Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

Blogs

The Hook: Political news, freshly caught

Morton says she may run for NDP in North Island

Biologist and wild-salmon activist Alexandra Morton has told The Tyee she is considering running for the federal NDP in North Island, a seat currently held by Conservative MP John Duncan.

In a statement to The Tyee, Morton wrote:

I have been contacted by a person in the NDP with the suggestion that I consider running for MP of the North Island. It was only a suggestion, but I am considering it. I was very surprised and it has broadened my perception of the federal NDP.

It is my observation that government is operating at a level that does not appear to consider those of us on the ground in small communities. It looks like negotiations are taking place over our heads in the jet stream of international finance and that this is less and less good for our communities. The wild salmon people of BC have been asking me to run for government for the past year and so I have to think about it.

I do need to consider carefully whether I have better ability to serve the place I love and call home as an MP, or as an outspoken biologist. I will be thinking hard for the next few days.

Speaking to The Tyee, Morton said: "If you're going to save the salmon, you've got to save the people in the small communities that live within their environmental means." That, she added, was making her think about going into federal politics.

Morton will be on the CBC Radio program Ideas on Monday, January 10, at 9:00 p.m. The title of the show is "Saving Salmon."

Crawford Kilian is a contributing editor of The Tyee.


What have we missed? What do you think? We want to know. Comment below. Keep in mind:

Do:

  • Verify facts, debunk rumours
  • Add context and background
  • Spot typos and logical fallacies
  • Highlight reporting blind spots
  • Ignore trolls
  • Treat all with respect and curiosity
  • Connect with each other

Do not:

  • Use sexist, classist, racist or homophobic language
  • Libel or defame
  • Bully or troll
  • Troll patrol. Instead, flag suspect activity.
comments powered by Disqus