B.C. Conservative leadership hopeful Rick Peterson will bring his message about the need to rebuild the party to Prince George on Friday.
The Lower Mainland businessman said in order for the party to be considered a credible contender for power in 2017, the Conservatives must strengthen their internal organization, increase their fundraising and improve their branding through media awareness.
Peterson believes he's in the best position to accomplish those goals because he has both the business acumen and an understanding of the major economic drivers in the province.
"I think what I'm going to be able to do is connect the funding and the media exposure from the south part of the province with the very strong economic growth and the requirements that are needed in the north," he said. "You put those two together, you've got a really good, strong Conservative brand."
Peterson will meet with Conservative party members in Prince George on Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the Four Points Sheraton hotel before traveling to Terrace for an event at the Sandman hotel at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
"I'm trying to listen and to hear concerns and hear ideas from Conservatives across the province," he said. "The message I'm going to be bringing to them is that it's my goal and my mission to make our party, if I'm elected leader, to be a viable, credible party that is ready to take power in 2017."
John Cummins stepped down as party leader shortly after the May election when the Conservatives failed to win a seat. Peterson and Dan Brooks of Vanderhoof are the two declared candidates looking for the job.
The Conservatives were as high as 20 per cent in some public opinion polls months before May's election, but received fewer than five per cent of the actual votes cast - although the party didn't run candidates in every riding. Peterson acknowledged that the support the party was getting may have outstripped the party's ability at the time, but he's confident he can build a party capable of being considered a viable alternative before the next election.
He believes the party can grow by attracting blue collar NDP voters dissatisfied with that party's stance on resource development; Green voters who like the Conservative fiscal plan and Liberal voters who support the Conservative economic vision.
He's running on three main policy planks: tax fairness, a strong resource sector and more accountability for crown corporations.
Peterson grew up in Grande Prairie, Alta., and said he's very familiar with the issues in Prince George both from his childhood experience visiting the city to play hockey and his professional experience working with local companies on financing issues.
"I know very well the issues, some of the challenges and some of the opportunities up there," he said. "I'm looking forward to reconnecting in Prince George."
