NDP strategists gather in Kamloops in advance of 2017 B.C. election

KAMLOOPS – More than 500 members of British Columbia's New Democratic Party are in Kamloops for an event the party hopes will put it on the path to power.

NDP justice critic Leonard Krog says the meeting is being held in the Southern Interior because New Democrats believe the election will be won or lost in rural ridings.

He says seats from urban centres are important but party members believe the last election slipped through their fingers when rural, traditionally NDP seats, went to the Liberals.

Opposition Leader John Horgan says the weekend of closed sessions and high-profile speakers will be a big step toward a New Democrat government for B.C. in 2017.

Participants will hear from several high profile speakers including Betsy Hoover who served as director of digital organizing for the 2012 re-election campaign of U.S. President Barack Obama.

Premier Christy Clark's government currently holds 48 seats to the NDP's 35 and the next general election is set for May 9, 2017.