The Southern Interior was the focus of Christy Clark’s campaign trail on Tuesday.
Starting in Kamloops, the very large blue bus whisked Clark to Merritt, Princeton, Osoyoos, Oliver, Penticton and finally Kelowna.
In Princeton, Clark joined Boundary-Similkameen Liberal candidate Linda Larson at Billy’s Family Restaurant, meeting with staff at the nearby mine.
“She met with the women who work at Copper Mountain,” said Larson. “From heavy-hauler truck drivers to shovel operators, there are a lot of women that work in that industry. It was really interesting, she sat down and talked to them.”
Larson joined Clark for the next two stops, Brar Orchards in Osoyoos and Cock & Bull Cappuccino Bar in Oliver.
“Clark is making a few stops in my riding and meeting with a few people,” said Larson.
“It gives people a chance to connect with her one on one. Who would not want the Premier to come? Christy is very personable and I think it is important for people to meet her and realize that.”
In Oliver, Larson’s Liberal volunteers filled the small coffee shop with cheers of support as Clark arrived.
Clark visited Cock & Bull Cappuccino Bar six years ago, asking Larson at that time to run in the previous election. Six years ago Clark signed a piece of paper for the owners, Rudolph Horka and Gabriella Horka, who asked Clark to do so again.
Clark signed a new piece of paper and was gifted a lucky horseshoe from the Oliver business owners.
“This trip has been fantastic. The reception has been good, really warm,” said Clark of her Tuesday tour. “I think people here understand how important it is that we protect workers from trade action, from the Trump Administration, you can really feel it here.
“If you are exporting cherries or apples or if you’re in the wine business, in the lumber business, people know we need a fighter who is going to stand up for jobs with the Americans.”
As for Larson, she said her riding should re-elect her because she believes she has done well.
“I have a done a good job, my government has done an incredible job,” said Larson. “That needs to continue, people need to know the economy is not something you can take for granted, the low taxes we have right now are not something you can take for granted, this is the government that will keep that stable.”