The B.C. Conservative Party is coming to town Saturday (Sept. 24) with more than 200 delegates expected for its convention at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.
John Cummins, party leader, said it’s the first major convention B.C. Conservatives have had since they started significantly reorganizing the party two years ago.
“The big thing is going to be reviewing and renewing our policies,” he said. “The party has grown again significantly in the last year, so it was time to take a closer look at our policies and make sure they really reflect the membership’s views and they address the needs of the province.”
Cummins said the policies should not be mistaken for an election platform, but broad brush strokes that will guide the party.
The convention starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and includes reports from president Wayne McGrath and treasurer Peter Neville, appointment of an auditor and election of directors.
Cummins addresses the delegates at 12:30 p.m. during the lunch break.
He belives it’s a good time for the B.C. Conservatives.
“I’ve travelled from one end of the Island to the other over the course of the summer, been up in the Interior, the Okanagan … and everywhere we go, we’re meeting people who are really positive about what we’re doing,” he said. “They’re glad we’re providing a legitimate alternative to the two parties out there.
“They remember only too well the dark decade of the NDP and the problems and challenges it created for business and jobs in this province, and, yet, they’re fed up with the way the Liberals have been handling our affairs.”
He said the next 18 months are key as the party continues to grow.
“We certainly have some very active constituency associations on Vancouver Island and have capable people throughout the province,” he said. “We have professionals like doctors and lawyers as well as successful business people willing to put their names forward for the next election.”