De Jong Delivers…Leadership

ABBOTSFORD, BC, Sept. 26, 2017 /CNW/ - Re-energising B.C.'s free-enterprise coalition will be job-one for the next leader of the BC Liberal Party. In declaring his candidacy today, Abbotsford-West MLA Michael de Jong emphasised the importance of the task ahead.

"By bringing together an expanded and diverse team of new supporters, we can develop an exciting vision for our province's future that builds upon our record of having established B.C. as Canada's leading economy," de Jong said.

"It starts with responsible fiscal management and free-enterprise values, to lead a competitive economy that lets British Columbians thrive. Only by securing that sound fiscal basis can we lay the foundation for a strong society: to ensure every child has the opportunity for an education, every person has the dignity of a home, and all people can gain the tools for their independence and success," de Jong said.

De Jong's support includes current and former caucus members, as well as party members and private British Columbians concerned about the direction the NDP government is taking since it took power.

"I have seen the high value Mike de Jong places on diversity, and he will stand to lead with free-market values that emphasize openness to the world and the knowledge that B.C. can be proud of its people and ideas, energy and resources," said Teresa Wat, MLA Richmond North Centre. "His accomplishments as a minister, his strong ties to communities, and his passion for a prosperous and successful British Columbia make him a leader who can draw on our province's diversity to strike a bold vision for a prosperous future."

Chilliwack MLA John Martin and Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson have also confirmed their support for de Jong as BC Liberal leader.

"Mike offers pragmatic leadership that is ready both for today—as we stand up to the NDP government—and for tomorrow, when we offer B.C. voters a compelling alternative that delivers for hardworking British Columbians," Martin said.

"I have worked closely with Mike both locally and in government, and I've seen the commitment and strength he offers both to the people of the community, and the people of the province," Gibson said. "I have no doubt de Jong will deliver strong leadership today, and a vision for our province's future that will attract growing support."

The NDP have already begun to dismantle the building blocks of B.C.'s economic success by raising taxes and chasing away jobs and investment. Limiting the damage they inflict will require an opposition leader with strength and experience who can hold John Horgan to account.

"Mike de Jong has the leadership qualities to invigorate current supporters and attract new ones, and he is the best person to forge an opposition team that will stand up to John Horgan's government on behalf of hard-working, taxpaying British Columbians," said Pat Bell, former-MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie and former minister. "He is a leader with the strength and ability to stand up to the say-anything, spend-anything NDP—a government determined to dismantle the formula for success that made B.C.'s economy the strongest in Canada."

"I am humbled and gratified by the support I've received from caucus colleagues, members, and people from across the province urging me to consider seeking the leadership," de Jong said. "British Columbia wins when we have a strong team that values the diversity of our province and wants to work hard for the people in our province. I look forward to a conversation with British Columbians, so that together we can build a team that reflects the values of British Columbians and can help people achieve their aspirations."

Michael de Jong was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in 1994, and most recently served in government as Minister of Finance (2012-2017). As finance minister he introduced five consecutive balanced budgets, the only province to do so following the global economic recession, and protected B.C.'s triple-A credit rating—the only province to retain triple-As with all three major international credit rating agencies.

Since 2001, he has served as Minister of Health, Attorney General, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services, and Minister of Forests. In addition, he also served as Government House Leader.

The BC Liberal party will hold a leadership convention to announce the new leader on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018.

SOURCE Michael de Jong