As of April 12th, the BC Liberals have officially rebranded to become the BC United Party.
Kevin Falcon, leader of the party who acts as the official opposition to the BC NDPs announced the news in a conference in Vancouver in front of hundreds of BC United Party members.
“This is a significant step toward what I know will be an extraordinary future for this province,” said Falcon.
“BC United is way more than just a new name.”
“We’re here to say to British Columbians: we will work relentlessly to make life better for you, and we will deliver.”
“We’re laser-focused on results, not rhetoric. On competence and compassion, not mismanagement and neglect. On optimism and hope, not despair and division. We’re about taking on BC’s biggest challenges and seizing our greatest opportunities, so our kids, and their kids, can have the future they deserve.”
The official opposition party lost 13 seats to the BC NDP in John Horgan’s October2020 snap-election, and currently hold only 27 of 87 seats in the Legislative Assembly.
Given that things had changed politically in BC since COVID-19 and the economic state of Canada, the former BC Liberals decided it was time to change things up to better reflect the political landscape.
Last night, I was joined by my family and hundreds of supporters to celebrate the launch of #BCUnited.
From the start, we knew this was more than just a new name…
It's a commitment to bridging our differences to focus on outcomes, optimism, hope and a bright future for all. pic.twitter.com/hoR3zK3BAE
— Kevin Falcon (@KevinFalcon) April 13, 2023
“We’re fresh, we’re invigorated, and we’re united in our common desire to build an incredible future,” said BC United Vice-President Caroline Elliott. “That’s what our new logo is all about.”
“A stylized bridge symbolizes us coming together across diverse backgrounds and perspectives to genuinely improve people’s lives. And the vibrant tones play on our proud legacy colours, but with an exciting new emphasis on the bright future we know we can achieve together.”
There was some concern amongst party members that in the midst of unveiling their new name and logo, Premier David Eby would call for a snap-election, but Falcon has said that he has been assured by Eby that will not happen.
After the dust settles from the new name being launched, the BC United Party will have to put forth a candidate for the Langford-Juan de Fuca electoral district by-election and focus on gaining more traction ahead of the next scheduled general election, which is to take place in October 2024.
“The NDP expect British Columbians to just accept the worsening state of affairs as normal, but that’s not good enough,” said Falcon.
Falcon openly accused the BC NDPs of misspending with nothing to show for it, stifling investment and eroding the province’s prosperity which will cost the next generation jobs.
He called the BC NDP’s leadership cynical and said that they are responsible for “pitting British Columbians against one another for their own political gain.”
Related:
- BC Liberals could change their name by the end of the year
- BC Liberal Party officially changing their name to BC United
- Race to replace John Horgan in Langford-Juan de Fuca riding begins
Falcon promised party members during the launch of the BC United Party’s new branding that their party would be able to build a prosperous economy, use tax-dollars respectfully, reflect the diverse populations they serve and think into the future, beyond the next election cycle.
The BC United Party has been officially registered as the party’s name with Elections BC, the Legislature and all business and communications will now be conducted under that name.
Party members suggested and voted for the name that the former BC Liberals have switched to. Around 80% of the nearly 8,000 party members voted for this name in November 2022.
