The B.C. NDP leadership race has been running below the radar, but that is likely to change now that the Liberal leadership contest has ended.
Public attention is likely to shift to the NDP leadership race now, said UNBC political scientist Jason Morris. "I don't expect any fireworks, as they are readying themselves for opposition leader, but you should see some differences in policies," observed Morris.
Unlike the Liberal leadership candidates, who made numerous stops in Prince George during their campaign that was won by Christy Clark, B.C.'s northern capital has not been a key destination, so far, for the NDP leadership hopefuls. The NDP decision is set for April 17,
NDP MLA Adrian Dix, and NDP MLA Harry Lali, who has since stepped down, have made stops in Prince George. But the two other front runners, NDP MLAs Mike Farnworth and John Horgan, have not.
Horgan is on a northwestern B.C. swing this week, and is hoping to make it to Prince George before a scheduled debate April 4 at the Coast Inn of the North.
The same goes for Farnworth, who has also visited the northwest, and hopes to make a stop in Prince George in the next two weeks.
There may be less impetus for NDP candidates to visit all areas of the province, as they have stayed with a one member-one vote system. The Liberals adopted a weighted voting system, which gave all 85 ridings an equal say in the contest.
However, Morris said it's still important for the NDP candidates to visit all areas of the province, including the North, as the winner will be contesting the premiership of the province.
The NDP leadership candidates said they welcome any increased interest in their campaign. "The whole point of [NDP leader] Carole James stepping down was so the NDP could renew itself," Horgan told The Citizen Tuesday.
While the NDP leadership campaign has not attracted the same attention as the Liberal leadership, some of the candidates have been making significant policy announcements.
Horgan, who is opposed to the harmonized sales tax, has called for a fair tax commission, meant to take a broader look at the tax system.
The NDP has not traditionally been viewed as a friend of business, but the economy is sure to be a key issue in Northern B.C. in the next election, which could be called as early as this fall.
Horgan said he is aware of issues facing Northern B.C., including the forestry downturn. He observed the $900-billion Mount Milligan gold and copper mine will be a boon to Prince George.
Horgan said he wants to ensure the province is competitive, has a regulatory process that protects the land base, but one that is not so onerous that projects can't get approved.
Farnworth has called for a commission on the future of education, and released a comprehensive environment strategy that includes the creation of a "blue belt" to protect salmon spawning and migration areas.
Farnworth said that economic success and social success are not separate. "We value economic development," said Farnworth, adding that rural economic development is important in sectors like forestry and mining.
He stressed, however, that sustainability has to be a key policy lens, and the environmental assessment process must protect a triple-bottom line that includes the economy, social benefits and the environment.
Other candidates in the NDP race include NDP MLA Nicholas Sims and pot activist Dana Larsen, who has also made a stop off in Prince George.
