Former BC United MLA Karin Kirkpatrick launched her new CentreBC party with a pretty direct sales pitch to voters: British Columbians deserve a different choice at the ballot box than an “out of touch” BC NDP government and a BC Conservative party full of “conspiracy theorists.”

“The BC Conservatives have been an unmitigated disaster; conspiracy theorists and hateful extremists found safe harbour in that party,” Kirkpatrick said at her inaugural press conference in Victoria, with the legislature serving as a backdrop.

“While some have been expelled, many of the worst offenders still remain. They are not what a government in waiting should look like. They practically guarantee another NDP government.

“But British Columbians deserve something better. They deserve an option at the ballot box that reflects their values. They deserve a government that approaches the challenges in a pragmatic, and evidence-based and balanced way. A government that is both compassionate and fiscally responsible.”

Kirkpatrick is the former MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano, and knows how to navigate B.C.’s political arena. She’s particularly adept in the fundraising and organizing necessary to get a functioning central HQ with 93 competent riding........

© BIV