Our political system might not be perfect, but according to Mike Farnworth, it’s still one of the best in the world. And he should know. Mike’s worked in Bulgaria, the Balkans and Iraq to help former one-party states – read: countries recovering from totalitarian regimes – build fully functioning democracies. He’s done the hard work on the front lines and has seen why people would literally die for a system like Canada’s. In fact, Mike’s so committed to stewarding our democracy, he ran for office, joining the Port Coquitlam (a suburb of Vancouver) city council in 1983. In 1991, he was elected as a BC NDP MLA and, since then, has served in many roles both in opposition and in government.
Mike’s work overseas and on both sides of the legislature has given him a unique view of our policymaking process, one that he believes is still a force for good. We met with Mike in the minister’s Victoria office to better understand how nature impacts every cabinet file and why we should all show the system a little love.
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- Update: Mike Farnworth is no longer Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Deputy Premier (as of November 18th, 2024)
What do you think?
- Has Mike given you a better understanding of our system and its importance?
- If you don’t believe our system works well enough, how would you improve it? Would you be able to get the support of your community, province or country?
- Whether reforming the system or finding new ways to balance people and nature, what lessons can we learn from Mike’s experience in government and in opposition?
- How do we create policy that endures beyond one government?
- How will you build support for your ideas amongst your peers?