Nathan Cullen

Nathan Cullen
Nathan Cullen
MP
Member of the Canadian Parliament
for Skeena—Bulkley Valley
Incumbent
Assumed office
2004
Preceded by Andy Burton
Personal details
Born July 13, 1972 (1972-07-13) (age 39)
Toronto, Ontario
Political party New Democratic Party
Spouse(s) Diana Cullen
Children Isaac, Elliot
Residence Smithers, British Columbia
Profession Private Consultant

Nathan Cullen (born July 13, 1972) is a Canadian Member of Parliament for the riding of Skeena—Bulkley Valley in the Canadian House of Commons. He is a candidate for the federal leadership of the NDP. A native of Toronto, Ontario, Cullen is fluent in English, French and Spanish and is married with young twin sons. Cullen was approached to run federally for the New Democratic Party many times before finally accepting and winning in 2004 where he has been representing the Skeena-Bulkley Valley riding ever since. Cullen may be the first MP in Canada to state that he represents the land as much as the people, a belief he learned from his mentoring by Tsimshian, Nisga'a, and Haida First Nations elders in his riding.

Contents

Early life

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Cullen is a professional workshop and meeting facilitator with over 10 years of experience for his own company Maravilla Consultants. Before elected life, Cullen was a small business owner and community organizer in northwestern B.C. His expertise is in strategic planning and resolving conflicts for businesses, government and non-profit agencies throughout the province. Cullen has also worked in community and economic development throughout Latin America, North America and Africa helping establish banking services and women's shelters. [1]

Politics

At the age of 31, in the the June 2004 federal election, Cullen was elected to his first term as a Member of Parliament. He had won the NDP nomination in the Skeena—Bulkley Valley riding three months earlier against a Prince Rupert social worker.[2] In the general election, he challenged the Conservative incumbent Andy Burton, Liberal Miles Richardson who was chair of the B.C. Treaty Commission, Rod Taylor of the Christian Heritage Party, engineer and photographer Roger Benham of the Green Party and Marxist-Leninist Frank Martin. The election was seen as a tight three-way race between Burton, Richardson, and Cullen.[3] Cullen made support of the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling part of his campaign which was initially viewed as a disadvantage for him in the riding, but a magnitude 6.7 earthquake off the Queen Charlotte Islands during the campaign helped highlight Cullen's arguments. [4] Cullen went on to defeat the Conservative incumbent Burton by a margin of 1,272 votes. In each subsequent federal election Cullen has increased his share of the popular vote from 37% in 2004, to 48% in 2006 and 50% in 2008. In 2011, Cullen was elected for a fourth term with 55% of all votes cast - the highest plurality in the riding since 1962.[5]

His riding of Skeena—Bulkley Valley is, geographically, one of the largest federal ridings in Canada, covering over 323,000 square kilometres of northwestern British Columbia — nearly the size of Norway. The largest urban areas in the riding are Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, and Smithers, with a population of approximately 12,000, 11,000, 9,000, and 5,500 people, respectively. The riding also includes Haida Gwaii, Hazelton, New Hazelton, Vanderhoof, Stewart, Port Edward, Houston and the villages of Masset, Burns Lake, Granisle, Telkwa and Port Clements. The region's economy is predominantly resource-based, especially fishing, forestry, and mining.

First Term

Cullen was the youngest of 19 New Democratic Party candidates elected to the 38th Parliament, a minority parliament led by Paul Martin and the Liberal Party.[6] Party leader Jack Layton, who had vacationed in the Queen Charlotte Islands that summer,[7] assigned Cullen to be the party's national critic for youth issues, the environment and national parks. Cullen opened constituency offices in Smithers and Terrace.[8] He continued to support the moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling despite Prime-Minister Paul Martin opening a cabinet level review of the moratorium; the review ended with the conclusion that lifting the moratorium was too politically divisive.[9][10]

By the end of 2004, he got engaged to his girlfriend, Diana Dahr, who was studying at a teacher's college,[11] and he was voted "Favourite Up-and-Comer Rookie Politician" by fellow Members of Parliament.[12][13] He was also awarded the US Ambassador's Award as one of only two Canadian recipients. In the first half of 2005, Cullen joined an all-party team of MPs touring the western provinces promoting a private members bill (Bill C-261) which would lower the voting age to 16.[14] In February he made a motion in the House of Commons to "recognize the public health impacts of smog" and require improved emission standards of light duty vehicles sold in Canada, though it was not supported by the Liberal Party or Conservative Party.[15] In summer 2005 Cullen co-sponsored, along with several credit unions, a series of Youth Entrepreneur Awards within the Skeena/Stikine/Bulkley Valley region which awarded cash prizes and recognition for entrepreneurial achievements by young people.[16] In the fall Cullen challenged the Minister of the Environment Stéphane Dion to take a blood test to illustrate the level of toxins present in the environment. He also spent time lobbying the Liberal government to publicly disclose the bids for Ridley Terminal; the proposed sale of the Prince Rupert Port Authority coal loading terminals by the federal government to a private firm was criticized by opposition parties as undervaluing the facility and likely to restrict fair access by competing coal companies[17] (the sale was blocked by the Conservative Party after they won the subsequent election).[18]

