Premier Gordon Campbell paid a visit to the Liberal Powell River Sunshine Coast Riding Association on Sunday to help "rally the troops" in preparation for the party convention in November.
The association met at the Sechelt Golf and Country Club on Sunday for its delegate selection meeting. Then, following the meeting, the membership joined Campbell for a barbecue lunch and meet and greet.
The B.C. Liberal Party biennial convention will be held Nov. 2 to 4 in Penticton. The exclusive members-only event will include the majority of the Liberal caucus, a number of events and activities, policy discussions, various workshops and networking.
Local riding association president Brian Smith said he was thrilled with the turnout Sunday and the positive direction the party is heading in.
"We're allowed 20 delegates and we elected 20, which is very encouraging because it doesn't happen that often to have a full slate," said Smith. "The delegates will vote on our behalf on policy, plus vote in a new executive for the party at the November convention. It's a business session for the internal operation of the party itself. It's the same process just as if it was a leadership convention.
"Premier Campbell is our buddy MLA and he represents us with the caucus in Victoria. He came today on his own time and we're thrilled he could be here. I'm amazed by the numbers that have turned out, particularly for the meeting. I expected about 20 and I think we had 60 and we have about 80 here for the barbecue. Considering the time of year when it's very difficult to get people out, it's a great turnout for us.
"I'm very impressed with the number of people we have on the executive and the quality of people. We have a really good group of people who are actively getting involved in the local riding association and are a great support to the membership. We're doing a very good job of getting our membership lists cleaned up. I'm pleased with the way things are going. There is a lot of work that needs to be done between now and the next election."
Prior to addressing the association members Coast Reporter conducted a brief interview with Campbell.
Campbell said he too was impressed with the turnout.
"I think it's a very active association and they've done a great job. To have a turnout like this is very encouraging to all of us I think," said Campbell. "Every time I come up here I've been encouraging everyone to be active in the process. I think it's a very good riding and one that I want to make sure has a strong voice in government. There are some significant issues up here. The mine is an issue. Transportation is a significant issue. I want to hear directly from the riding about what's taking place with those issues and what directions they would like us to go in. To keep in touch is pretty important to me."
It was no secret to Campbell about the community's growing concerns for safety on Highway 101. Campbell said he's hopeful Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon would come to the community "sooner rather than later."
"I've asked the constituency association to put together a transportation advisory committee for me," said Campbell. "We'll do a little drive through so I can understand exactly what's taken place. I know there have been a number of fatalities on the road and the first priority we have with our highway improvements is to try and make sure that our highways are safer. Those are issues we have to deal with. Left turn bays are one of the things people are talking about. So I think to go through on the ground with people who live here and experience this on a day-to-day basis is an important part of what I'd like to do. Then I'll have a chance to talk to the minister about it and I'm sure he will be here at some point in the next few months."
