B.C. Liberals should consider name change: Hansen

Veteran B.C. Liberal Colin Hansen says the time has come for the B.C. Liberal Party to consider changing its name.

Hansen did not suggest a new name, but told delegates to the party's annual convention in Penticton, B.C., Friday that a new name needs to be discussed.

He said his party needs to consider a brand that reflects the party's coalition of support among those who vote Tory and Liberal federally and to avoid confusion with the national Liberals.

"I think every time we go through an election campaign, on the doorsteps we get people who are confused with the fact there is a Liberal Party of Canada and there is a B.C. party, and the two organizations are not connected at all."

Hansen, a former provincial finance and health minister,did not set a time line for the new name, but said it's something the party needs to consider as it looks to the future.

Premier Christy Clark said she is willing to consider it, over time.

"We won't be in any rush to do it," said Clark. "It won't necessarily happen before another election, but I think we do need to get thinking about it."

East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett said the Liberal name is a liabilityin his riding and he supports achange.

"I think it's long overdue," Bennett said.

About 1,000 delegates are in the Okanagan city to attend the B.C. Liberal convention, the first under new premier and leader Christy Clark. The name-change issue is not on the official agenda, but is getting a lot of attention.