Affordability a problem in all B.C.
Andrew Wilkinson says cost of living biggest issue province faces
A candidate vying for the leadership of the BC Liberals spent Friday in the South Okanagan.
Leadership candidate Andrew Wilkinson hosted a discussion at the Penticton Art Gallery before heading south to Oliver late in the afternoon.
An issue that’s come up repeatedly on the campaign trail, Wilkinson said, is B.C. affordability.
“It finds itself in different ways, in different corners of the province. We all know about the cost of housing in Vancouver, but there’s also the whole issue of affordable living in places like Penticton,” Wilkinson said in an interview with Okanagan Saturday.
To combat the affordability issues, WIlkinson said he will be the candidate who makes sure the provincial government doesn’t take more out of people’s paycheques.
Wilkinson said there was a wide-ranging discussion in Penticton, including his position of abolishing the small business income tax for family businesses.
“That’s the kind of thing that stimulates growth in the economy and lets people hire more people so everybody can get a chance to get ahead,” Wilkinson said.
With the last provincial election splitting the province, Wilkinson said the Liberals will need to run two election campaigns, one to respect the supporters in the Interior, another to win back support in the Lower Mainland.
“We’ve got to learn from people what matters in their town and make sure that’s being addressed in our election platform,” Wilkinson said.
He said if elected party leader, his focus, when it comes to the Okanagan, will include the continuation of the fruit tree replanting program.
“The NDP seems to be quite indifferent to that (program) and it’s very important to maintain the strength and vitality of the agricultural sector here in the Okanagan,” Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson is expected to be in Kelowna and Vernon today. The party will select its new leader in February.