BC Minister, Victoria MP and a Good Political Family

Canadians interested in federal politics, current public affairs and British Columbia issues can listen to Canada’s-longest serving Environment Minister and five-term Vancouver Island Liberal Member of Parliament discuss current issues and a federal Liberal Party record spanning five decades.First elected as a Vancouver Island MP for Esquimalt-Saanich in 1968 with Pierre Trudeau’s first government. He returned to federal politics in 1993 as MP for Victoria with the election of Prime Minister Jean Chretien. From 1993 to 2004, David held a series of federal Cabinet portfolios. In addition to Environment, David served as Minister of Transport, Revenue, Fisheries and Oceans.In the sixth and final episode, David talks about his service during Jean Chretien’s government as the senior federal Minister responsible for British Columbia.  From a new convention centre and rapid transit line in Vancouver to Canada’s bid for the 2010 Winter Olympics, David describes this as one of the most difficult but rewarding parts of his job. As a former BC Liberal Party Leader in the early 1970s, David talks about what it was like to work with BC Liberal Premier Gordon Campbell in the early 2000s, including the introduction of Canada’s first carbon tax and the signing of the historic Treaty with the Nisga’a First Nation.In this final episode, David also talks about his hometown, Victoria BC, and his many accomplishments as Member of Parliament. He shares behind-the-scenes accounts of the creation of Royal Roads University and a memorable visit from Jean Chretien that the Prime Minister said was his best day of his 1997 election campaign. David describes how one of his last acts as Victoria MP nearly led to the defeat of Paul Martin’s government. Other topics focus on: David’s long-standing relationship with Victoria’s Chinese community; multiple community, cultural and infrastructure investments across BC’s Capital Region; establishing a CBC station in Victoria; historic research investments at the University of Victoria; and the successful struggle to secure local control of Victoria’s harbour and airport.   In a special third segment, David offers closing thoughts on his retirement decision in 2006.  He identifies his political mentors and provides sage political advice to future (and current) elected officials before concluding with personal thoughts about his devoted and loving political family.