The MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo is quite pleased at the party’s choice as a new leader.
Sheldon Clare told Vista Radio Kerry-Lynne Findlay was not only his choice, but she was also very popular in the riding.
“When we were looking at the analytics, it looks like in several cases the endorsement of the MLA’s and the support of the local riding association, individuals there, but it also matters that the candidates in question came to the riding and engaged well with the people in the riding. That really mattered. I know there were an awful lot of phone calls and messages and everything like this. It was a long campaign but people came through, Kerry Lynne came through. Her first round support in the Quesnel area, Prince George-North Cariboo, had her over 61%. The second place finisher Caroline Elliott was at just over 38%, so we really came through for her and that’s recognized. They understand that there is a fair bit of support for the vision she was articulating.”
Clare added he believes in Findlay’s vision.
“I think one of the interesting things was this western group where she wants to have more of a coalition to strengthen the west and work for its benefit against and with Ottawa as necessary. I think she understands the file on DRIPA and property rights better than many. She’s also a very good team builder, consensus builder. We’re going to have a lot of interesting conversations about what the team will look like over the next while, and I’m just really, really enthused about the energy that she’s bringing to our party and our caucus.”
We asked Clare if he thinks that Findlay can unite the right.
“I don’t think that the party has been split. I think what we had here was some very qualified people who put their names forward to be candidates. They had visions which were slightly difficult, I think it’s very difficult in a leadership race to make yourself stand out when basically everybody is saying for the most part the same thing. I am sure there are people that are disappointed that their particular candidate was not successful, as I am glad that mine was. And I think that everybody understands that the goal here is to get together, form government, beat the NDP, and fix the problems that have been going on in this province for the past 10 years, and fundamentally shift it towards a place where everyone can be prosperous.”
Clare also responded to NDP claims that a pro trump wing has now seized control of the party.
“I think that’s completely ridiculous and people should quit watching American TV and pay attention to Canadian politics.”
He added one of the first orders of business will be to find a place for Findlay to run as a candidate to get her elected and into the house.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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