B.C. Conservative MLA Peter Milobar brought his leadership campaign to Port Coquitlam this week as part of his “Win Back B.C.” tour.
Milobar, who represents Kamloops-Centre, spoke to about 40 supporters at a meet-and-greet event at the Cat & Fiddle Pub, where he outlined his vision for the party and the province.
He argued that both the party and the province are in need of change, saying a Conservative victory would be critical to improving conditions in British Columbia.
Positioning himself as the most electable candidate, Milobar pointed to his experience as a former mayor of Kamloops and noted that he is currently the only leadership contender serving as an elected MLA in the provincial legislature.
Milobar previously ran under the B.C. United banner (formerly the B.C. Liberals) but joined the Conservative Party of B.C. ahead of the last provincial election. That race ended with the NDP forming a narrow one-seat majority, a result Milobar says shows the Conservatives are within reach of forming government.
He told supporters he is best positioned to turn that close result into a majority win in the next election.
On policy, Milobar emphasized key Conservative priorities, including a tougher approach to crime, improvements to the healthcare system, and changes to education policy — specifically repealing the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI 123) program in schools.
He also highlighted plans to strengthen property rights, including repealing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).
Milobar said his broader leadership platform will focus on addressing affordability challenges facing younger residents, clarifying how proposed policy changes would be implemented, and supporting a transparent review of claims surrounding the reported discovery of children’s remains at the former Kamloops residential school site.
