Brian Gardiner (politician)
Brian L. Gardiner (born 18 August 1955 in Prince Rupert, British Columbia) was a member of the Canadian House of Commons from 1988 to 1993. His background included publishing, administration and management.
Gardiner first attempted to enter federal politics in the 1984 federal election when he became the New Democratic Party candidate for the Prince George—Bulkley Valley electoral district. He was unsuccessful that year, but did win the riding in the next federal election in 1988. He served in the 34th Canadian Parliament but lost to Dick Harris of the Reform Party in the 1993 federal election.
As NDP Federal Forestry Critic Gardiner was asked about the NDP position on logging Clayoquot sound. His response was "Clayo what?". That seemed like a surpising lack of awareness about a major issue in BC at the time, for the NDP Forestry Critic, and for an MP from an riding where Forestry was a major industry. After losing in the 1993 election Gardiner got a job with the BCGEU, where he was later joined by former MP Svend Robinson, but was seconded to tasks such as fighting Recall Petitions inspired by the infamous "Fudged Budget" "we are almost there" election promise made by Glen Clark. NDP Party Functionaries such as Gardiner, Robinson, Patrice Pratt and Gordon William Hanson collecting BCGEU salaries is a common scenario.[1]
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