Second Term

Cullen was unchallenged as the NDP candidate going into the 2006 election[19] where he faced Conservative Party candidate and former Member of Parliament Mike Scott, Liberal Party candidate and Prince Rupert mortgage specialist Gordon Stamp-Vincent,[20] Green Party candidate Phil Brienesse of Smithers,[21] and Rod Taylor of the Christian Heritage Party. The election was seen as a two-way race between Cullen and Scott.[22] Their party leaders both visited the riding, Stephen Harper in late-December to Prince Rupert[23] and Jack Layton with a mid-January stop in Terrace.[24] Scott ran an aggressive campaign attacking the Liberal candidate,[25] filing a request with Elections Canada for an investigation into Cullen's campaign finances,[26] and using signage saying "Re-elect Scott", despite the fact that Cullen was now the incumbent.[27] Cullen was effective at forcing Scott to defend issues from his time in office during the 1990s[28] while Scott made Cullen defend his vote to support the Canadian Firearms Registry despite promising to vote against it.[29] Cullen went on to win by an unexpectedly large margin, 15%, over Scott while the NDP elected 29 of its candidates nationwide to the 39th Parliament, which was led by Prime-Minister Stephen Harper with a minority government.,[30]

In April 2006, Cullen introduced a Private Member's Bill (Bill C-307) to ban phthalates, a chemical in many plastics, from products intended for infants and toddlers.[31] The bill passed through all stages in the House of Commons but died on the order paper in the Senate when the 39th Parliament was dissolved. The proposal was subsequently adopted by Government and in June 2009 new regulations were introduced to place restrictions on six phthalates.[32]

As Environment Critic for the NDP he helped renegotiate the Conservative Government's Clean Air Act (C-30) with an all-party committee. The new act was called the Clean Air and Climate Change Act.[33] The Conservatives refused to reintroduce the bill to the House at second reading and it died on the order paper in the House.

On June 4, 2008, the House of Commons passed C-377 (An Act to ensure Canada assumes its responsibilities in preventing dangerous climate change), a private member bill introduced by Jack Layton. Cullen had fully supported the bill from the beginning and was responsible for presenting the bill to the Environment committee and working it through the Government's six weeks of fillibuster. However, Bill C-377 died as it was still before the Senate when Parliament was dissolved for the 2008 Canadian federal election.[34] The bill was reintroduced in the 40th Parliament as Climate Change Accountability Act (Bill C-311)

Third Term

Following the election of October 2008, Cullen was named the New Democrat Critic for Natural Resources and Energy. In this role he chaired the NDP's Green Economy Taskforce, working on ways to help create employment while meeting our responsibilities to the planet’s future generations and promoted sustainable energy development through a study of Canada's Energy Security at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources[35]. Cullen also led an NDP effort to secure a bulk oil tanker ban on the north coast of British Columbia which led to the passage in the House of Commons of a motion calling for such a ban by a close vote of 143 - 138.[36]

In 2009 Cullen conducted a contest in his constituency called Create Your Canada which challenges students between grades 5 and 12 to submit proposals for federal legislation. Two winners are picked each year and are flown to Ottawa to watch their submissions introduced in the House of Commons as private member's bills. In 2009, two bills were introduced including Bill C-399,[37] which proposed a ban on the mining and export of asbestos, and Bill C-400,[38] which encouraged the Government of Canada to support the development of cycling friendly infrastructure.[39] Both bills remain on the order paper.

Fourth Term

In the 41st Parliament, Cullen serves as Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Privacy, Access to Information and Ethics.[40] He is also the Associate Critic for Natural Resources, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Environment and Sustainable Development. [41]

NDP Leadership Race

On September 30th, 2011, Cullen announced his official candidacy for the NDP leadership race to replace the late Jack Layton. [42] In his opening speech, Cullen emphasized his vision for a new and progressive kind of politics, saying "now’s the time for an honest discussion about the direction our politics is going in…and how we must change it for the better." [43] Some key issues where Cullen has taken a definite stance are: the banning of asbestos, opposing the proposed Enbridge pipeline from Alberta to Kitimat, B.C., and the mandated reduction of greenhouse gases. Cullen has been a longstanding advocate for the environment, consistently arguing the choice between the economy and the environment is unnecessary, but that a green economy is a balance between creating jobs and protecting the environment. [44] When questioned about tangible items he would pursue as leader of the federal NDP, Cullen responded he would re-imagine a new form for the Canadian Wheat Board, and reform of the electoral system to make individual votes count for more than in the current first-past-the-post system. [45]

When Cullen is not in Ottawa or travelling in his riding (roughly the same size as Norway), he lives with his wife Diana and his young twin sons Isaac and Elliot in Smithers, B.C.

