Christy Clark made an appearance at the Coast Inn of the North Sunday afternoon to discuss her views on how the Liberal party can move forward and regain the trust of British Columbians.
Clark, the fourth B.C. Liberal Party candidate to visit Prince George, said she's centered on a family first agenda, and what's best for families is that "mom and dad have a job."
"In terms of the North, jobs are very important. Resource industries drive the economy for the entire province, and we need to make sure families are taken care first," said Clark.
Prince George is unique in that it has a strong knowledge-based economy, she said, adding many initiatives such as the Northern Medical Program have proven that people educated in the north stay in the north, and this is something that needs to be maintained.
Clark is a former B.C. Liberal deputy premier, but hasn't sat in government for the last five years. Most recently, she began the Christy Clark Show on CKNW radio.
During her visit to Prince George, Clark said she foresees challenges in the forestry and mining sector. She said Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell has done a great job opening up the market in the forestry sector, there is always lots to do.
For mining, she said the government must move on the Prosperity Mine.
"We need to make the Prosperity Gold Mine a reality, otherwise we are sending the message that B.C. is not open to future mining endeavors," said Clark.
Born in Burnaby, the former MLA was first elected in 1996, and was Education Minister and Deputy Premier in 2001. Though her career has kept her in the southern regions of the province, she said she appreciates the roll of the north.
"I understand that the city that is most dependent on the forest industry is in fact Vancouver. Keeping the north strong and prosperous drives business in the south, and people living in the south wouldn't be able to afford their car payments, food or their daily lattes without the industries in the north," said Clark.
Clark said she's heartened that she's come out as a front-runner for the candidacy, and she's ready to listen to what the people want.
Joining her in the race for the BC Liberal Party leader include Moira Stillwell, George Abbott, Kevin Falcon and Mike de Jong. Falcon is making his second appearance in Prince George today, and will tour the Del-Tech Manufacturing and will also discuss his northern prosperity agenda.
