Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson has filled the role of Chair for the NDP’s Sustainable Economic Policy Committee.
Donaldson explained that the work of the committee is to develop policies for the party that they would implement upon forming a government.
It is one of two standing committees of the official opposition, the other being on social policy.
The Sustainable Economic committee will bring in various experts from different fields to discuss policy. That includes forestry and energy experts.
“We had a lot of requests for people who might not have come in to talk to our economic policy committee in the past but see us as a very strong alternative now to the current government. We’re getting lots of requests that way,” he said.
He said the heat is on even more to incorporate the information they’re receiving into a party policy for the NDP with the potential for a moved-up timeline on the set election date.
Some of the leadership candidates for the Liberals have talked about moving up the election date.
As for the committee Donaldson now chairs, he said it is an opportunity to coordinate the discussion and ensure the challenges faced from an economic perspective in the North are at the forefront of the discussion.
“It’s a really great opportunity and it also enable me to help lead what alternatives we’re actually going to be offering,” he said.