Election results

Canadian federal election, 2011
Party Candidate Votes %
     New Democratic Party Nathan Cullen 19,431 55.3%
     Conservative Clay Harmon 12,255 34.5%
     Liberal Kyle Warwick 1,268 3.6%
     Green Roger Benham 1,102 3.1%
     Christian Heritage Rod Taylor 1,038 2.9%
     Canadian Action Maggie Braun 165 0.5%



Canadian federal election, 2008
Party Candidate Votes %
     New Democratic Party Nathan Cullen 17,219 49.8%
     Conservative Sharon Smith 12,561 36.4%
     Liberal Corinna Morhart 1,916 5.5%
     Green Hondo Arendt 1,613 4.7%
     Christian Heritage Rod Taylor 1,125 3.3%


Canadian federal election, 2006
Party Candidate Votes %
     New Democratic Party Nathan Cullen 18,496 48.33%
     Conservative Mike Scott 12,630 33.00%
     Liberal Gordon Stamp-Vincent 4,845 12.66%
     Christian Heritage Rod Taylor 1,235 3.22%
     Green Phil Brienesse 1,164 2.78%


Canadian federal election, 2004
Party Candidate Votes %
     New Democratic Party Nathan Cullen 13,706 37.14%
     Conservative Andy Burton 12,434 33.69%
     Liberal Miles Richardson 7,965 21.58%
     Christian Heritage Rod Taylor 1,408 3.81%
     Green Roger Colin Benham 1,225 3.31%
     Marxist-Leninist Frank Martin 161 0.43%

