By Ian Holmes

Island specific election platform concept revealed by Premier in Nanaimo

Oct 28, 2016 | 5:01 PM

NANAIMO — A Vancouver Island-specific election platform for next May’s provincial election has been announced by the B.C. Liberal party.

Premier Christy Clark revealed the initiative on Thursday before a packed ballroom at the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance Summit in Nanaimo, calling the idea the first ‘region specific’ election platform for the Island.

“To set out a specific platform to chart the next ten years of growth for Vancouver Island,” said Clark. “This is an absolutely vital part of British Columbia’s economy.”

Clark added that Vancouver Island has been vastly underrepresented in government for many years. She says great pressure has been put on the Island’s only two Liberal MLA’s, Michelle Stilwell and Don McRae, to represent the interest of Vancouver Islanders. She said the plan will be formed over the next six months.

The next provincial election is scheduled for May 9, 2017.

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“What we’re looking for are all of the ideas we want to generate economic growth and jobs on Vancouver Island…what are the next areas of growth that we need to build?”

Vancouver Island is undoubtedly strong New Democratic Party territory provincially as evidenced by several previous elections. The Liberals have claimed just six of 41 Island ridings over the past three elections (2013, 2009, 2005).

News of an Island specific campaign platform from the BC Liberal Party is being applauded by Vancouver Island Economic Alliance president George Hansen.

“We think that that is a critically important that we have a clear sense of direction with government as to where we’re going to take the Island economy,” Hansen said.

Hansen believes elements identified by Clark to be included in the plan align with efforts the VIEA have made to bolster the Island’s economy.

“Value added wood manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, education and capturing talent, those are all critical pieces.”