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
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza's vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife's edge.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.