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Clark's record-breaking Premier's Dinner highlights economy

Christy Clark at BC Leaders dinner
Photo by Gabe Garfinkel, @gabegarf, Twitter.

At 1,800 people, BC Liberal leader Christy Clark's annual fundraiser last night was the largest in the party's history, according to members.

Clark dedicated her speech at the event to addressing the province's economy, including how she proposed to tackle B.C.'s debt, job market and industrial growth.

While Liberals were enthused at the success of the event and their leader's speech, other attendees and those who followed the address on Twitter weren't swayed by Clark's attacks on NDP leader Adrian Dix and the veracity of her facts.

Couldn't drop the $50 more this year for a seat last night? Check out the highlights of Clark's speech -- and the reactions to it -- below.

With a slogan of "Strong Economy, Secure Tomorrow," Clark's speech emphasized the economic gains her government has made over the last term.

http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321452442480955393 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321446568500809730 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321451475425435649 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321449631051554816 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321449718364385281

A major focus of Clark's speech was tackling British Columbia's debt including this year's higher-than-predicted deficit.

http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321449465120690176 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321450498538475522 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321452045515255808 http://twitter.com/MsAmyMacPherson/status/321454154360963072 http://twitter.com/stephenmaarhuis/status/321493895202623489 http://twitter.com/BlueAnWhiteArmy/status/321453066933133312

Clark's optimistic points about the B.C. labour market were met with some skepticism by listeners.

http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321449548906127360 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321449590710755328 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321449679801942017 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321451813809307648 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321446618278789120 http://twitter.com/StrategicThghts/status/321446947724607488 http://twitter.com/pqpolitics/status/321493021881401344

The above tweeters weren't the only ones who found Clark a bit slack in her use of facts.

http://twitter.com/adepated/status/321491880221224960 http://twitter.com/StrategicThghts/status/321447725587640320

Speaking of slinging arrows, Clark devoted ample time to attacking her main opponent and leader in the polls with a 20-point advantage, Adrian Dix of the NDP.

http://twitter.com/CBCSmart/status/321450223970971648 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321446775909142528 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321446874957627393 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321451153193828354 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321451294948741121

Clark does find inspiration in other political leaders, though.

http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321446954305470466 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321447095083094018 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321447158920384512 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321447048903815170 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321447012547563521

With 44 tweets over the course of the speech, some felt overwhelmed -- and even turned off -- by Clark's social media strategy.

http://twitter.com/NextGenTrudeau/status/321462805310095361 http://twitter.com/briannechantal/status/321447712602066944 http://twitter.com/martha5tewart/status/321456769387876352 http://twitter.com/RodSmelser/status/321516375657046017

Despite the criticisms, the event proved to be a much-needed morale boost for Liberal supporters.

http://twitter.com/Mike_de_Jong/status/321490797218377728 http://twitter.com/BCYoungLibs/status/321454032080232449 http://twitter.com/bcvotes2013/status/321562532726857728 http://twitter.com/christyclarkbc/status/321452774221021184

Natascia Lypny is completing a practicum at The Tyee. Follow her on Twitter @wordpuddle.

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