A shifting political landscape
Something is shifting in British Columbia politics. The BC Conservatives have risen fast. The policy debates are getting sharper. And on April 24, one of the country’s leading conservative networking organisations is coming to Vancouver to talk about what comes next.
The Canada Strong and Free Network is hosting its first gathering in Vancouver in some time. The goal: to celebrate wins, exchange lessons with conservatives from across the country, and chart a path for BC to escape managed decline and reclaim its position as an economic powerhouse.
The event runs April 24 at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. The theme is Conservatism’s New Frontier.
The economic growth panel
Stewart Muir, president and chief executive of Resource Works, will join the afternoon panel on economic growth, energy diversification and resources. He’ll be joined by Gavin Dew, MLA and opposition critic for jobs and economic development, and David Goldie of Orelian Consulting. National Post journalist Geoff Russ moderates.
It’s a well-matched panel for the moment. Canada’s trade relationship with the United States is under stress. Energy infrastructure policy remains contested. And B.C.’s resource economy — the backbone of provincial finances — rarely gets an honest hearing in urban policy circles. Muir has spent years making exactly that case.
A substantive program
The broader program is equally substantive. Former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell delivers the opening keynote. MP Aaron Gunn speaks after lunch. Other panels will tackle the future of private property rights, the record on drug decriminalization, and the political future of the Canadian right. The day closes with a BC Conservative leadership debate, moderated by National Post columnist Tristin Hopper.
The Canada Strong and Free Network was founded in 2005 to support Canada’s conservative movement by networking best practices and ideas pertaining to limited government, free enterprise, individual responsibility and a more robust civil society. The Vancouver gathering continues that tradition — with a distinctly BC flavour.
Register for the event here.
Ian Biana writes for the Resource Works Accelerate team and can be reached at [email protected].
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