Clark focuses on NDP ridings in final campaign push

In the last days of the B.C election campaign, B.C Liberal Leader Christy Clark is planning to focus her leaders' tour on NDP-held ridings.

Without providing specifics, Ms. Clark told reporters, following a Saturday morning rally for North Island candidate Nick Facey, that she thought the Liberals had momentum ahead of voting day on May 14.

"I think we have a chance to win these ridings – this one for the first time since 2001. The momentum we have is very strong," she said, after calling on about 200 supporters gathered in an aircraft hangar to "work your hearts out" for the Liberals.

New Democrat Claire Trevena won the riding by 2,928 votes in 2009, setting a challenge for the Liberals.

Mr. Facey said it will take hard work and mobilizing supporters, especially younger voters, to turn things around for the Liberals in his riding.

NDP Leader Adrian Dix has been targeting Liberal-held ridings, and his party has been bolstered by polling leads over the Liberals.

Two polls released Friday gave the NDP a nine-point and six-point lead over the Liberals, who have governed B.C since 2009.

Both Ms. Clark and Mr. Dix have generally been dismissive of such polls.

Campbell River was a brief morning stop on the Liberal leader's tour Saturday. Ms. Clark caught a flight back to the mainland and was scheduled to campaign in Abbotsford South, held by former Liberal John van Dongen, and Surrey Fleetwood, held by the NDP.

Mr. van Dongen, a former Liberal now running as an independent, won Abbotsford South by 5,578 votes in 2009. Mr. Brar won Surrey Fleetwood by 1,992 votes in 2009.