Stone Enters The Race

Todd Stone has launched his campaign for BC Liberal leadership.

The 45 year old Kamloops-South Thompson MLA is a former tech CEO who says that industry has huge potential for growth.

“The tech sector in British Columbia is thriving today. What I’m talking about is taking it to a whole different level. You know, planting a flag in the sand and saying ‘We are going to be a tech powerhouse, not just in the Canadian context, but the world context,” Stone told a news conference at Holland Park in Surrey

Stone says he announced his leadership bid in Surrey, which he says is what the future of BC looks like, and is the fastest growing community in Western Canada.

He says it was not a challenge for fellow candidate Dianne Watts, the former mayor of Surrey.

“I’m not here in Surrey for any reason other than to say this is what the future of British Columbia looks like here in Surrey. This community is dynamic, it’s innovative, it’s growing. This community represents the face of our province.”

Stone says he wants to make life better for families including an expansion of childcare, and more support for mental health issues.

Stone is the eighth candidate to seek Christy Clark’s former position.

Among those backing Stone are Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo, and former cabinet ministers Terry Lake  and Peter Fassbender.

“The first time I met Todd, I quickly recognized his love for British Columbia, his love of family and his strong belief in the duty to serve others,” says Kyllo. “Todd’s commitment to British Columbia, his openness, and his leadership qualities make him the ideal candidate to strengthen the BC Liberal Party and defeat the NDP in the next election.“

Stone will also have other announcements in Victoria and Kamloops later today.

Other former cabinet ministers in the race include Andrew Wilkenson, Mike Bernier, Mike de Jong, former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan, former Surrey mayor Dianne Watts, MLA Michael Lee, and Terrace businesswoman Lucy Sager.

Party members will choose their new leader Feb. 2, 2018.

Kiss FM file photo of Todd Stone