There will be a British Columbia Liberal Party leadership election held on February 3, 2018 due to the resignation of Christy Clark as Liberal leader on August 4, 2017. Rich Coleman was elected interim leader announcing that he has no intention of running for leader, but would resign as interim leader if he changed his mind, adding that he does not anticipate changing his mind.
Video British Columbia Liberal Party leadership election, 2018
Background
Under leaders Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark, the BC Liberal Party governed the province from 2001 until June 2017. In May 2017, the provincial election resulted in a hung parliament, with the Liberals holding 43 seats, one short of the 44 required for a majority. Clark initially formed a minority government, but resigned as premier after being defeated in a confidence vote by an alliance of the British Columbia New Democratic Party and Green Party of British Columbia. On July 28, 2017, Clark announced that she would resign as party leader and as MLA for Kelowna West on August 4. The BC Liberal Caucus selected Rich Coleman, MLA for Langley East, as interim leader, to serve until a permanent leader can be chosen.
Maps British Columbia Liberal Party leadership election, 2018
Procedure
Party president Sharon White released a statement on Clark's resignation on the same day it was announced. This statement specified that the exact timeline and details of the leadership election process would be finalized within 28 days. As per the party's constitution, the election will give all party members a vote, but will give equal weight to all 87 constituencies in tallying the results.
Timeline
- May 9, 2017 - In the general election, the BC Liberals held the largest number of seats (43), ahead of the NDP (41) and Greens (3), but were one seat short of forming a majority in the Legislative Assembly.
- May 29, 2017 - The Green Party of British Columbia, which held the balance of power in the legislature, reached a confidence and supply agreement with the official opposition NDP.
- June 29, 2017 - Clark's minority government was defeated 44-42 on motion of non-confidence by the NDP-Green alliance. Subsequently, Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon turned down Clark's request for a snap election, despite Clark's argument that the legislature would be dysfunctional due to the Speaker frequently having to cast the tie-breaking vote, and instead asked NDP leader John Horgan to form a minority government.
- July 18, 2017 - John Horgan is sworn in as premier leading an NDP minority government.
- July 28, 2017 - Clark announced her resignation as Liberal leader effective August 4, 2017. Rich Coleman is elected interim leader by the party's caucus. The Liberal Party executive is to meet within 28 days to decide a timeline for the leadership election which is expected to occur within a year, and in as short a period as three months.
- August 29, 2017 - Nomination period opens.
- September 21, 2017 - Sam Sullivan declares his candidacy.
- September 24, 2017 - Dianne Watts announces her candidacy.
- September 25, 2017 - Andrew Wilkinson and Mike Bernier announce their candidacies.
- September 26, 2017 - Mike de Jong and Mike Lee declare their candidacies.
- September 29, 2017 - Official leadership event scheduled for Vancouver.
- October 10, 2017 - Todd Stone announces his candidacy.
- October 14, 2017 - Bernier withdraws, endorses de Jong.
- October 15, 2017 - First leadership debate, held in Surrey, British Columbia
- December 29, 2017 at 5 pm - Nomination deadline and deadline to become a member of the party and be eligible to vote.
- February 1, 2018 at 9 am - voting begins.
- February 3, 2018 at 5 pm - voting ends, results announced.
Declared candidates
Mike de Jong
- Background
Mike de Jong is the MLA for Abbotsford West and formerly for the Abbotsford-Mount Lehman and Matsqui electoral districts (since 1994). He was a cabinet minister throughout BC Liberals 16 years in power under Premiers Campbell and Clark, serving as Minister of Finance (2012-17), Minister of Health (2011-12), Solicitor General (2010), Attorney General (2009-10), Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (2006-09), Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services (2005-06), Minister of Forests (2001-05) and Government House Leader. He was previously a candidate for leader in the 2011 Leadership Election and placed fourth.
- Date candidacy declared: September 26, 2017
- Campaign website: Official Website
- Endorsements
- MLAs: (4) Mike Bernier (Peace River South, since 2013; cabinet minister 2015-2017), Simon Gibson (Abbotsford-Mission, since 2013), John Martin (Chilliwack, since 2013), Teresa Wat (Richmond North Centre, since 2013; cabinet minister, 2013-17)
- MPs:
- Municipal politicians:
- Former MLAs:(1) Pat Bell (Prince George-Mackenzie, 2001-13; cabinet minister, 2004-13)
- Former MPs:
- Former municipal politicians:
- Other prominent individuals:
- Organizations:
- Media:
- Other information
Michael Lee
- Background
Michael Lee is the MLA for Vancouver-Langara (since 2017). He is a lawyer by profession, a former partner at Lawson Lundell LLP and was formerly a special assistant to Progressive Conservative Prime Minister Kim Campbell.
- Date candidacy declared: September 26, 2017
- Campaign website: Official Website
- Endorsements
- MLAs:
- MPs:
- Municipal politicians:
- Former MLAs: Suzanne Anton (Vancouver-Fraserview, 2013-17; cabinet minister 2013-17)
- Former MPs:
- Former municipal politicians:
- Other prominent individuals: Mark Marissen, prominent Liberal Party of Canada strategist and the ex-husband of Christy Clark
- Organizations:
- Media:
- Other information
Todd Stone
- Background
Todd Stone is the MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson (since 2013). He has served as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (2013-2017), Minister Responsible for Emergency Management BC (2015-2017) and Deputy Government House Leader (2013-2017).
