All candidates in the race for leadership of the BC Liberals will gather for the first time in Vancouver Wednesday evening at an event geared towards involving young people in politics.
Moira Stilwell, George Abbott, Kevin Falcon, Mike de Jong, Christy Clark and Ed Mayne will make speeches at the event, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver.
Organized by non-profit organization Build 2030, the aim of the event is to get 25 to 40 year olds involved in politics.
"The event is geared towards those who aren't already engaged with politics," said Build 2030 spokesperson Gavin Dew. "It's giving them a way to get involved and join in the conversation."
Candidates have used mobile technology and social media to engage the younger generation in the race and have announced specific platform initiatives geared towards them.
Christy Clark has been active on Twitter and Facebook hoping to reach the younger generation of social media users. Kevin Falcon announced that he supports extending SkyTrain operating hours on Friday and Saturday nights in order to give young people partying downtown a safe and affordable way to get home. Falcon was also the first candidate to launch an iPhone application.
Mike de Jong announced that he supports lowering the voting age from 18 to 16 if he is elected. Moira Stilwell wants to lower the interest rate of student loans.
George Abbott has said that if elected he will work to create opportunities for young people seeking jobs.
To register for the event visit www.build2030.ca. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 and costs $10.
