Latest to enter Liberal fray has learned ‘tough lessons’
The latest hopeful to run for the leadership of British Columbia’s Liberals spoke candidly Tuesday about the elephant in the room that contributed to the party’s downfall after 16 years in power, despite the province’s resounding economic success.
Todd Stone is the fourth member of former premier Christy Clark’s pre-election cabinet to enter the leadership race, which brings the field to eight candidates. The Liberals will elect their new leader in February.
The former transportation minister said the Liberals ran a tight ship economically but didn’t listen when it came to the needs of many communities, especially in Metro Vancouver where the Liberals were punished in last spring’s election.
“There is no downplaying this, we have learned some tough lessons as a party,” said Stone, who announced his leadership bid in Surrey, where the Liberals lost seats to the NDP. “I have learned some tough lessons as well.”
The Liberals took the wrong path on transportation issues in the Metro Vancouver area, alienating local politicians and residents on an issue that affects the daily lives of people, he said.
“There was too much tension. Too much political calculation,” said Stone, who represents the riding of Kamloops-South Thompson. “We need to stop telling local communities and regions what is best for them. We need to start engaging with them to improve places where we live, work and play.”
Stone, 45, who has three young daughters, said he wants to open the Liberal party to more women, youth and ideas, with a focus on the technology industry.
Mike de Jong, the former finance minister who was largely the architect of five straight balanced budgets, said he expects to debate his leadership rivals about the province’s economic direction under the last Liberal government and in the future. De Jong, who is taking his second run for the leadership job, said if he is judged for holding the purse strings too tightly, he welcomes it.
Other leadership candidates include former Surrey mayor Dianne Watts, former education minister Mike Bernier and former advanced education minister Andrew Wilkinson.
Also in the race are Terrace businesswoman Lucy Sager and legislature members Michael Lee and Sam Sullivan.
The first leadership debate is set for Sunday in Surrey.