B.C. United election night watch party angers former candidate

An election night watch party at a downtown Vancouver hotel being held by B.C. United is angering a former candidate who was hoping to run for the party in the riding of Surrey South this election.

Ernie Klassen, a White Rock city councillor and flower shop owner, was tapped to be a B.C. United candidate for Surrey South on Aug. 7, but that ended when, just days later, B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon suspended the party's campaign on Aug. 28.

Although he decided not to run as an Independent, he says people in B.C. deserve a chance to elect a "middle of the road" party.

To his surprise, Klassen received an emailed invitation from B.C. United to a watch party at the Sutton Place Hotel on Thursday.

"I thought, 'Oh my goodness, this is a bit of a slap in the face," Klassen said.

The event features appetizers and a cash bar with special guest former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell, who will be there before the results come in for a discussion on the history and lessons of building a strong British Columbia, according to the invitation.

"Come join us for an electrifying night as we watch the election results roll in!" the invitation reads.

Klassen says he doesn't see the point.

"Leadership of the B.C. United party has proven that it's a dead party, like let this thing die a death," Klassen said.

He claims he spent about $3,000 of his own money on his campaign and wants it back.

"I was asking for the money that's owed to me that I fronted for the B.C. United Party and have been repeatedly told there is no money for us."

B.C. United said in a statement that party members showed an interest in watching the results together.

"The intention is to raise funds to settle the party's remaining reimbursements as quickly as possible," it said.

When asked if he will go, Klassen responded, "Honestly, I haven't decided yet. I might be picketing the party."