy MacPhail's shoes. I was disappointed that she announced her retirement from politics; however, Gordon Campbell shouldn't relax because MacPhail can be counted on for two more years of hard work in the legislature. The announcement clears the way for anyone who might be interested in running for leader but was holding back out of respect for MacPhail.

Former MLAs should be discouraged from seeking the leadership. In her announcement, MacPhail spoke of the need for new blood when she said "I believe the NDP can, must and will be a party of new voices, new energy... and new leadership." If MacPhail could not fill that role, no former MLA could.

There have been leadership races in many parties where credible candidates have emerged. For some lucky individual who wants long hours of work, little pay relative to a profession, and the occasional bitterness of internal politics, a wonderful opportunity awaits, that of renewing the NDP and helping to stop the destruction that Gordon Campbell is wreaking on families throughout BC. For anyone who is inclined to activism, the open leadership is a chance to contribute to change. For the sake of people who need relief from two years of reactionary policies, we can only hope that a person emerges who can unite the NDP and the forces of opposition.

There is a difference between leading the NDP and leading a party that has never elected a member. The NDP requires a leader who can speak to all British Columbians, and who can motivate people of differing opinions to unite for a common cause. Dave Barrett was such a leader. Mike Harcourt was such a leader. In November 2003 its possible that a new person will lead today's generation of New Democrats by speaking to the issues of the 21st century.