Liberal leadership hopefuls making promises, revealing endorsements
An all-candidates debate will take place this morning at the Coast Capri Hotel at 10:30 a.m.
Candidates in the BC Liberal leadership race were busy announcing platform promises and endorsements Friday, ahead of today’s debate in Kelowna.
One endorsement came from former longtime Kelowna mayor Walter Gray, who announced his support for candidate Andrew Wilkinson.
“Andrew Wilkinson has solid experience and an enviable track record in and out of government,” said Gray. “He understands business and has sweeping knowledge of what a BC Liberal government can do to get our province moving in the right direction.”
Wilkinson released his platform Friday, including his plan to reduce overdose deaths by 50 per cent in two years and to sell government-owned liquor stores, giving current employees the first option to purchase the stores.
The province has also proposed to create 52 units of new modular housing in Kelowna with a funding commitment of $8.1 million as part of the province’s plan to invest $291 million to build 2,000 modular units over two years throughout B.C.
The city is working with BC Housing to finalize a location.
The City of Kelowna is also working with the province to open 55 supportive housing units on a property at 1642 Commerce Ave.
Until the Commerce Avenue location opens, 20 supportive housing units will be available at the former Good Night Inn, at 2639 Highway 97, which is being operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
“These projects are an important start to addressing the growing issue of homelessness in Kelowna, while we continue to work with our community partners to develop permanent and sustainable housing options,” said Selina Robinson, minister of municipal affairs and housing.