NDP leadership candidate John Horgan welcomed support today from fellow MLAs Rob Fleming, Gary Holman and Lana Popham and Victoria NDP MP Murray Rankin.
Rankin, Fleming, Holman and Popham join the other Lower Island NDP MLAs and MPs, Carole James, Maurine Karagianis, Bill Routley and Randall Garrison, who endorsed Horgan at his launch on March 17.
“I’m proud to be joined by my fellow Lower Islanders as New Democrats unite to defeat the B.C. Liberals in 2017,” said Horgan. “Together, we will show British Columbians they can have confidence electing a New Democrat government that will invest in family supporting jobs and services, and the environment.”
Fleming, first elected MLA for Victoria-Hillside in 2005, is Education Critic.
“As a father, I know firsthand the importance of investing in the success of our kids, but I hear from families and educators in every region that a decade of the B.C. Liberals’ conflict and cuts are undermining our education system,” said Fleming. “John has the skillset and team to win government and deliver on the right priorities for B.C. families.”
Holman, first elected MLA for Saanich North and the Islands in 2013, is Democratic Reform Critic and Deputy Critic for Environment and B.C. Ferries.
“John gets that Premier Clark’s empty slogans, deep service cuts and indifference to the environment have made many British Columbians cynical about politics,” said Holman. “He is inspiring people with a confident message that there is a better way that includes them, and I’m excited to be part of that.”
Popham, first elected MLA for Saanich South in 2005, is Small Business, Tourism, Arts and Culture Critic.
“Experience-based tourism is highly sought after and First Nations play a leading role; yet just as sustainable, culturally rich Aboriginal tourism is growing, B.C. Liberal cuts to ferry service and the Aboriginal Tourism budget take important opportunities away,” said Popham. “The united team that John is building will ensure that New Democrats are focused on economic opportunity for all B.C.”
Rankin, first elected MP for Victoria in 2012 is federal Opposition Critic for National Revenue and Pensions.
“My life’s work has been to ensure we develop our natural resources in a manner that provides good jobs, sustains our environment and respects First Nations’ rights,” said Rankin. “For over thirty years, John has been a part of that work with me. His experience and proven leadership will make him a superb Premier.”