George Abbott may not know what a bucket list is, but he says his ability to work well with other people makes him the best candidate to lead the BC Liberals.
The candidate for B.C.'s next premier sat down with CTV's Tamara Taggart in the second of four profiles of the leadership candidates.
Abbott has the backing of 19 Liberal MLAs -- the most of any candidate -- and former leadership hopefuls Moira Stilwell and Ed Mayne both joined his camp after dropping out of the race.
He attributes that popularity to playing well with others.
"I've always been able to work well with people. I think if I have a modest talent, it is in leading people to work well together. I think I've certainly demonstrated that as regional district chair for over a decade. I think I demonstrated that well in the ministry of health," Abbott told CTV News.
The Shuswap MLA has held his riding since 1996, and headed five ministries during his tenure. In the latest cabinet shuffle in October, he was named minister of education, a position he relinquished after announcing his candidacy for party leader.
Abbott says that he anticipates many challenges if he is chosen to replace Premier Gordon Campbell at the leadership convention on Saturday.
"Clearly, many of the issues around resolution of harmonized sales tax versus provincial sales tax -- that's important. I think we are just now coming out of what has been quite a serious recession for British Columbia. We're seeing some good growth in the economy, but not as strong as we would like yet," he said.
Outside of his work in the legislature, Abbott says he turns to sports for fun.
"Fly fishing's definitely a big passion in my life," he said. "I love golf, despite the fact that I do it so very badly and demonstrate that all too frequently. I try to keep myself physically fit. These are the kind of things that I enjoy in life, along with cross-country and downhill skiing."
Physical activity is also a stress reliever for the MLA.
"I find going to the gym to be one of the best ways to relieve stress. I get on the Nordic cross trainer and bang away on there for half an hour, 45 minutes, do some free weights, and usually you can deal with stress most effectively by working out," he said.
Education is at the top of Abbott's "bucket list" of things to accomplish before he dies, although he was confused by the term.
"Now what would a bucket list be?" he asked.
After a brief explanation, Abbott said he had already accomplished one major goal.
"I ran a marathon a couple of years ago -- that was on my bucket list," he said. "I've thought of getting a doctorate in political science -- that may be on my bucket list. Depending on how things go in the next few weeks, I may just have to try to get an honourary degree someday."
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Tamara Taggart
