Right out of the gate, NDP leadership candidate Brian Topp gives Ontario, BC and Alberta the middle-finger while pandering to Quebec over the issue of extra House of Commons seats.
“I think we need to find an appropriate Canadian compromise. The number of seats in Quebec should be appropriately increased to maintain its role.”
Now, Topp also just happens to be BC NDP leader Adrian Dix’s co-campaign manager so of course he was asked what he thinks about this little bomb lobbed his direction:
“My perspective as a B.C. leader, I’m in favour of B.C. getting its fair share of representation. We’re dramatically under-represented in the Senate — just outrageously so — and we’re also under-represented in the House of Commons”
And about a guy who doesn’t think BC is getting screwed on the number of seats being his campaign brainiac:
“Right now, he’s still the co-chair of our (election planning committee), and no doubt, I’ll be talking to him soon about that now that he’s announced for the leadership. Needless to say, we’ll be asking him to play a strong role, whatever the result.”
I know that the Conservatives here in BC certainly hope so. (see here)
Update: Topp has been quoted in the Globe and Mail saying that the:
“Senate be scrapped and seats from the Red Chamber folded into Parliament and elected by proportional representation.”
How then does Topp explain support of rep by pop in conjunction with his Quebec seat additions?
