By Jim Coggins

JIM HNATIUK, leader of CHP Canada, toured British Columbia April 16 – 23.

 The tour was part of Hnatiuk’s ongoing work to broaden the support base of the party. CHP Canada (the Christian Heritage Party) was founded in British Columbia in 1988.

Hnatiuk, from Nova Scotia, has led CHP Canada since 2008, when he took over from B.C.’s Ron Gray.

Hnatiuk’s itinerary included stops in Quesnel,  the Okanagan and the Lower Mainland.

One significant stop was Kamloops, where school teacher Chris Kempling  – known for the controversy generated by his views on homosexuality ­– has agreed to run for the party in the next election.  

Hnatiuk told BCCN the trip focused on several key areas where the party is seeking to grow.

HE visited several Christian high schools, “encouraging young people to become aware of politics, who the parliamentary leaders and how important it is to participate.”

One of Hnatiuk’s goals has been to bring younger members into the party; the party is developing youth caucuses across the country.

Hnatiuk also visited several Electoral District Associations, including a new one in the riding  of South Surrey–White Rock–Cloverdale, where Mike Schouten is the party’s candidate.

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CHP Canada had around 6,000 members when Hnatiuk took over, and has been running about 60 candidates in recent federal elections.

The party’s goal is to increase membership and eventually run candidates in every federal riding.

Hnatiuk also visited inner city ministries in both Calgary and Vancouver. He said these visits will help develop the party’s policy on issues such as homelessness.

The party is working to develop its social, economic and environmental policies so it is known for more than its stands on issues such as abortion and homosexuality.

Hnatiuk said the party won’t be able to attract good candidates unless it gives them better tools. This is why CHP has developed an extensive platform called ‘Better Solutions’ so the party will “speak with one voice across Canada.” (See the party’s website: www.chp.ca.)  

This is also what is behind the party’s rebranding to CHP Canada. Hnatiuk said the party remains committed to its Judeo-Christian values – but wants to be known for its policies, rather than just for its name.

Voters who may not be Christian, he said, might still be attracted to the party’s policies.  

May 2010