Conservation Voters of B.C. endorsed four candidates this morning – two New Democrats, one B.C. Liberal, one Green – and a scathing "Anybody but Carole" endorsement for the Victoria–Beacon Hill riding currently held by NDP Leader Carole James.
"We do not endorse Carole James for re-election," the non-partisan group said in a release. "As leader, the decision to position the NDP campaign against world-leading climate policies while not putting forward improvements or better alternatives is on her shoulders."
The political organization went on to summarily reject all 34 NDP incumbents.
"Due to the New Democrats’ failure to be leaders in promoting real solutions to global warming we cannot endorse any NDP incumbents that were members of this past caucus. We believe the party needs new leadership and new voices that take a more urgent, principled and collaborative approach to meeting the challenges of climate change," stated the Conservation Voters release.
The group's director, Naomi Devine, said the release, "The time for partisan politicking on the back of the climate crisis is over."
In addition, the Conservation Voters endorsed:
Yes to Single Transferable Vote: "Modifying the electoral system will provide increased opportunity for a multiplicity of voices in the legislature and multi-party, collaborative solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges."
Damian Kettlewell (Green Party, Vancouver-False Creek): "A driving force behind the Green Party, Damian has helped drive concepts of green economics into mainstream conversations in BC. Damian is running in a new riding with no incumbents giving him a strong chance at becoming BC’s first Green Party MLA."
Barry Penner (B.C. Liberals, Chilliwack): "Minister for Environment, Barry has worked against fossil fuel emissions and championed the BC Climate Action Plan. Barry has led the government team educating British Columbians on the value of pricing carbon in fighting climate change and we endorse his re-election."
Lana Popham (NDP, Saanich-South): "A first time candidate with a long history of action as a community activist, businesswoman and organic farmer, Lana is Chair of the Certification Committee for the Islands Organic Producers Association as well as owner and operator of Barking Dog Vineyard, the first certified organic vineyard on Vancouver Island. We endorse Lana in the hope that a new generation of NDP MLAs will bring a modern and forward-thinking perspective to the party."
Gary Holman (NDP, Saanich North and the Islands): "An economist who served two terms as Salt Spring Island’s Director on the Capital Regional District (CRD), Gary spearheaded Salt Spring’s first public transit system and serves on the boards of several conservation organizations. Gary will be a strong advocate for water and energy conservation and public transportation."
Conservation Voters has issued endorsements in five previous federal, provincial and municipal elections. The group claims that 29 of the 36 candidates it has previously endorsed were elected.
Monte Paulsen reports for The Tyee.
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VicRK
3 years ago
Lots of odd politiking here.
Lots of odd politiking here. They didn't endorse Jane Sterk. I wonder why. Maybe because she is running against Maurine Karagianis and they don't want to hurt her chances in a potential swing seat.
The only Liberal they do endorse is in a super safe Liberal seat.
They endorse two New Democrats, one of which is in a swing seat.
Attack Carole James, but prop up the NDP. These folks are so confused.
politico
3 years ago
This is a well orchestrated attack
on behalf of "green" power brokers that cuts across all parties.
It is no mistake that both Tzeporah Berman and Will Horter are supporters of Gregor Robertson and not the NDP under Carole.
These guys are over playing their hand and this will bite them ass.
Vicky Husband nailed it when she said that ENGO's used to step out of the partisan frey cuz the cause is more important than the politics.
These guys have crossed that line and in so doing not only lose credibility but their support for the Liberals proves they have no loyalty to the environment and the only thing green about them is the ill gotten cash they receive in return.
Rod Smelser
3 years ago
Will Horter and David Cubberly
Lawyer Will Horter of the Dogwood Initiative is the Chair of the Conservation Voters. He was the principal activist in terms of arranging manouevres designed to force out the Green and NDP candidates in Saanich-Gulf Islands, in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to corral all the non-Tory vote behind Briony Penn.
David Cubberly, formerly the NDP MLA for Saanich is said to have refused to run again because he shared Horter and Devine's professed rage over Carole James's position on the carbon tax. In the federal election last fall, he publicly endorsed Penn.
I wonder if in exchange for that he obtained an endorsement for his replacement candidate, Lana Popham?
Roadie
3 years ago
I had a dream!
I dreamt I was an artist. No, not a liberal arteest who sneaks into our public house like a cat at night and leaves despicable neocon messages on the carpet of democratic dreams woven by staunch defenders of the public good in past generations. I drew a fish.
I drew a picture of a fry (juvenile salmon) swimming out to sea with a fish farm in the background swarming with lice and several bloated liberal leeches clinging to this poor fish's emaciated body. Underneath was the caption:
'CONDEMNED BY GORDON CAMPBELL! Along with all the jobs and species these salmon used to sustain.'
Just then my dog Fifi popped up and said, 'Yes, and they'll use the joblessness on the coast as a tool to bring in offshore drilling. These people have been leeches for a long time, old son.'
She's a smart dog. I think she's the one who wrote that song. You know, the one that goes...
'They stole all the fishes, in the great big blue,
Stole the rights to the rivers, from me and from you.
Hello senor gordo, who did you rob today?
Did you steal from the children, their Brand New Day?'
(The liberals are a Crime Against Nature)
Rod Smelser
3 years ago
Questions for Popham and Holman
Have Lana Popham and Gary Holamn accepted or rejected Horter's endorsement?
Janie Jones
3 years ago
Gregor in 2013
Regardless of who gets into power these guys aim to win. It shows in their support of NDP candidates but the "anyone but Carole" approach in her own riding.
The aim is to have Gregor, or someone else firmly under the influence of the Flack Bloc, in the premier's seat in 2013. These guys think ahead and are prepared to make any sacrifices.
As Alexandra Morton points outs, the wild salmon will not survive another Campbell government.
But it's all for our ultimate good of course.