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By Cailin Cousins

At 1:30 this afternoon, Bob Simpson announced that he would be leaving the NDP Party as of today.

"Those of you who know me, know that I don't usually make these types of announcements this far in advance, however I will be running in the next election as an independent."

He said that party politics in both the Liberal and NDP parties have prevented BC residents from good governance, and that it’s time to listen to what they really need, what they really want and what they deserve.

Mr. Simpson went on to explain that running as a true independent is a bit of a risk, but one that he is willing to take. "For the most part, I have the support from the so called 'bakers dozen', and some ex-MLA's have reached out and leant their support, as well. I believe that an MLA's responsibility is to act with integrity, and speak for their constituents; I can do that as an Independent."

He said that both the NDP and the Liberal parties are in chaos, and that British Columbians will demand a different kind of politics. "I believe, fundamentally, that most people who run as politicians run for pure intentions and get caught up in the 'system'. They come down here, get involved, really feel they can make a difference and then find out that they can't," he said.

"Any of my constituents who do want me to remain as an NDP MLA are more disappointed than angry."

When asked if he ruled out joining up with any party in the future, he responded, "I'm not interested in being party-based politician. Fundamentally, I believe the party system has to change to accommodate MLA's from other parties."

Bob Simpson will join three other independent MLA's in the BC Legislature when he applied for his official Independent Riding Association status today.

Shortly after I was ejected from the NDP Caucus, Carole James commented that I could not find my "happy place" within British Columbia’s two main parties.

That statement caused me to reflect deeply and I’ve concluded that I am not alone; I believe most British Columbians cannot find their "happy place" in BC politics either.

Voter turnout has been steadily declining, people who are voting state they are unhappy with the limited choices they’re offered. A Vancouver Sun poll conducted earlier this year showed that a non-existent party would beat both the Liberals and the NDP.

Mistrust and cynicism toward politicians runs deep and too many people are simply not engaging in their democracy as a result.

Based on my experience in party politics, I’ve concluded that the party system itself is to blame for much of this unhappiness and lack of participation.

Political parties were meant to be organizing tools, not ends in themselves. They were meant to allow like-minded people to come together to organize for elections and then work together in the Legislature with all of the other elected members to provide good government.

Today, the prospects of the "Party" overshadow the needs of the electorate.

Petty partisanship and one-upmanship create a cycle of perpetual electioneering which prevents our Legislature from being used to address the critical issues confronting us.

Party politics also facilitates the "dictatorship of the Premier’s office" to the point that even Cabinet Minister’s are not consulted with prior to major decisions being made. HST and the recent major reorganization of our natural resource ministries are recent examples of this unilateral decision-making.

Voters want MLAs to speak the truth, act with integrity, and always put the public interest ahead of their own or the interest of their political party. But, this ideal is almost impossible to achieve within the current Party system, where MLAs are muzzled and required to put their Party's or their Leader’s political interests ahead of those of their constituents.

Today, the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin is saying that only government MLAs can serve their constituents – this is another stark example of the failings of the party system as voters are led to believe that only MLAs from the "winning" party can represent their interests.

I believe having more Independents in the legislature will provide an opportunity to create a climate for democratic reform. Therefore, I will be formally leaving the NDP today and will run in the next election as an Independent.

As an Independent, I believe I will be free to raise issues of sustainability, social justice, and progressive economics in a manner which will challenge all Parties and all MLAs to address these issues rather than simply fight with each other. Today, I am also calling on every leadership candidate and hopeful from both parties to commit publicly to fundamental reforms to our democratic system.

The four Independents in Australia are using the fact they hold the balance of power to call for major reforms to their Parliamentary system.

In the UK – the birthplace of our Parliamentary system – MPs are using the coalition government as an opportunity to push through reforms that will restore the supremacy of Parliament over the PM’s office and will ensure that every MP can play a legitimate role in the functioning of that Parliament and the governing of that country.

The sorry state of both our leading political parties in BC gives us an opportunity to show leadership in reforming our Legislative democracy.

I am asking each leadership candidate to make a public commitment to democratic reform in three areas:

Electoral Reform

In two referendums, British Columbians indicated dissatisfaction with the first past the post system and a desire to have their votes count. While they did not choose STV, the electorate should be re-engaged in an informed discussion of alternate voting systems.

Election Finance Reform

Voters should not have to worry that election outcomes and public policy decisions can be bought. Large organizations should not be allowed to donate to political parties and individual donations should be capped.

The lobbyist registration act should also be strengthened and enforced.

Legislative Reform

Our legislative system should be reformed and revitalized so that every MLA plays a direct and meaningful role in governing our province between elections.

MLAs should be involved in the appointment of committee members, committee chairs and mandates.

MLAs and the general public should have more input into the formulation of legislation before it comes to the House for final debate and a vote.

There should be free votes on all but matters of confidence.

Question period and budget debate should be reformed so that matters of substance are debated in an informed and respectful manner. Ministers should be required to answer questions as fully as possible.

We have many issues of substance to address: systemic poverty, climate change, the need to renew our health care and public education systems, the need to re-ignite our natural resource economy and revitalize our rural communities, the need to actually create a sustainable and just society.

It will take the creativity and intelligence of every MLA to wrestle with these issues and to provide the direction and leadership our public service needs and our citizens deserve and expect from us.

We cannot achieve this goal through oppositional partisan politics; therefore, I hope we can capture this moment to truly reform the whole system and that both parties will commit to these reforms.