The B.C. New Democratic Party executive has accepted Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons' nomination to lead the party, the candidate said in a statement today.

That approval had briefly been in doubt after Simons declined to give the party the user names and passwords for his social media accounts, citing privacy concerns. The dispute was resolved earlier this week, but Information and Privacy Commissioner Elizabeth Denham has said she will continue investigating the issue.

"Now we can get down to the business of talking about poverty, community, the environment, and integrity in politics," Simons said in his statement.

Simons submitted his nomination package to the party nine days ago, on March 1. Campaign officials working with NDP leadership contestants Adrian Dix, Mike Farnworth and John Horgan each said their candidate had received approval in three days or less.

Pro-cannabis activist Dana Larsen received approval March 8, one week after he submitted a nomination package he said included everything the party requested.

NDP members will vote on a new leader April 17.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.