The Conservative campaign machine and leader Andrew Sheer chose the scenic backdrop of Centennial Beach today for a major announcement unveiling his platform.
Following a media briefing at Tsawwassen Springs by party officials, who explained the costing of Scheer’s election platform, reporters and cameramen from regional and national media gathered at the beach under an ideal warm, sunny sky.
Enthusiastic party insiders were on hand as well a contingent of B.C. Conservative candidates, including Delta’s Tanya Corbet.
The organizers made sure no one was in the shot for the large group of media travelling with the Conservative leader as he made his perfectly orchestrated entrance, walking down the boardwalk with his wife Jill and kids, holding her hand and letting the children run off to the playground.
The relaxed and confident party leader then went to the podium on the sand to talk about his plan, slamming Liberal leader Justin Trudeau often.
Scheer talked about the Conservative “Plan for You to Get Ahead”, which he noted was a fully costed platform that details how his government will live within its means and put more money in people’s pockets.
Examples of how typical Canadian families will get ahead under his government were offered, including, according to Scheer, an average retired couple living in Tsawwassen saving $2,580 a year.
Promising to make life more affordable, his platform states that between now and 2025, his government would have $49 billion in tax cuts and new programs, while also balancing the budget by raising $69 billion through new revenue as well as cuts to existing programs and initiatives.
With the gloves clearly long off in the campaign, Scheer, saying Trudeau’s pettiness and smallness is unworthy of the vision of Canada, described the Conservative platform as having real, concrete measures, a responsible plan with prudent framework, unlike the Liberal platform.
“Four years ago, Justin Trudeau came to office on a promise of sunny ways and positive politics. He spoke of his hopeful vision of the future, but it didn’t take long for his professed optimism to give way to outright cynicism and his commitment to unity to dissolve into divisiveness,” he said.
“The last four years have clearly demonstrated that Justin Trudeau is not as advertised. He said he would be accountable and ethical. Instead, he has used the power of his office to reward his supporters and punish his critics….On October 21st, you’ll have the chance to end Justin Trudeau’s cover-ups, deficits and tax hikes and elect a Conservative government that will finally help you get ahead.”
The Liberals were quick to claim Scheer is releasing his costing on the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend to bury $53 billion in cuts including $14 billion that are “totally hidden".
Currently held by the Liberal Carla Qualtrough, the Delta riding is clearly an important one for both sides as Trudeau paid a visit to North Delta a couple of weeks ago, while his wife Sophie Grégoire paid a visit to Ladner this week. Trudeau was also in East Delta last summer.
This was Scheer’s second visit to Tsawwassen this year, having attended a rally this summer at Tsawwassen Springs to talk about his vision for the country.
Advance polls opened today.
