Fuhr, Liberals 'recharged'

Photo: LPC

Stephen Fuhr says he came out of this past weekend's big Liberal convention in Kelowna "recharged."

Back in Ottawa on Monday, the Kelowna-Lake Country MP said he was excited to see a turnout of about 400 people to the three-day event at the Delta Grand Hotel.

"It was really cool to see as many young people there," said Fuhr. "These are the people who will inherit our policy decisions of today, so it's good to see them getting involved."

Six cabinet ministers attended the convention, which included sessions on the economy, environment, tourism, legal cannabis and more.

Fuhr led a panel on investing in British Columbia and was a panel member during a Pacific caucus town hall meeting. He also attended a roundtable meeting with Tourism Minister Melanie Joly at Quails Gate Winery.

"From my perspective, it went really well," said Fuhr. 

He said such events are a good way to get government eyes on the Okanagan, "let them see what we have and advocate for what we need. They become emotionally attached ... The more I can get them to come, the better the success on getting things for our region."

Fuhr said the atmosphere was "very positive."

"This job isn't always easy ... everybody has an opinion, and when crafting social and economic policy, it's important to listen to them face to face.

"We promised a lot in the 2015 campaign. We've delivered a lot, but there is still a lot to be done."

He said the overwhelming message was to "not take the foot off the pedal" on policies that are more inclusive, economically and socially, protect the environment and come from a "progressive perspective rather than populist."