Peter Julian, the federal representative for Burnaby-New Westminster, says he's considering whether to leave his post and run for leader of the B.C. New Democrats – and will be making an announcement within the next week.
Julian told ctvbc.ca he's been speaking with provincial MLAs, labour and environmental activists and voters from both inside and out of his constituency.
"I've been talking with folks from a variety of backgrounds," he said. "A number of them are very supportive. There are also a number of them who say it's important for me to stay in Ottawa."
"That's what makes it such a difficult decision, of course; it would mean leaving a job that I love very much."
So far, no one in the provincial party has declared their intention to replace embattled leader Carole James, who announced her resignation earlier this month. Possible contenders include MLAs Mike Farnworth, Adrian Dix and Bruce Ralston.
Some veteran MLAs have said the rift caused by recent NDP infighting will take years to repair, but Julian says most in the party are eager to reunite and move forward.
"Everybody wants to get back to the job of building an alternative to the Liberals and bring good government back to B.C.," he said.
The new leader will be elected on April 17, 2011, almost two months after the BC Liberals' leadership vote on Feb. 26.
A recent poll found Christy Clark and Mike Farnworth to be the most popular candidates to replace Liberal Premier Gordon Campbell, who announced his resignation in November. Julian said he welcomed the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with any of the potential rivals.
"The reality is, they will have the BC Liberals' record hanging around their neck," he said.
"B.C. has the highest rate of homelessness, of child poverty, the highest rate of student debt and then the lowest minimum wage," he added. "That's all before you start talking about the HST."
Julian says if he runs for provincial leadership and loses, he'll keep his focus on the province and seek the NDP nomination in the next B.C. election.
