Liberal Leadership Candidate Visits Vernon

One of the front runners for the BC Liberal leadership race made a stop in Vernon Wednesday night.

Dianne Watts says she will be able to work with the party, despite not being a current MLA.

“I’ve worked with many of the MLA’s in the past and I’ve got good working relationships with them, so I’m not too concerned about that because I know that whoever wins the leadership race, we will pull together,” Watts tells Kiss FM.

The former Surrey mayor and M-P for South Surrey-White Rock is one of six hopefuls in the race that will be decided by party members on February 3.

Watts heard more about local issues during her stop.

She says Vernon, like many other communities, is grappling with homelessness.

“That’s why it’s really important for me to make sure we’re connecting with communities, that we’re talking with the mayors and councils about what they need on the ground.”

Watts says small business owners are telling her, any increases to BC’s minimum wage have to be gradual.

“Because the impact is going to be quite significant, and all they will do is pass it on to the consumer. So if you have a cup of coffee that’s $3,  and all of a sudden it goes up to $4.50, there’s going to be a problem.”

Watts says the issue will also have an big impact in the Okanagan when it comes to workers at orchards, farms and wineries.