Gordon Campbell was re-elected Premier in British Columbia yesterday in a race that shows the strength of parliamentary politics. The actual distance between the losing New Democrat Party and the provincial Liberal Party was not great, but it was defining. Accordingly, the Liberals will continue to govern as the international recession drags on and B.C. prepares to host the Winter Olympics in 2010.
In Canadian terms, the Liberals are the more conservative of the big parties in B.C. and are not to be confused with the national Liberal Party. Campbell, as party leader, is an appealing figure, a good speaker and an adroit administrator. His third term victory should commend him to greater national leadership. (But I'm a Yank, what do I know?) He even managed to sound humble in what was a big victory. http://www.vancouversun.com/Business/election+Gordon+Campbell+wins+historic+third+term+premier/1589774/story.html
The election would seem to bode well for Northwest inter-regional relations. Campbell well reflects public sentiment in his province, as well as his own views, in supporting greater cooperation with the State of Washington on common transportation and trade concerns.
