Duncan Barnett may have took the NDP candidacy for Cariboo North, but the real winner was democracy.
New Democrat hopefuls, Barnett and Sushil Thapar both threw their hats in the provincial ring and while only one can represent the party, these two men showcased a true desire for change.
It wasn’t about winning, it wasn’t about who spoke more eloquently or answered audience questions the most succinctly, it was about providing the electorate with a choice.
With more than 200 in attendance this Sunday at the Legion, it was evident Cariboo North voters are taking an interest in the provincial spring election.
Regardless of the outcome, Northerners ensured they spent a Sunday afternoon listening to these two men’s opinions, desire for change and a commitment to the people.
And that’s what’s most important.
Thapar rallied the crowd with his passion for reclaiming the land.
“You are the real shareholders of this province,” he said to raucous cheers.
Barnett had the crowd belly laughing with his “I’m not” introduction:
“”I’m not a BC Liberal,” he said.
“I’m not related to Donna Barnett.”
NDP leader Adrian Dix captivated his supporters with his commitment to change.
“It’s not enough to win because the current government is unpopular,” he said.
“We need to change the way we do politics.”
And regardless of your political stripe, the staggering statistic that 55 per cent of the province did not vote in the last provincial election is downright embarrassing.
Both Thapar and Barnett deserve our congratulations and thanks. It’s far easier to sit back and demand change; it’s entirely different to stand up and take action.
–Autumn MacDonald, Observer
