The BC First Party is accepting potential candidates for a new party leader from British Columbians at large.
This is the first time all British Columbians will have a direct say in choosing the new leader of a political party, says Sal Vetro, interim BC First president.
He adds this announcement is in accord with the fourth principle of the BC First Party, whereby the first minister (premier) will be elected at large, provincially, to manage the executive branch of government.
The party is initiating a 60-day period for all British Columbians to choose anyone who they feel will make the best leader for their new political party, which Vetro says is a refreshingly different party that is truly “of the people, by the people and for the people.” He adds BC First principles centre on consultation, dialogue and collaboration between diverse and varied stakeholders. It’s a significant difference from conventional political parties, which, he notes, are focused on party discipline.
The party is building a coalition of independent MLAs who, with a free vote, will speak on behalf of their constituents, Vetro explains.
“This would be a departure from the current standard whereby provincial parties exercise decision-making without public consultation and dialogue, even on issues of direct impact to British Columbians. BC First wants to change that.”
If neither the B.C. Liberals nor the NDP win more than 42 seats in the upcoming election, he says a coalition of independents, such as BC First, could ensure that consultation and dialogue become the norm in the B.C. Legislature.
BC First is a registered political party born out of the Fight HST movement. Vetro says he was one of the main organizers of the successful initiative petition, legal challenge, as well as the successful and historical referendum of 2011.
“BC First is a party committed to direct democracy as its main platform in the next provincial election.”
