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Penticton  

BC NDP looks forward

About 300 people attended a BC NDP conference focused on campaign tactics for 2017, held in Penticton this weekend.

Party faithful of all ages were treated to inspirational speakers and breakout sessions at the Forward conference at the trade and convention centre.

"We were doing sessions on data, fundraising, volunteer recruitment and social media," said Craig Keating, BC NDP president. "And I am pleased to say there were longtime party members and young people who represent the diverse make up of the province here."

The conference included presentations by Mitch Stewart and Lynda Tran, strategists for U.S. President Barack Obama.

"These are individuals who worked on the Obama campaign with deep ties to the U.S. Democratic party, who view us as their allies," said Keating.

Obama has won two elections, he added, and they came and spoke about the strategies they used in the States.

BC NDP Leader John Horgan was in attendance and gave an inspirational speech Saturday morning about why families need a break from the current government, said Keating.

He also took time to engage with participants during the conference.

Coree Tull, a 29-year-old attendee from Vancouver, said she was really excited about the opportunities that were presented, from the training to the keynote speakers.

"I knew it would be a great opportunity to connect with New Democrats from across the province and to start thinking about moving forward and what is needed to win the election in 2017," she said."I am walking away feeling energized and ready to work hard."

Keating said the aftermath of the conference will be that people go back to their communities and start working.

"We are not taking anything lying down," he said. "We are going to work harder and smarter than we ever have before to make sure John Horgan is the next premier of the province."



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