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
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Video shows suspect setting Toronto-area barbershop on fire
Video of a suspect lighting a Richmond Hill barbershop on fire earlier this week has been released by police.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
'I have the will to live': N.B. woman needs double lung transplant
A New Brunswick woman suffering from sarcoidosis, a disease that limits your lung capacity, is in need of a double lung transplant.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.