Monday, March 26, 2012

MLA John va Dongen (Abbotsford South) Joins BC Conservative Party

I've been attending Question Period for over 5 years. In that time, I've seen a lot of things. Some that make you laugh, some that make you shake your head and some that just make your wonder. After a while it's a bit of the same old, same old theatre that we call Question Period. I saw something new today....

At the end of Question Period MLA John van Dongen (Abbotsford South) stood up to make a personal statement. That's a bit unusual because statements usually happen before Question Period. It became more unusual as he began to speak. I was aware that he was unhappy with what was happening in his party and wasn't entirely surprised that he would choose to  resign from the BC Liberals. 

I was probably as surprised most other people when he announced he would be sitting as a member of the BC Conservative Party.   It would be safe to say that heads swivelled and eyes grew wide as he made his announcement. 

The expression 'crossing the floor' has always left me with the impression that the person actually crosses the floor.  I can tell you that it doesn't really happen until the next day.  In Mr. van Dongen's case, he won't really cross the floor at all, although he will sit with the independent members in the Legislature. 

This marks the first time in a very long time that the BC Conservatives will have a member in the Legislature.

Change of this magnitude is never easy. This has been a difficult decision for Mr.van Dongen.  We wish him well in his continued service to his constituents of Abbotsford South and encourage you to pray for him in the days to come.

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