I have been contacted by a person in the NDP with the suggestion that I consider running for Member of Parliament of the North Island. It was only a suggestion, but I am considering it. I was very surprised and it has broadened my perception of the federal NDP.
It is my observation that government is operating at a level that does not appear to consider those of us on the ground in small communities. It looks like negotiations are taking place over our heads in the jet stream of international finance and that this is less and less good for our communities. The wild salmon people of BC have been asking me to run for government for the past year and so I have to think about it.
I do need to consider carefully whether I have better ability to serve the place I love and call home as an MP, or as an outspoken biologist.
I will be thinking hard for the next few days.
People can hear more of my thoughts on CBC Ideas this Monday
Comments
4 responses to “Considering”
Alexandra Morton:
I agree that one would have more of a chance to effect change by being on the political side. One must be on the Government side and I would be a big supporter of that. Do not run for the NDP as they do not have a snowball chance in hell of forming government. Thanks for all you do for one of our most precious resourses.
Chester
Alex, I have been following your site and messages for a long time. I have the greatest of respect and admiration for your dedication and determination to bring unbiased information about the plight of the wild salmon, and to mobilize people who also care to actually do something about it.
Your decision to run for politics or remain the inspirational icon you have become is, indeed, a difficult choice. It has been my greatest disappointment in several instances to promote a candidate for office that I believed, heart and soul, was a true environmentalist who cared about our local and global issues. However, once the person takes office, it seems like a morphing machine takes over and the strong cries for protection of our lands and wildlife weaken – because as a representative of the people, you are obligated to represent more than one segment of the population.
On the one hand, unless we get people like you in decision-making positions throughout our Earth, we will never be able to save our planet or any of the species. On the other hand, the trick is to determine whether you will be more effective as the activist or as the politician. Perhaps others who know you on a personal basis will be able to guide you best.
Whatever you decide to do, I am certain you will be just as dedicated and determined as you have portrayed yourself.
Thank you so much from one who also cares what happens to our wild salmon, all wildlife, and our precious few remaining forests.
Best wishes.
Connie Gallant, http://wildolympics.org
I would encourage you to run.
Your stories, experiences and work for all our relations will be exposed, even if you don’t win the seat in the House.
You can also be a role model as to how an MP conducts her/himself.
I live on Saltspring Island and rarely see my MP, the Honorable Minister of Sports, Gary Lunn.
I do send many letters and usually get a reply. Apparently he hires someone to answer the letters.
It is minimal accountability to the constituents.
I am sure you would do this better.
I find Denise Savoie and Nathan Cullen to be very much in touch with their constituencies.
It seems to me to be a natural progression for someone who has served society in a very meaningful way to enter the political realm.
It is a sacrifice to leave your home and wilderness but you carry it with you after all these years and it will not wear off.
I don’t know if the NDP will achieve control of the House in the near future. The Conservatives continue to poll in too substantially. I believe that a great deal of their support comes from seniors. John Baird spent most of his time in the last election visiting seniors centres.
You have the support of many First Nations people, young people and even Greens and Liberals.
Briony Penn came so close to winning our riding and why she didn’t is not totally clear, but a nasty robot call the eve before the election and the Green vote are the suggested causes.
I actually joined the Liberal Party, of all things! as did many others to vote her in as the candidate for the riding.
It is too bad we have to align with a party when there are good candidates running from each party.
We will face this for sure next election.
Those of us who joined the rallies and the migration, I believe, are flexible in our party alignments and choose the person we like rather than following party loyalty.
I believe the NDP has a strong team and is much more cohesive than the other big parties.
During the last election the polls were showing the environment as the #1 concern for Canadians. Then the US Wall St corruption instigated a financial crises and now the economy is the #1 priority.
The Union of Concerned Scientists continues with the message of Climate Change focus but for too many people the price of gas and oil decides their vote and they forget oilspills and gas explosions and the health of the planet and people.
To have a sustainable economy we have to have a sustainable environment. The ignorance about this is absurd .
It is interesting to note that during the financial crisis, the co-ops and micro industries have flourished.
The mainstream is catching on, to our long time Whole Earth approach. The ideas of Eco Cities, local food and support for local businesses has spread widely.
Municipal governments are seen as even more active on environmental issues and concerns than provincial and federal ones.
Transition towns and villages are spreading like wildfire.
The natives are restless. They are tired of the wars, the CEO payments and the corporate control.
The NDP and the Bloc have put forth many excellent private members bills.
I say, it’s worth a try Alexandre.
We are one in the spirit .
To me you are a living legend.
So many of us hold you in our hearts here on the Westcoast.
We will offer our support in many ways.
.
Good day Alexandra!!! I must first say thank you from my heart and soul for everything you have done for the salmon and all other being and animals!!!! Your voice and energy is greatly appreciated!!!! Whatever you decide i am sure you shall have support from many!!!! Pros of being “inside the system” is that the people in Parlement shall hear you and see you face to face!!! Cons are you are brilliant in what your doing and you arent “exposed” to the “attitude” they may have.
You are wonderful and a beautiful soul!!! thank you!!!!!
peace
love