A new logo and branding have been officially unveiled for the freshly re-named BC United party.
Formerly known as the BC Liberal Party, BC United adopted the long-awaited change on Wednesday evening.
“The name has always been confusing to me. It’s not fair to federal liberals, it’s not fair to federal conservatives because we are a unique B.C. brand,” said Kootenay East MLA Tom Sypitka. “We really try to take hold of that center-right and it’s something I think we’ve lost in Canadian politics, to be honest.”
The official announcement was made in Surrey by BC United leader Kevin Falcon.
“This is a significant step toward what I know will be an extraordinary future for this province,” said Falcon. “BC United is way more than just a new name. We’re here to say to British Columbians: we will work relentlessly to make life better for you, and we will deliver.”
The new logo depicts the party name, with a small, multi-coloured bridge.
“A stylized bridge symbolizes us coming together across diverse backgrounds and perspectives to genuinely improve people’s lives,” said BC United Vice-President Caroline Elliott. “And the vibrant tones play on our proud legacy colours, but with an exciting new emphasis on the bright future we know we can achieve together.”
Shypitka said the party is going to have a change in focus going into the future.
“The name is just a name unless you can back it up, but I’ve seen the work that Kevin (Falcon) has done in the past. I have no doubt he will follow through in the future on actually having a result-driven party that we can be proud of again,” said Shypitka.
The local MLA said part of the change was to help the part distance itself from the federal Liberals.
“The BC Liberal name put them in a different part of politics in B.C. and in Canada, and a lot of people identify that with the federal party. We are different than the federal party on the conservative side and the liberal side,” said Shypitka. “When they vote for us, they are voting for a made-in B.C. political party that has no affiliation with any federal parties.”
Party officials said BC United has been registered as the party’s name with Elections BC and the BC Legislature. The name was suggested, chosen and adopted by party members over the last year.