Who is the climate activist challenging David Eby for BC NDP leader?
Anjali Appadurai is a climate activist who is challenging David Eby for the BC NDP's top job. As a woman of colour, she knows that will come with challenges.
"As a young, brown woman in politics, I'm prepared for whatever that might bring, you know, all these systems that work against us are alive and well," she told CTV News in an interview.
Appadurai went on to say she's faced dismissive and patronizing attitudes since she began her foray into politics.
"To be honest, I don't think about it very much, because like I said, I'm in a position where the work that I've done in my life has led me to this moment and I feel like I've answered a call from a huge number of people," she said.
That call – to become not only the NDP's next leader, but also the premier – is a long shot.
She faces David Eby, who stepped away from his duties as housing minister and attorney general to run for leadership after current Premier John Horgan announced he was stepping down, saying cancer treatments left his energy "flagging."
Eby has the support of nearly 50 NDP MLAs. He entered the race weeks ago, and there was speculation no one else would seek the job. That would have led to Eby's coronation in late October. Instead, it appears there will be a race, with a decision coming Dec. 3.
Appadurai is a long-time climate activist. As a youth, she gave a speech to the United Nations in 2011. Her bio says she's "a climate and social justice advocate with experience in grassroots campaigns and climate communications." She is the campaigns director at the Climate Emergency Unit.
Climate change is one area where Appadurai thinks the NDP has its priorities confused.
"What it actually means is reorienting our economy so that everybody is guaranteed good and clean jobs," she said. "So, prioritizing workers and making sure that everybody has what they what they need in terms of a sustainable livelihood."
Appadurai believes younger people are disillusioned with the party because of the lack of focus on not only the environment, but also health and housing.
"Whether it's the big industrial projects that get, you know, approved without consent from Indigenous people, and without a clear benefit to British Columbians, or whether it's the poisoned drug supply crisis that has been allowed to get out, become out of control, or whether it's housing that's, you know, no longer accessible for my entire generation. All of these point to that same set of priorities and set of values that that are backwards right now," she said.
Appadurai hasn't officially filed to be part of the race, but plans to do so soon.
On Twitter, Eby welcomed Appadurai's participation, wishing her luck, but "not too much luck."
In turn Appadurai said she appreciated Eby's work.
"Ten years ago, he was in my position," she said. "He was the activist and the insurgent and he's made a great contribution. I think at this time, though, the party is at a place where young people simply cannot get behind it."
She believes many young people are looking for transformative change, and that Eby represents the status quo.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.