BC Green Party leader Andrew Weaver stopped by Kelowna on Sunday to speak at a campaign rally along with fellow candidates Alison Shaw, Rainer Wilkins and Robert Mellalieu.
Stepping off a big green bus outside the Best Western hotel, Weaver was greeted by around 100 supporters cheering “Go Greens Go!”
Speaking at full rally in #Kelowna with Alison Shaw. Change you count on. @BCGreenKLC #bcpoli #bcelxn17 pic.twitter.com/7iA1ly1v1n
— Andrew Weaver (@AJWVictoriaBC) April 30, 2017
According to Weaver, the display of support in the Okanagan is evidence that the Greens are capable of taking the fight to the BC NDP and BC Liberals in the three Kelowna ridings.
“If the people of this area want change, real change that they actually can count on, not change with vague promises, then we’re offering candidates that they can get behind,” said Weaver. “I wouldn't be coming to Kelowna if i didn't think we have a real surge of support here.”
All three Kelowna ridings are considered to be Liberal strongholds, with the governing party having won each riding in the past three elections by sizable margins.
However, according to the BC Greens leader, successive Liberal victories in the region could come to an end if the youth turn up to the polls.
“In previous elections, youth largely did not vote because neither party inspired them. And you will see that our whole framework and reason for existence is that we believe that when we make decisions, we must not just make them for today but also think about what the consequences are for tomorrow,” said Weaver.
“The youth could determine the outcome of every single riding in British Columbia if they voted, and they should not forget that.”
When asked about what he thought about youth voters who may be attracted to the Green Party but are nervous to vote for them in case they split the NDP vote, Weaver said it’s time to rise above the politics of cynicism and fear and vote for a party you believe in.
“I’ve been hearing this for four years that the greens are splitting the NDP vote. Is that all you've got to inspire people? That is so cynical,” said Weaver. “We know there’s a lot [of people] who never in a million years will vote NDP, and they vote Liberal not because they like what they stand for but because they hate the idea of the NDP getting in. And conversely, there’s a ton of people who vote NDP not because they like what they stand for but because they hate the BC Liberals.”
“In both cases, it’s fear based voting. We’re offering people an alternative, something to vote for instead of against. And I think youth are smart and they recognize that this is the opportunity. There will not be another opportunity like we have now.”
Amazing reception in #Kelowna. BCers want alternative to BC Libs and NDP. Thank you @BCGreenKLC @ConnieSahlmark @f1computer Kevin & Rainer pic.twitter.com/BSfQU6cTKo
— Andrew Weaver (@AJWVictoriaBC) April 30, 2017
After speaking at the rally, Weaver along with supporters and fellow candidates attended the Kelowna Rockets game occurring at Prospera Place.
On Monday, Weaver will be touring around an orchard and cidery in Kelowna with the B.C. Fruit Growers Association.
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