The veteran journalist and former BCIT journalism instructor George Orr discusses his intention to run for the BC Green Party in North Vancouver Lonsdale, and the challenges from the party as to his running in the May 2017 provincial election, with Joseph Planta.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, at TheCommentary.ca.

The veteran journalist and retired educator George Orr recently expressed his interest in entering the political fray as a candidate in the May 2017 provincial election. His plans though have been dashed this past week. George Orr had sought a nomination for the Green Party of British Columbia in his home riding of North Vancouver-Lonsdale. He was informed this week by the party’s brass, Wednesday, 21 September 2016 that his candidacy would not be moving forward. Before we get George to tell us his side of the story as to what happened, let me just say that I’ve known George for a few years now, and before I called him friend, I long admired his work as a journalist. When he told me he was running, I was quite fascinated that someone of his years in journalism would want to get into politics, but I quite admired his willingness to do so. And because I knew him to be diligent and thoughtful, I thought regardless of party he would make a fine candidate. Perhaps it was his inimitable candour on various issues over the years that perhaps did him in with the Greens—and we’ll find out shortly if it was—regardless, George would have been a welcome figure in our political discourse. And I can say that somewhat objectively having voted for both the BC NDP and BC Liberal Party in the last two elections. The BC Green Party is invited to respond to any of the foregoing as soon as is mutually convenient next week. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, George Orr; Mr. Orr, good morning.