References

  1. ^ Cullen, Nathan. "MP Skeena Bulkley Valley". http://nathancullen.com/meetnathan. 
  2. ^ Venis, Rodney (March 15, 2004). "Cullen takes NDP ticket". Daily News (Prince Rupert, British Columbia): p. 2. 
  3. ^ Kellogg, Alan (June 2, 2004). "Haida leader looks ahead to better days". Edmonton Journal: p. 3. 
  4. ^ Skelton, Chad (July 3, 2004). "B.C.'s new faces in Ottawa". The Vancouver Sun: p. C1. 
  5. ^ Funke, Alice (2010). "Nathan Cullen (M)". http://www.punditsguide.ca/candidate_e.php?candidate=890. Retrieved 3 June 2010. 
  6. ^ "Layton raves about Cullen". The Interior News (Smithers, British Columbia): p. 1. August 26, 2004. 
  7. ^ Ritchie, Leanne (August 9, 2004). "Layton visits North Coast". Daily News (Prince Rupert, British Columbia): p. 1. 
  8. ^ "MP opens Terrace office". Terrace Standard (Terrace, British Columbia): p. 12. October 27, 2004. 
  9. ^ O'Neil, Peter (November 23, 2004). "Liberals must oppose offshore exploration, MP says". The Vancouver Sun. p. 11. 
  10. ^ O'Neil, Peter (January 12, 2005). "B.C. Liberals' political concerns put offshore oil on back burner". The Vancouver Sun: p. 3. 
  11. ^ "Emerson, Cullen learning tricks of the parliamentary trade". The Province (Vancouver): p. 51. December 12, 2004. 
  12. ^ "The Hill Times All Politics Poll (2004)". The Hill Times. December 2004. http://hilltimes.com/page/view/.2004.december.20.all_politics. Retrieved June 8, 2010. 
  13. ^ "Cullen is rookie of year in Ottawa". Daily News (Prince Rupert, British Columbia): p. 3. December 22, 2004. 
  14. ^ O'Connor, Elaine (March 1, 2005). "New bill to lower voting age to 16". The Province (Vancouver): p. 11. 
  15. ^ Ritchie, Leanne (February 18, 2005). "Cullen wants to drive polluters off the road". Daily News (Prince Rupert, British Columbia): p. 3. 
  16. ^ "MP puts his money where his mouth is". The Northern Sentinel (Kitimat, British Columbia): p. 5. May 11, 2005. 
  17. ^ "MP calls for details about sale of Ridley". Daily News (Prince Rupert, British Columbia): p. 1. November 14, 2005. 
  18. ^ Ritchie, Leanne (February 8, 2006). "Tories put stop to proposed sale of Ridley". Daily News (Prince Rupert, British Columbia): p. 1. 
  19. ^ "Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen was unanimously acclaimed as the NDP's candidate for the next federal election at a riding association meeting in Prince Rupert". The Northern Sentinel (Kitimat, British Columbia): p. 1. September 28, 2005. 
  20. ^ Ritchie, Leanne (December 5, 2005). "Local Liberals select candidate". Daily News (Prince Rupert, British Columbia): p. 1. 
  21. ^ "Green Party names federal candidate". Daily News (Prince Rupert, British Columbia): p. 3. December 20, 2005. 
  22. ^ Hoekstra, Gordon (January 6, 2006). "Tight race seen in north coast riding". Prince George Citizen: p. 3. 
  23. ^ Ritchie, Leanne (December 28, 2005). "Tory leader in town today". Daily News (Prince Rupert, British Columbia): p. 1. 
  24. ^ Zimmerman, Sarah (January 19, 2006). "Jack Layton visits Terrace". Terrace Standard (Terrace, British Columbia): p. 1. 
  25. ^ Barker, Thomas (January 10, 2006). "Skeena Liberal candidate walks out during debate". Terrace Standard (Terrace, British Columbia): p. 1. 
  26. ^ Ritchie, Leanne (January 9, 2006). "Mudslinging starts in close campaign". Daily News (Prince Rupert, British Columbia): p. 1. 
  27. ^ Zimmerman, Sarah (January 5, 2006). "Scott defends decision to run campaign for re-election". Terrace Standard: p. 1. 
  28. ^ "Scott counters Cullen claim". The Northern Sentinel (Kitimat, British Columbia): p. 5. January 4, 2006. 
  29. ^ "Conservatives put Cullen on notice". Houston Today (Houston, British Columbia): p. 7. January 11, 2006. 
  30. ^ Ritchie, Leanne (January 24, 2006). "It's Cullen by a landslide". Daily News (Prince Rupert, British Columbia): p. 3. 
  31. ^ "Bill C-307 An Act respecting bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate". http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Parl=39&Ses=2&Mode=1&Pub=Bill&Doc=C-307_3. Retrieved 8 June 2010. 
  32. ^ Canada Gazette Vol. 143, No. 25 — June 20, 2009 'Phthalates Regulation' http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2009/2009-06-20/html/reg3-eng.html
  33. ^ Canadian Press (2007). "Committee largely rewrites Tories' Clean Air Act". http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/SciTech/20070327/cleanair_act_070327. Retrieved 8 June 2010. 
  34. ^ "Legislative History of Bill C-377 in the 39th Parliament (2nd Session)". http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/LEGISINFO/index.asp?Language=E&Chamber=N&StartList=A&EndList=Z&Session=15&Type=0&Scope=I&query=5175&List=stat. 
  35. ^ http://www.parl.gc.ca/committeebusiness/StudyActivityHome.aspx?Cmte=RNNR&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3&Stac=3360783
  36. ^ http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2010/12/07/oil-tanker-motion.html
  37. ^ "Legislative Summary of Bill C-399 in the 40th Parliament (2nd Session)". http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/LEGISINFO/index.asp?Language=E&query=5846&List=toc&Session=22. 
  38. ^ "Legislative Summary of Bill C-400 in the 40th Parliament (2nd Session)". http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/LEGISINFO/index.asp?Language=E&Session=22&query=5847&List=toc. 
  39. ^ CBC The National news report
  40. ^ http://www.parl.gc.ca/CommitteeBusiness/CommitteeMembership.aspx?Cmte=ETHI&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=1
  41. ^ Government of Canada. "Member of Parliament Profile". http://www.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/ProfileMP.aspx?Key=170843&SubSubject=1003&Language=E. 
  42. ^ Globe and Mail. "Nathan Cullen throws his hat into the NDP leadership race". Globe and Mail. Globe and Mail. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/bcs-nathan-cullen-throws-his-hat-into-ndp-leadership-ring/article2187381/?from=sec431. Retrieved 30 September 2011. 
  43. ^ Cullen, Nathan. "Speech - Nathan Cullen 2012". Nathan Cullen. Nathan Cullen. http://www.nathancullen.ca/en/speech/. Retrieved 3 October 2011. 
  44. ^ Northern View. "Meet the Candidates". http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/thenorthernview/news/119219824.html. 
  45. ^ Greg Glatz. "Nathan Cullen on Greg Glatz Show". Podcast. http://gregglatz.com/podcast.php. 

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