Falcon faces pointed Liberal debate questions

The first debate in British Columbia's Liberal leadership race saw candidates take aim at a former cabinet minister who left politics a decade ago, but now is seeking the party's top job. 

Kevin Falcon, a former minister of finance, health and transportation in the Liberal governments of premiers Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark, faced repeated questions Tuesday about his reasons for seeking the leadership after leaving politics in 2012.

"Kevin, look, you have done a great service to this province in your participation as a minister in so many important and valuable and impactful B.C. Liberal governments in the past, but it's been 10 years," said candidate Michael Lee, a Vancouver member of the legislature.

Lee, who previously ran for the Liberal leadership but was defeated by former Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson, questioned Falcon's commitment to the campaign, saying the former minister has continued to work for his Vancouver property development company.

"You are doing this arguably on the side of your desk," said Lee. "Will you run in the next provincial election and support and be part of this team?"

Falcon, who ran for party leader in 2011 but was defeated by Christy Clark, said he decided to leave politics in 2012 because he had a young family and wanted to pursue private business opportunities.

He said he has a reputation of getting things done in public and private life and his commitment to the Liberals is unwavering.

"Frankly, I don't know that we need professional politicians," said Falcon. "This party requires, in spite of its great history, it requires a reboot and a rebuild and a potential rebranding." 

Falcon and Lee and four other candidates are seeking the party leadership.

Also in the race are: Vancouver entrepreneur Gavin Dew, former chamber of commerce executive Val Litwin, Kelowna MLA Renee Merrifield and Skeena MLA Ellis Ross.

The Liberal members will elect a new leader Feb. 5 to replace Wilkinson and interim leader Shirley Bond.

The 90-minute debate was streamed on the Liberal party's website and Facebook page.

Merrifield and Ross, both members of the current Liberal Opposition caucus, continued to press Falcon on his reasons for entering the leadership race.

"If B.C.'s future is so important to you, why weren't you on the ballot with the rest of us in 2017 or even 2020?" said Ross about the consecutive Liberal defeats.