“This is what coming together looks like,” Christy Clark told a packed ballroom at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler as she launched into an election-style speech to wrap up the B.C. Liberal convention in Whistler. “This is what renewal looks like.”
The premier then saluted all the convention delegates along with the hotel employees who she said served and looked after the B.C. Liberal delegates since the start of the convention in Whistler.
“What we have been doing here the last two days is trying to build an economy that works for you and your family,” Clark said.
More than 1,000 party faithful, including outgoing MLA Joan McIntyre and Pemberton Mayor Jordan Sturdy, took in the keynote address.
McIntyre said after Clark’s speech that she felt bitter sweet as one chapter of her life closes and another opens. McIntyre has announced she isn’t going to seek re-election and Sturdy is the only person at this point to declare his intention to seek the Liberal nomination for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.
In her speech, Clark declared her intention to make B.C. the country’s economic leader.
“Our goal is a very simple one and that is nothing less than to make British Columbia the number one economic engine that drives this country into the future,” Clark said.
“We are B.C. Liberals for one reason,” said Clark. “Its because we care about people.”
A number of times Clark reiterated that hers is a party that cares about people.
She stirred the audience to a standing ovation when she said she believed it was time to take conflict out of B.C.’s schools.
“I am determined to fix this broken bargaining system we have with teachers,” Premier Clark said as she launched into a review of a commitment she made Oct. 17 to spearhead a 10-year agreement with the public school teachers in the province.
“I am determined to fix this broken bargaining system we have with teachers,” Clark said.
“Its the single most important investment that government will make.”
Check back as Pique Newsmagazine will have more coverage of the B.C. Liberal convention.
