When NDP supporters held one last rally in Parksville on Friday, they pulled out all the stops, bringing in MLAs and candidates from the Central and North Island — along with busloads of their supporters.
The event, held at Tigh-Na-Mara resort, saw NDP leader Adrian Dix call on the approximately 200 people who attended to reject the politics of cynicism.
To this end, Dix cited the work of groups and individuals such as Nile Creek Enhancement Society sparkplug Ken Kirkby as examples of what can be accomplished when people roll up their sleeves and work for positive change.
Dix said that despite the B.C. Liberals’ claims of economic competence, their record has shown anything but.
“In tourism, because we have a government that has confused, I think, the government of B.C. with the Liberal Party, they took over control of Tourism B.C. It had worked well, with the industry marketing tourism,” he said, “That was until the Olympics happened and then they decided it has to be us. We’ve suffered ever since. Tourism has gone downhill as a direct result.”
The need for skills training for young people was also a focus, with Dix noting industry is crying for skilled workers, yet the Liberal government slashed the trades training program.
“Our workers can compete with anyone in the world if they are given a level playing field and we are going to give them that level playing field,” he said.
Today (Tuesday) is voting day in B.C. Check out The NEWS for all the results.