Wilkinson Tells Vernon Liberals He’s Best For Leader

Andrew Wilkinson says he plans to visit every corner of BC as part of his bid to become the next BC Liberal leader.

The MLA for Vancouver Quilchena, lawyer, and former cabinet minister was at Vernon’s Schubert Centre Wednesday, and says his experience sets him apart from the 7 other hopefuls.

“This is a job with no training wheels. There’s no preparation or orientation once you become leader. You have to face down the NDP on day one and you have to do it well for the first few months to impress the media with the ability to lead.”

Wilkinson, who was born in Australia but grew up in Kamloops, says his focus will be on workplace training, and providing incentives for businesses to prosper.

“And the second part of that is encouraging employers through the right kind of tax policy and the right incentives to make sure that when people are finished their training or upgrading, they’ve got the prospect of good quality work. This is the concern all around British Columbia.”

He adds improvements are needed to mental health, drug addiction and affordable housing to tackle homelessness.

“All three of those come together and contribute in various ways to the homelessness problem and we’re going to have to deal with all three of them. Obviously the homelessness situation seems to be getting worse.”

Wilkinson says he’s lived and worked all over British Columbia, so he believes he has a very good perspective on the issues people face all over BC.