The leader of the provincial NDP received a warm welcome from more than 1,000 delegates at the annual B.C. Federation of Labour convention in Vancouver on Thursday.

In her address, Carole James accused the Liberal government of eight years of failure and told delegates that with bad times ahead a change is needed.

James attacked Premier Gordon Campbell, accusing him of squandering opportunities to build B.C. during economic good times and doubting his ability to govern during tough times.

"Gordon Campbell is giving our province away. I can tell you right now New Democrats are going to take our province back for the people of this province," she said.

The NDP leader promised things would be different under her leadership, with more money spent on transit, education and health care and a hike in the minimum wage.

But James cautioned delegates that the upcoming election will be tough and the campaign will get nasty.

Labour shows support for James

The enthusiastic reception James received from the crowd indicated the NDP leader could expect strong support from B.C. Fed. members in the May election. The labour organization has long been the key supporter of the provincial political party.

Delegates at the week-long annual convention also demonstrated their ongoing support for president Jim Sinclair and secretary-treasurer Angela Schira. The two leaders were returned to the jobs Thursday morning by acclamation.

Sinclair told the delegates to gear up for the provincial election in May and said the labour organization is motivated to defeat the current Liberal government.

The B.C. Federation of Labour represents 450,000 workers in British Columbia in a wide range of unions.