Nicholas Simons doesn’t have any regrets about entering, then withdrawing from, the New Democratic Party leadership race.
Simons, the MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, announced he was dropping out of the race on Thursday, April 7 and that he was throwing his support behind John Horgan, MLA for Juan de Fuca.
There are three other candidates left in the race: Mike Farnworth, Adrian Dix and Dana Larsen. Party members will vote on Sunday, April 17.
He’s happy to be watching the end of the race from the front row, Simons said. “I think it was important to raise the issues and to show unity in the party, which I think was clearly demonstrated. I got to see some beautiful parts of the province and meet people everywhere.”
The candidates travelled throughout the province to attend meetings and debates that explored policy positions. “We mostly agreed with each other, but everybody got to hear every angle on every question, because you have five different answers to good questions,” Simons said. “I don’t remember one incident where anyone said anything negative about anybody else’s view, even if they were slightly different.”
His intention from the outset was to bring up issues he believes are important. Simons' platform included a comprehensive anti-poverty strategy, raising the minimum wage, ideas on climate change, protecting water, the promotion of arts and included bold policies on education.
“People are talking about certain issues that I brought up and they became issues that other candidates mentioned and put high up on their priority lists. One was ferries, the lifeblood of our communities, and they’re taking it seriously.”
Some people question why residents in other areas of the province should have to pay for ferries, Simons said, but taxpayer dollars pay for road clearing in Kicking Horse Pass, for example, because it is an essential transportation link. “People are talking about the importance of that kind of public service.”
Another issue he frequently brought up was poverty, Simons said, and the need for an early-learning strategy in light of vulnerability levels. He pointed out that 16 per cent of children are not ready for school and to address that is just the “economically smart thing to do.”
Being in the leadership race gave him wide exposure to party members, both new and long-time, who didn’t know much about him, Simons also said. He gained province-wide attention when he refused to give up his passwords for social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter. “I think there are people in the party who liked my approach and were really positive, hoping that I could have some influence. That’s been rewarding.”
Horgan would be an excellent leader for the party and a “very good premier,” Simons said. “I say that because he talks about issues in a way that is down to earth. He’s very straight forward. You always know what he’s thinking. He’s affable. He connects well with people and I think that’s the kind of leader we need, one that will show there is personality and excitement in politics.”
Simons wouldn’t predict who he thought was going to win. “Ultimately it’s up to the party members and I respect their decision. I’ll be proud to serve any one of those candidates who I got to witness over the last months.”
-with files from Ian Jacques, Coast Reporter
