January 18, 2011
Cullen won’t lead provincial NDP
Gordon Hoekstra, Prince George Citizen
Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen said Monday he will not enter the leadership race for the B.C. NDP after all.
Cullen had said before Christmas he would not enter the race, but then recently revealed he was reconsidering.
“After careful deliberation over a number of weeks, I’ve decided this is simply not the time for me to take on the challenge of the B.C. leadership race,” Cullen said in a statement.
In an interview, Cullen said he received many calls for him to reconsider, which is why he did so.
Cullen cited unfinished commitments to his federal constituents and family responsibilities as the father of infant twins as the key reasons for his decision.
Cullen’s twin sons are six months old.
Cullen said it was important to him to complete the projects he is working on, and not to use his political position as a stepping stone to another position.
“I want to make good things happen, and stop the bad stuff,” said Cullen.
On the bad side for Cullen is Enbridge’s proposed $5.5-billion twin oil and condensate pipeline through northern B.C.
He says any economic benefits are not worth the environmental risks.
On the other hand, Cullen is supportive of moving forward with the $404-million power line in northwest B.C. which would open up power and mining projects.
Cullen said that he’d like to see mines open up, one of which would provide more economic benefits to the local economy than the Enbridge pipeline.
The Skeena-Bulkley Valley riding encompasses a vast area that stretches from the northwest coast to Fort St. James, just east of Prince George.
The B.C. NDP race will be decided on April 17.
