B.C. NDP leadership race: Eby wishes competitor Appadurai luck, 'but not too much luck'
In the race for leadership of B.C.'s governing New Democrats, a high-profile candidate is wishing a newcomer luck – "but not too much luck!"
David Eby, the first to campaign and a man considered by some as a shoo-in for the job, made the comment as he welcomed Anjali Appadurai to the race.
"This race is an opportunity for a healthy exchange of ideas about how best to serve British Columbians, and I look forward to that debate," the former attorney general wrote on Twitter. "I wish her luck, but not too much luck!"
Appadurai is the second person to join the race after an announcement from Premier John Horgan in June that he'd be stepping down as soon as a replacement is chosen.
There was speculation that Ravi Kahlon might run, but the jobs minister quashed that rumour, throwing his support behind Eby before Eby had even confirmed he'd throw his hat in the ring.
Eby confirmed he'd run in mid-July, thanking 48 of the 57 members of the NDP caucus who've rallied behind his party leadership bid.
Appadurai launched a website for her leadership bid with the message, "We need a leader who puts the health of people and the planet first."
Her site promises "honesty and courage," and mentions putting power "back in the hands of the people."
A climate activist and former NDP candidate for member of Parliament for Vancouver-Granville, Appadurai's announcement prompted a comment from B.C. Green MLA Adam Olsen.
In a statement Olsen wrote that he's pleased the race will feature "different points of view and visions for the province," something he said is important for democratic purposes.
"While I applaud Ms. Appadurai's social and environmental values, the reality is that the B.C. NDP caucus has propped up the fossil fuel industry with billions of dollars in tax breaks and subsidies, it has moved forward with the destruction of farmland and traditional Indigenous territory by approving Site C twice, and it has used the RCMP and the courts to aggressively fight Indigenous rights," Olsen said.
"The B.C. NDP caucus has failed to curb the intensification of the housing crisis, and it has failed to even put forward a plan to address the family doctor shortage."
Appadurai and Eby may still be joined by other candidates. The deadline to enter the race is Oct. 4, two months before members of the NDP will vote for their next leader.
The winner will become B.C.'s premier by default.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.