Last night the NDP’s Joe Trasolini and Gwen O’Mahony won crucial byelections in Port Moody-Coquitlam and Chilliwack-Hope respectively.
Premier Christy Clark issued a statement last night congratulating BC Liberal Party candidates Laurie Throness and Dennis Marsden, both of whom placed second in the polling.
Clark used the opportunity to caution voters on the implications, especially to business, of an NDP government in the future.
“Voters know that byelections are not about changing government. It’s never been clearer that only a unified free-enterprise coalition can defeat the NDP. That’s why we are focused on strengthening our coalition so that in the next general election voters will have a clear choice between the free enterprise coalition and the NDP.”
“A choice between higher income taxes, reckless government spending and runaway debt or our free enterprise coalition that is keeping taxes low, restraining government spending and keeping our economy growing with jobs for B.C. families,” said Clark.
In an interview with Business in Vancouver last week, NDP leader Adrian Dix responded to questions regarding misconceptions B.C. business has about his party.
“Business is a critical player in B.C.,” said Dix.
“I come from a small business family, our candidate in Port Moody-Coquitlam is a successful business person who’s been a respected municipal leader in that community so we’re reaching out and we’re going to work with business and they’re going to… have their voice in every major decision made by government.
“I think that’s a change from the current government’s role, which I think is just to exclude people from the decision making process.”
