FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 28, 2009
Chilliwack – The BC Conservative Party Annual General Meeting exceeded the Party’s most optimistic expectations at what was, by any measure, a hugely successful convention held in Chilliwack this past Saturday. The Convention was attended by over 120 delegates from around BC, who converged on the City of Chilliwack to hear from a number of guest speakers, including Member of Parliament from Delta- Richmond East, John Cummins. Mr. Cummins gave a rousing speech that encouraged the members to build their party into a free enterprise alternative to the leftwing NDP and the left-drifting BC Liberals, who continue to free fall in recent polls. “You must build a party that maintains its principles while developing policies that speak to the average person. A party that captures the natural spirit and optimism of British Columbians, and which can replace the failed approach of the Liberals and the discredited approach of the NDP,” said Cummins. Mr. Cummins told the delegation that the people of BC are done with the BC Liberals, and need a credible alternative to turn to. “Not only can the BC Conservative Party be that alternative, with the right policies and the right leader, it can become the government in the next election,” Mr. Cummins asserted to thunderous applause and cheering.Deputy Leaders Chris Delaney and Mark Thompson, also invigorated the delegates with speeches laying out a vision for the future of the party and a plan to achieve it.
Delegates then spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon debating a number of by-law amendments, culminating with the adoption of a new Constitution and By-Laws that will enable the party to move forward efficiently and productively. Past disagreements were set aside, as delegates voted unanimously to approve the new Constitution. “This was a major turning point for the party. The members voted to put the past behind them, and to build for the future. They sensed that history was being made, and that the party has a real chance to build itself into an alternative for all of BC. The optimism in the room was palpable, as people talked of not just winning seats in the next election, but of winning government. So many people are telling us they want this alternative, and now we are able to give it to them,” commented McGrath.
The party also unanimously passed a resolution to hold an SGM (Special General Meeting) in the spring of 2010 to conduct a Policy Development Convention, and to officially kick off the start of a Leadership Race that will culminate in a convention in the fall of 2010 with the selection of a new leader who will take the party into the next election.
The Convention ended with the election of a new provincial Board of Directors, including: Wayne McGrath, Vernon, re-elected as President; Mischa Popov, Osoyoos, 1st Vice President; Jeff Bridge, Langley, 2nd Vice President; Peter Neville, Kelowna, Treasurer; Alex Desautels, Chilliwack, Secretary; Benjamin Besler, Chilliwack, Director at Large; Blake McKenzie, Victoria, Director at Large; Dean Skoreyko, Coldstream, Director at Large; Eddie Petrossian, North Vancouver, Director at Large; and Art Robatzek, Vernon, Director at Large. Shirley Abraham, Gibson, remains Immediate Past President.
Regional Directors for the Party, who will also sit as voting members of the Board, will be elected in 14 different regions throughout BC within 90 days following the AGM, to complete the provincial board.
For more information contact:
Wayne McGrath
President
(250) 542-7744
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