[加拿大新聞] One year since Campbell quit 2011, University, political, running, weather

tiffiant

One year since Campbell quit
Liberals are doing fine: political scientist
Renee Bernard Nov 03, 2011 06:11:08 AM
3 Related Stories

VICTORIA (NEWS1130) - One year ago today, Gordon Campbell resigned as BC's premier.  The Liberal Party has managed to weather that political storm quite well, at least according to one political scientist.

York University's Dennis Pilon looks back at how nervous the Liberals were last fall.  

"It's interesting to go back and see how much panic was running through the people connected to the Liberal party.  And that sent a chilling message, 'Something is seriously wrong here," he recalls. "The fact that the party looks competitive today is a dramatic improvement from a year ago."

Pilon adds the very fact the party remains competitive in the polls shows it has recovered and is a party with staying power.  He says while Premier Christy Clark has a different style, the priorities are largely the same.

"Many people see her as much more approachable and personable as a leader, but in terms of policy, I think it's been pretty much the same kinds of things, like a focus on mega projects to get the economy going."

And despite the roar of controversy over the Order of BC being given to Campbell, Pilon says over time people will look fondly over his years as premier.  But he admits in a polarized province like BC, there will be some who will always dislike Campbell, no matter how much time has passed.

tiffiant