Re: NDP could find new leader here (Editorial, Sept. 25)
The observation by departing party leader Adrian Dix that the province doesn’t need a “second (B.C.) Liberal Party” is sound advice as well as implied recognition that the NDP realizes the left side of the political spectrum – particularly here on southern Vancouver Island – has become rather crowded.
The Greens have established a toehold on the West Coast with a federal MP (Saanich-Gulf Islands) and a provincial MLA (Oak Bay-Gordon Head). Although often perceived as one-issue radical environmentalists, locally they’ve clearly bled support from the NDP.
The (carbon-tax) B.C. Liberals are positioned just left-of-centre and provincially cleverly capture all voters who are philosophically right of the Green and the NDP parties which includes all that believe it’s possible with responsible management to benefit from B.C.’s bountiful natural resources – including oil, natural gas, minerals, timber or fish.
The NDP has talented local leaders in Greater Victoria and they recognize the need to not become boxed in by the Greens on the left and the Liberals on the near right. An NDP party leader seeking election in the Oak Bay-Gordon Head riding might well guarantee the end of the provincial Green Party.
Whatever transpires you can bet we’ll not see four viable political parties in B.C.
Ron Johnson
Saanich