George Abbott resigns as education minister to seek B.C. Liberal leadership

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      George Abbott has officially announced he will enter the B.C. Liberal leadership race.

      The long-serving MLA said he has submitted his resignation as education minister.

      Abbott launched his campaign today (November 25) during an announcement in downtown Vancouver.

      Flanked by six Liberal MLAs, Abbott outlined the approach he would take as party leader and premier.

      The Shuswap MLA said the Liberal party and government are “at a pretty low point in the ditch of public opinion,” and that he sees a need to reach out to British Columbians.

      “I hope that the next bump we feel is the vehicle coming out of the ditch and onto the road, as we move forward,” he said.

      “I think we need to take some time and establish a new style of government and establish some new linkage with the electorate.”

      He also noted he has served for more than 30 years as an elected official in local and provincial government, emphasizing his focus on “collaboration”.

      On the HST, Abbott maintained he still supports the tax, but said the referendum set for September 2011 should be held no later than June 24, 2011, and that he would accept a simple majority from voters.

      “We owe the public better than we delivered on the HST.”

      He also discouraged the possibility he would call an election before May 2013.

      Among other commitments, he also said he supports looking into hiking B.C.'s minimum wage, the lowest in the country, and establishing a system that could include regular increases.

      Abbott also said child poverty is an important issue, saying it must be addressed “across government”. He said education, health and employment all play roles in addressing poverty.

      “I am prepared to entertain constructive thoughts from anyone about how to improve our measures in terms of poverty versus prosperity,” he told the Straight following the campaign launch. “I am always glad to look at better ways of doing things.”

      Abbott has been replaced as education minster by Margaret MacDiarmid, who had been responsible for the portfolio until a cabinet shuffle in late October.

      Former cabinet minister Moira Stilwell is the only other person to have officially entered the leadership race.

      Liberal party members are to pick a replacement for departing premier Gordon Campbell during a leadership vote on February 26, 2011.

      Video from the announcement is available here.

      You can follow Stephen Thomson on Twitter at twitter.com/thomsonstraight.

      Comments

      7 Comments

      Neil B

      Nov 25, 2010 at 2:40pm

      Would have been better if he just resigned.

      RickW

      Nov 25, 2010 at 3:25pm

      George Abbott is being supported by the people who supported Gordon Campbell??
      RickW

      Beth

      Nov 25, 2010 at 3:25pm

      I think he's hot. Look into his eyes.
      Beth

      glen p robbins

      Nov 25, 2010 at 3:35pm

      Looking into minimum wage hike. Port Moody Iain Black (Important:who I don't like George)-- says he will be looking "to study" and "may be increased" in consultations (sic) with business and labour" over next 3 months.

      Employment Standards in BC is a big black hole - not dissimilar to WCB.
      If you are a worker, or injured worker in this province - you are often screwed - done like dinner - roasted - toasted et al. Employers in the province have robbed the workers blind--in plain sight.

      George - this has to be fixed if you want to stay as premier. Also, look at Iain Blacks' history in Children's and Families - and if you inclination is to remain premier - should you win the leadership - don't let this man within a skunks distance of you.

      Don't like him.

      james green

      Nov 25, 2010 at 4:19pm

      No matter who is the captain the Liberal Party is still the titanic.
      George, or Rich, or whomever, the Libs need a long time in opposition to learn what governing is all about. Yet, the NDP scares the hell out of me as well as they refuse to table a specific plan for the province.

      glen p robbins

      Nov 25, 2010 at 5:48pm

      james green - your point seems to echo with May 2009 voters - who trend to pile on "None of these" when offered either BC Liberals or BC NDP.

      System needs some bona fide outsiders added to the menu or the customers won't come --- 38% turnout------------

      It just occurred to me - what if only 10-15% of the population who vote on the HST support it - with small turnout?

      That's gonna hurt

      Ew.

      Nov 25, 2010 at 9:21pm

      No chance. It's reassuring to know bc hatesnthe liberals by a large majority. The latest move by the liberal puppet Craig James renews the hate. Don't the liberals get it? What's in it for them to keep this hst?