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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

JOHN TWIGG: "The best choice ... is someone who has innovative ideas for major systemic improvements"


BC First Party President John Twigg

North Island, at the northern end of Vancouver Island, is a long way from where I live here in the riding of Kamloops South Thompson.  Regardless, an individual, a maverick some might say, is running in that riding.  Many are likely aware of him, however for those who are not, here is a bit of a bio on John Twigg:

 

Before he was even old enough to vote he canvassed for the Pierre Trudeau Liberals in 1967-68 , and was involved in various public and student causes in the 1960s.

 

During the 1972 BC Provincial election, in which the Social Credit government of W.A.C. Bennett was defeated, he became Press Secretary to NDP leader Dave Barrett, and was then Press Secretary to Premier Dave Barrett 1972-75 (first one in B.C. history)


He covered many elections as a journalist, including the Parti Quebecois's first breakthrough win, and several notable elections in Saskatchewan and B.C.

 

John was an early member of Reform Party of Canada, campaign manager for a Canadian Alliance candidate in Burnaby-North, briefly leader of the B.C. Refederation Party, a campaign manager for a Green Party candidate in North Island, and a campaign worker for B.C. First Party, notably in a by-election in Delta.  He has been a director of North Island and West Vancouver-Howe Sound NDP constituencies, was briefly a substitute delegate to BC NDP provincial council.

 

In the referendum battle on the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) he was a supporter and volunteer for the NO side. And most recently he was the Director of Policy and Communications for the BC Conservative Party.

 

So why is John running a candidate for the North Island Riding? He says there are two main themes running through this year's provincial election campaign;

1)  the need to get rid of a government that has become inept and even corrupt

2)  supporting a policies agenda that will build the province, grow the economy, and create jobs and prosperity for everyone to share in.


"Regardless of which party wins the election, or even better if there is a minority government, I have the experience, ability and willingness to advance the issues that are most important to the people, governments and businesses of North Island", stated Twigg.

 

He continued, "Through my previous experience, and in the last 15 years as an active resident of Campbell River, I have learned intimately how the systems of government work, plus I have gained deep understanding of the B.C.'s economy and society, how it works and what people want and need and deserve to get."

 

As mentioned above, just prior to the election call, John had been working for the BC Conservative Party as a volunteer.  What happened there I asked John?

 

"When I learned I would be unable to espouse my full platform, if I ran for them, I decided to consider other options.  While I liked the policies of the Vancouver Island Party, I felt the B.C. First offered the most freedom to espouse my novel ideas, plus they agreed to make me their leader instantly."


The B.C. First Party was founded in the 1980s by Roger Rocan, who Twiggs says became a very close personal friend of his in the 1990s until his death about 10 years ago.  After that the party was led for a time by former Premier Bill Vander Zalm, then businessman Chris Delaney and finally Vancouverite Sal Vetro.  Twiggs also mentioned that, "All of these individuals were instrumental in defeating Gordon Campbell's hated HST in a referendum - a campaign I also helped in, along with others, notably Bill Tieleman."


The general thrust of B.C. First is to put the public interest first in all things, and he says that is a stance everyone can support.  Additionally John has indicated he has also developed an extensive platform of truly innovative policy ideas to help it become a shining example to the rest of the world.  All of these are posted on Twigg's website www.johntwigg.com, and on the BC First website www.bcfirst.ca.


One final question for John ... Who is one person who has made a positive difference in your life?

"There have been numerous people at different times and in different ways but especially my grandmother Rubina Twigg, my father Arthur Twigg and my mother Betty Twigg, all of whom built my character and taught me the power of diction."

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