B.C. NDP leader John Horgan was in Kelowna Tuesday to hear directly from locals about their concerns, particularly what he sees as a need to raise the minimum wage in B.C. to $15 per hour.

According to Horgan, studies show a substantial hike to the minimum wage will not only help those currently making low wages, but would also benefit the entire B.C. economy.

But, while it has increased the minimum wage by small increments in the last few years, the Liberal government of Premier Christy Clark has balked at calls for such a substantive increase香蕉视频直播攐ne that would push up the current $10.85 per hour minimum wage by $4.15 per hour.

The minimum wage in B.C. went up 40 cents per hour in September and is slated to increase to $11.25 this coming September.

But Horgan says a more substantial hike is needed now in order to help the hundreds of thousands of people, particularly those with families, struggling to get by on low wages.

Despite Clark香蕉视频直播檚 often-repeated claim that B.C. is leading the country in economic growth and job creation, Horgan said job creation has not occurred in rural B.C.

香蕉视频直播淚f fact, we are seeing people leaving rural B.C. for Vancouver,香蕉视频直播� he said, claiming most of the good jobs created under the government香蕉视频直播檚 Jobs Plan have been created in the Lower Mainland.

And, he added, there has not been a net increase in jobs in the Kelowna area since 2011.

With a provincial election coming up in May, it香蕉视频直播檚 clear both Clark and Horgan are starting to mark out their territory when it comes to appealing to voters.

In his discussion with six local people at downtown Kelowna coffee shop Tuesday morning, Horgan said he was pleased to hear three young women express optimism for the future, despite what the ND leader said was 香蕉视频直播渆vidence to the contrary.香蕉视频直播�

In the wide-raging discussion with the women and three older men, Horgan heard there is a need here for a collaborative spirit, with less focus on individuals and more on the community as a whole.

香蕉视频直播淲e are one,香蕉视频直播� said one of the men in response to a call for see more community meetings take place to discuss political issues.

香蕉视频直播淒on香蕉视频直播檛 call it politics, call it social democracy. Let香蕉视频直播檚 make it happen.香蕉视频直播