Premier Gordon Campbell’s November 3 resignation will have little impact on low BC Liberal poll numbers, according to New Democratic Party health critic Adrian Dix.
“For the many people who are struggling – small business owners, restaurant owners, students who are seeing cuts in their classrooms and a real threat to the quality of education in the province and the many people who are waiting for hospital care – this isn’t going to make a significant difference,” Dix told Business in Vancouver after Campbell announced that he has asked for a leadership convention to take place as soon as possible.
“All the BC Liberals were in the room for all the key decisions. They have a joint responsibility for what has been an extraordinary failure,” Dix said. “In that sense, this was expected.”
Many political observers are also expecting more criticism of NDP leader Carole James from within the party’s rank and file. She exposed internal divisons within the party when she booted MLA Bob Simpson out of caucus for criticizing her leadership.
Some believe Dix is a potential future NDP leader in waiting. But, he was quick to sing James’ praises.
“She’s led us to such a lead in public opinion that Mr. Campbell has left the leadership of the Liberal party,” Dix said. “When Carole became leader of the NDP, we had two seats. We have 35 now. She’s led us to a very significant lead in public opinion and to a victory, along with many other people, on the issue of the HST. I think we’ve forced the government backward on those questions.”