BURNABY – ‘Business’ was the word of the day as Gordon Campbell brought his leadership campaign to key swing ridings.
“It’s the small businesses of British Columbia that are the backbone of our economy,” the premier said during a rally at a warehouse in south Burnaby. “The BC Liberals are always going to be there for small businesses because they support families across the province.”
Campbell used the word ‘business’ 20 times during a nine minute speech dedicated to portraying the New Democratic Party as poor fiscal managers.
The ruling party’s campaign has consistently focused on the economy. It’s an issue that 48 per cent of British Columbians think Campbell is best suited to deal with, a recent Angus Reid poll suggested.
But the premier didn’t come all the way to Burnaby just to promote his economic credentials. Campbell spent the entire day with four local BC Liberal candidates likely to face four of the tightest election races in the province.
In 2005, voters elected Liberals in three out of four constituencies here, but no candidate won by more than three per cent.
“Burnaby traditionally has always been a tough race,” BC Liberal candidate for Burnaby-Deer Lake John Nuraney said. “This time around it’s still going to be tough.”
The two-time incumbent is up against the NDP’s Kathy Corrigan, wife of well-known local mayor Derek Corrigan.
In 2005, 10 suburban ridings in the Lower Mainland were won by very slim margins. Given the Liberals took the election with only 13 more seats than the NDP, the outcome of the May 12 vote could very well be decided in places such as Burnaby.
Campbell was obviously aware of the fact.
“I need you to go out and talk to your friends,” he told supporters. “I need you to remind people how important their vote is.”
Geoff Dembicki reports for The Tyee.
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Bam Bam
3 years ago
Campbell & the Lieables
Its time for this out of touch moron to be voted out. I have never in my life hated a party and its leader as much as I hate this man. Hes lied over and over again. thats why I call them the LIEABLE PARTY! I luv it when he says small business have created major job growth, ya if you like earning 8 bucks an hour. The tax increases every where to compensate their hefty wage increases is beyond acceptance. This government has not been financially responsible at all. We will find out the truth when his lilly white ass is voted out of office. Hes a drunk driver and an embarassment to this province. Im not an Ndp supporter. I wish I could lead the conservatives or form a new provincial and federal party called the Action Party.No more lies no more tax to death scenarios.
Wilfred Laurier
3 years ago
Wow
Seems like the NDPers are getting pretty desperate now. Haters don't have many solutions, though like how to avoid the NDP getting slaughtered next week. I expect the squealing to hit a fever pitch by Friday.
Alas to no avail. James if beaten.
SharingIsGood
3 years ago
NDP aren't "haters", WL
You must remember that many NDP members voted for Campbell in the last two provincial election. Campbell has turned off many voters.
As the incumbant, he has had every opportunity to show us what he is made of, and he has shown us to be shallow. Rather than the most accountable government we have ever had, he has brought us the most secretive government. He has virtually given away our assets to already wealthy people - many of whom aren't from BC, they are not even Canadians. The 230 people (paid for by taxpayer dollars) in the Public Affairs Bureau are part of Campbell's/the BC Liberals' huge propaganda machine.
We have been sold down the river, WL, and the saddest thing is, we no longer own that river. His selling out to American-controlled corporations means that those rivers are now to be regulated by NAFTA. General Electric/Warren Buffet will be able to decide the fate of what's left of our wild rivers, our wild salmon! 1/3 of our railway went to Bill Gates, the richest man in the world; and a good portion of the energy in our rivers is going to the world's second richest man Warren Buffet! Well done, Campbell! Way to sell us out! Sheesh!
WHAT
3 years ago
GREAT
WOW Business, Business Business Business Business Business...look I can do it too. Not what you say...actions speak louder than words and so do Votes>>> I vote tomorrow, been waiting for a while...
Gary
3 years ago
I'd like to ask Campbell
I'd like to ask Campbell where was he and his micro managed government when he was driving the Cambie Merchants into bankruptcy?
I submit that his business sense is "to hell with small business lets go after the big money".
politico
3 years ago
Awesome Keep it up Gordo
The more you remind people of the fact that Carole is not adept with Business the more they will want to vote for her.
And the more we tell people your business friends are from Vancouver's version of Wall Street and your best pal is Mr Brown Vancouver's version of Madoff the more people will realize that where you belong is right beside Madoff and down the hall from Conrad.
politico
3 years ago
Awesome Keep it up Gordo
The more you remind people of the fact that Carole is not adept with Business the more they will want to vote for her.
And the more we tell people your business friends are from Vancouver's version of Wall Street and your best pal is Mr Brown Vancouver's version of Madoff the more people will realize that where you belong is right beside Madoff and down the hall from Conrad.
brg61
3 years ago
Campbell displayed a total
Campbell displayed a total lack of concern
for small business as Cambie st. merchants
faced ruin because of the canada line
construction. They were ignored when they
raised the issue before the project started
and are still being dismissed.