BC Liberal weekend convention features address from Skeena MLA Ellis Ross, name change consultation plans and keynote address from leader Kevin Falcon

Opposition leader Kevin Falcon closed the BC Liberals convention 
weekend with a keynote adress
(photo from BC Liberal FB page) 

It was a weekend in the Okanagan for the BC Liberal party, which held their convention in Penticton, the event one which saw a recharged opposition party shape some policy for the months ahead, while taking in a number of speeches from some of the higher profile members of the opposition benches.

Among those getting some of the spotlight along with Leader Kevin Falcon, was Skeena MLA Ellis Ross who had an opening night spot on the stage. speaking to themes of resource development and First Nations relations in the province.

Skeena MLA Ellis Ross had an opening night slot at this
weekend's BC Libera convention
(photo from BC Liberal FB page)

In his address to the delegates Mr Ross noted how the province had once been on track to be a resource power in Canada, but those plans are now in decline under the NDP.  

"There has never been a government like the BC Liberals who had actually uplifted First Nations, there's never been a government like that and unfortunately, all that good work from 2004-2017 it's gone. And BC as a whole your going to be weaker for that. Because we understand that this NDP government doesn't like the resource economy, they don't like the private sector, they like Politics.  Specifically divisive politics, trying to find ways to divide us" -- Part of an address to the BC Liberal convention this weekend by Skeena MLA Ellis Ross

Ross also explored themes of how the province could have been a powerful energy provider, as well as to note of the disregard the Liberals say the NDP has for the forestry and tourism sectors.

Also part of the weekend was a vote to begin the process of consultation towards a possible name change for the party, an initiative that was one of the pillars for Mr. Falcon during his leadership campaign and something he reinforced at the convention over the weekend.

“When I announced my candidacy for the party leadership, I made it clear that as part of a wider renewal process, I would seek input from the party membership on the possibility of changing the party name. The vote today provides permission for the party to explore potential alternatives. By the end of the year, every member will have the chance to vote on a new proposed name or keep our current one.” 

Towards that consultation, the BC Liberals have set up this portal for the suggestions.

The weekend came to an end with what was an energetic political rally for the Liberal (name change pending) faithful  who took much from the leader's keynote speech of Sunday. 

Falcon touched on a range of themes, highlighted some of the recent areas where the Liberals have had success in highlighting the NDP record, while also issuing a warning that the government may make an early election call and that they should be ready to go to the electoral hustings.

Some of the highlights of the convention can be reviewed through the BC Liberal Facebook feed.

Mr Ross also has some thoughts on the weekend through his Social Media Feed.

More notes on the BC Legislature can be explored from our archive page.