Rosalyn Bird has announced that she will seek a second term representing Prince George-Valemount as the Conservative Party of British Columbia candidate.
Bird was one of the many Conservative MLAs who bolted from the party under Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership, but has since returned to the fold. Bird said her decision reflects both a willingness to address the events of recent weeks directly and a determination to move forward under the leadership of Lorne Doerkson.
“There were difficult decisions made over the past few weeks, including decisions I made, and I take responsibility for them,” said Bird. “But I want to be clear: my concerns were with the previous leadership,” she said in a news release. “They were not with my Conservative colleagues, nor were they a rejection of the Conservative principles and policies I believe can build a stronger British Columbia.”
Bird said her responsibility as an MLA has always been first and foremost to the people of Prince George-Valemount.
“When I believed I could no longer effectively represent my constituents under the former leadership, I acted. Today, Conservatives have come back together under the leadership of Lorne Doerkson, and we now have an opportunity to move forward together.”
Bird said her campaign will focus on the future of Prince George-Valemount and Northern British Columbia, including economic growth, resource development, private-sector investment, transportation infrastructure and the creation of long-term, generational employment.
Central to that vision is Bird’s proposal to establish Prince George as an inland port and northern transportation and logistics hub, capitalizing on the region’s existing rail and highway connections and its strategic access to Canadian and international markets.
“Northern British Columbia should not simply supply the resources that drive our provincial economy. We should be capturing more of the investment, transportation, processing and employment opportunities that come with them,” said Bird.
“We need to build again. We need to attract investment and create jobs again. Most importantly, we need to give our young people a reason to build their lives and their futures right here in Northern British Columbia.”
Bird also rejected political division as the answer to the challenges facing the province.
BC NDP Leader David Eby launched the election describing the current relationship with the United States and President Donald Trump as an “existential moment” for British Columbia and Canada.
“British Columbia faces serious external economic challenges, but division within our own province will not make us stronger,” Bird said. “We need less political infighting and fewer purity tests. We need more cooperation, more accountability and a greater focus on delivering results for the people we represent.”
Bird said the reunited Conservative team has an opportunity to present British Columbians with a different approach to government.
“This election is an opportunity for a new day in British Columbia politics – one focused on professional, competent, accountable and transparent government, and a future built on prosperity, opportunity and hope.”
“I am proud to be the Conservative candidate for Prince George-Valemount, proud of the work we have accomplished over the past two years, and I am asking the people of this riding for the opportunity to serve them for a second term.”