B.C. party leaders look for momentum

NDP SEEKING GREEN VOTE

Liberal Leader Christy Clark’s election campaign received a boost from the federal government Friday, while New Democrat Leader John Horgan is asking those thinking about going Green to vote for them to defeat the Liberals.

Clark issued a statement thanking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for “carefully and seriously” considering her suggestion to ban or tax thermal coal coming from the United States in retaliation for a tariff on Canadian softwood.

“Banning thermal coal exports through B.C. ports stands up for forest workers and helps fight climate change,” she said in the statement. The United States announced a tariff of up to 24 per cent on Canadian softwood last week.

Horgan campaigned on southern Vancouver Island Friday, an area where Green party officials say they have a chance of winning.

He said the New Democrats have much in common with the Greens.

“All of our common interests will be lost if we have four more years of Christy Clark,” he told supporters at a campaign stop in Nanaimo.

Horgan said the Greens and NDP support reforms to the electoral system, reduction of greenhouse gases and are opposed to the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion.

Minutes after Horgan’s plea, Green party Leader Andrew Weaver arrived outside of the venue where Horgan spoke. He said Horgan’s request smacked of voter suppression.

“I’m trying to inspire voters,” said Weaver, who was on his way to campaign events on the Sunshine Coast.

Clark spent the first part of day defending a little-known tax rebate program meant to attract international business to British Columbia that allowed TD Bank to claim a $2.8-million refund.

Her government had challenged the company’s claim for a refund in court because TD filed its paperwork a day late.

The Court of Appeal ruled last month that B.C. must reconsider the bank’s request for a time extension to claim the refund.