Richard Stewart is Coquitlam’s new mayor

BC Liberal Richard Stewart has become Coquitlam’s newest mayor by defeating incumbent Maxine Wilson. The new council will be joined by existing members except Neal Nicholson who was unsuccessful in holding onto his seat. This ended a twenty year streak for Nicholson who held various positions in public office including former mayor of Coquitlam.

For more coverage on the issue go to :

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/story.html?id=fec31a2f-dc9e-4d10-9ef3-aac4be15dec3

In our neighbouring Tri-City Port Coquitlam, Scott Young failed to win his run for City Council. Young was succeeded by Greg Moore who comfortably defeated fellow councillor Mike Bowen by more than 1000 votes. Further details can be found at:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2008/11/15/bc-081115-scott-young.html

Stephane Dion stepping down. Not yet!

While driving away in the heavy downpour Vancouverites are accustomed too, I heard that Stephane Dion will not be stepping down until the Liberals choose a new leader.

“I have informed the president of the Liberal Party of Canada and the president of the national caucus that I will stay as leader until a new leader is chosen at a leadership convention that I have asked to be organized,” Dion said at a much anticipated press conference in Ottawa.

Resentment resonated in his comments.

“I want to see that the next leader is not as vulnerable to the low propaganda that was directed against me.”

Dion’s Green Shift Carbon Emissions plan took a direct hit.

He was also well aware of it. Dion admits that the plan was “misrepresented.” He said most Canadians believed that it was just a carbon tax, something that concerned them as the economy worsened.

The plan just fell prey to bad timing. As our Southern neighbour, the United States of America was reeling from the effects of markets crashing and deficits, carbon emissions plan seemed distant almost transitory to Canadians.

Yet, Dion defended his plan, calling it the, “vanguard of environmental policy.” However, this Liberal leader did not say whether or not he will run in the next federal election.

“One step at a time,” he said.

Baby steps….slowly but surely.

Faiza Zia Khan