New Democrat Leader Adrian Dix is promising better health care for seniors, for children who need mental health treatment and for those who live in rural British Columbia.

Dix laid out the New Democrat election promises while in the home riding of Liberal Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid in Vancouver.

The NDP has pledged $70 million over three years to allow more seniors and those with chronic disabilities to get better home support and community care.

Dix also promises $35 million to improve mental-health treatment for children, something the current Liberal government has been criticized for by its children's watchdog.

There's also an NDP plan to invest $45 million to rebuild surgery, obstetrics and critical care departments in targeted rural hospitals.

Premier Christy Clark took her election campaign to the future site of the Comox Valley Hospital, where she told reporters that a growing economy and controlled spending will allow future spending on health care.

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