- Date candidacy declared: October 10, 2017
- Campaign website: Official Website
- Endorsements
- MLAs: (4) Greg Kyllo (Shuswap, since 2013), Peter Milobar (Kamloops-North Thompson, since 2017), Coralee Oakes (Cariboo North, since 2013; cabinet 2013-17), Jane Thornthwaite (North Vancouver-Seymour, since 2009)
- MPs:
- Municipal politicians: (1) Lois Jackson (mayor of Delta)
- Former MLAs: (9) Susan Brice (Saanich South, 2001-05; cabinet 2004-05), Peter Fassbender (Surrey-Fleetwood, 2013-17; cabinet minister 2013-17), Kevin Krueger (Kamloops-South Thompson and Kamloops-North Thompson, 1996-2013; cabinet minister 2007-13), Terry Lake (Kamloops-North Thompson, 2009-17; cabinet minister 2011-17), Don McRae (Comox Valley, 2009-17; cabinet 2011-17), Sheila Orr (Victoria-Hillside, 2001-05), Barry Penner (Chilliwack-Hope, Chilliwack-Kent, and Chilliwack (electoral district), 1996-2011; cabinet 2005-11), Claude Richmond (Kamloops, 1981-91 (Social Credit) and 2001-09; cabinet 1986-91 and 2005-08; Speaker 2001-05), Bud Smith (Kamloops, 1986-91 (Social Credit); cabinet 1988-90)
- Former MPs:
- Former municipal politicians:
- Other prominent individuals:
- Organizations:
- Media:
- Other information
Sam Sullivan
- Background
Sam Sullivan is the MLA for Vancouver-False Creek (since 2013), former Minister of Communities, Sport and Cultural Development with responsibility for Translink (2017), and former Mayor of Vancouver (2005-08). He has also been president of the Global Civic Policy Society and an adjunct professor with the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.
- Date candidacy declared: September 21, 2017
- Campaign website: Official Website
- Endorsements
- MLAs:
- MPs:
- Municipal politicians:
- Former MLAs:
- Former MPs:
- Former municipal politicians:
- Other prominent individuals:
- Organizations:
- Media:
- Other information
Dianne Watts
- Background
Dianne Watts was the Conservative MP for South Surrey--White Rock (2015-17), and former Mayor of Surrey (2005-14)
- Date candidacy declared: September 24, 2017
- Campaign website: Official Website
- Endorsements
- MLAs:
- MPs:
- Municipal politicians: (1) Tom Gill (Surrey city councillor)
- Former MLAs: (1) Olga Ilich (Richmond Centre, 2005-09; cabinet minister, 2005-08)
- Former MPs:
- Former municipal politicians:
- Other prominent individuals:
- Organizations:
- Media:
- Other information
Andrew Wilkinson
- Background
Andrew Wilkinson is the MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena (since 2013), and former Attorney General (2017), Minister of Advanced Education (2014-17) and Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services (2013-14). He also served as Deputy Minister of Economic Development (2003-06) and Deputy Minister for Intergovernmental Relations (2001-03). He is a doctor and a lawyer by profession, and a former Rhodes Scholar.
- Date candidacy declared: September 25, 2017
- Campaign website: Official Website
- Endorsements
- MLAs: (6) Donna Barnett (Cariboo-Chilcotin, since 2009; cabinet minister 2016-17), Doug Clovechok (Columbia River-Revelstoke, since 2017), Mike Morris (Prince George-Mackenzie, since 2013; cabinet minister; 2015-17), Mary Polak (Langley, since 2005; cabinet minister 2008-17), Tom Shypitka (Kootenay East, since 2017), Michelle Stilwell (Parksville-Qualicum, since 2013; cabinet minister, 2015-17)
- MPs:
- Municipal politicians: Paul Ives, Mayor of Comox (since 2008)
- Former MLAs: Bill Bennett (Kootenay East, 2001-2017)
- Former MPs:
- Former municipal politicians:
- Other prominent individuals:
- Organizations:
- Media:
- Other information
Withdrawn candidates
Mike Bernier
- Background
Mike Bernier is the MLA for Peace River South (since 2013), former Minister of Education (2015-17), and former councillor (2005-08) and mayor (2008-13) of Dawson Creek.
- Endorsements
- MLAs: (1) Dan Davies (Peace River North, since 2017)
Date candidacy declared: September 25, 2017
Campaign website: Official Website
Date withdrawn: October 14, 2017
Subsequently endorsed: Mike de Jong
Reason: Bernier withdrew citing an inability to amass support in the Lower Mainland. Supported de Jong based on de Jong's experience.
Lucy Sager
- Background
Lucy Sager is a businesswoman who lives in Terrace.
Date candidacy declared: September 20, 2017
Campaign website: Official Website
Date withdrawn: November 2, 2017
Subsequently endorsed: Diane Watts
Reason: Sager withdrew citing her belief that Watts would give the best chance to defeat the NDP.
Prospective candidates
Declined
- George Abbott, MLA for Shuswap (1996-2013), former Minister of Health and Minister of Education, 2011 leadership candidate.
- Iain Black, MLA for Port Moody-Westwood (2005-2011), former Minister of Labour, Minister of Labour and Citizens Services, and Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development.
- Rich Coleman, interim leader, MLA for Langley East (previously Fort Langley-Aldergrove) (1996-present), and former Deputy Premier (2012-2017).
- Herb Dhaliwal, Liberal MP for Vancouver South (1993-1997) and Vancouver South--Burnaby (1997-2004), former federal Minister of National Revenue, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister of Natural Resources.
- Peter Fassbender, MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood (2013-2017), Mayor of Langley (2005-2013)
- Kevin Falcon, financial executive, former MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, Deputy Premier, and BC Liberal leadership candidate (2011).
- Jas Johal, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough (2017-present), former broadcaster
- Michelle Stilwell, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum (2013-present), Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation (2015-2017)
- Carole Taylor, former MLA for Vancouver-Langara, former Finance Minister (2005-2008), former chair of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (2001-2005)
See also
- British Columbia Liberal Party leadership elections
- British Columbia Liberal Party leadership election, 2011
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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