A New Westminster resident and former federal Conservative candidate has thrown her hat into provincial politics.
This week, Chloe Ellis announced she was running for the leadership of the B.C. Conservative Party.
Ellis, who ran under the federal Conservative banner in the 2015 election, said she decided to run for the provincial party because she sees an opportunity for the party to become relevant and a legitimate choice in the next election in 2017.
In the last provincial election, the party received less than five per cent of the popular vote and won no seats in the legislature.
Ellis said the difference this time is she intends to provide a new vision for the party and attend as many leadership debates and local events as possible.
“I really just want to talk with everybody I can and listen to what their vision is for British Columbia and wrap our arms around them and say ‘let’s get involved, let’s change our future for the better,’” she told the Record.
She noted the Conservative Party ideals are a lean government, low taxes, personal responsibility and hard work, while also criticizing the provincial Liberals suggesting the government has a poor record of ethics and accountability.
On the hot topic of real estate and housing affordability in Metro Vancouver, Ellis said as leader, she would consult with stakeholders and do as much research as possible to get the legitimate numbers on the market, adding the statistics haven’t allowed the province to come up with a measurable plan to bring costs of housing down.
She also wants to review Medical Service Plan rates to see if the premiums can be better utilized to meet best practices around the country, noting rates have doubled since the Liberals came into power.
Ellis, who has master of business administration from the University of Northern British Columbia, said it’s unlikely she’ll run in the New Westminster in the next election, adding if elected leader, she’ll meet with members to discuss the ideal place to run.
The party will be holding its leadership convention on Sept. 16 and 17 in Prince George.
