While BC municipal elections are just around the corner, a new provincial party focused on rural issues hopes to gain traction before the next provincial vote.
Founders of the Rural BC Party say they want an alternative devoted to promoting and advocating for rural residents as they say existing major political parties appear solely interested in supporting the voter-rich areas of the Lower Mainland and Southern Vancouver Island.
Houston Councillor and interim party leader Jonathan Van Barneveld says rural British Columbians are the major economic driver of the province, but feel increasingly forgotten and neglected.
Telkwa mayor Darcy Repen says the party offers a better alternative which will truly advocate for the needs of rural BC.
The Rural BC Party says it has started work to establish support in 23 rural ridings.
