Having a say on major decisions is of no value ... if we do not have the facts

You will not find much disagreement amongst British Columbians’ that the most important functions of government are to provide quality affordable health care -– an opportunity for young people to get a good education -– an environment in the community where people can feel safe –- clean air and fresh water -- social programs for those in society who are in true need of assistance – and a tax system that is fair and affordable.

There will be disagreement across party lines, and even between friends, on how to best accomplish these goals, however I am sure that all would agree these things should be a top priority.

If that is the case, then why do we seem to have so much difficulty achieving those goals? 

I’m sure the vast majority of men and woman, who seek to be the elected representative within their community, wish to see these things come about ... so what is going wrong?

Many, although not all, will say we need to have a commitment to a new way of governing – and that Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA’s) must make a commitment to listen to the people who have elected them … and allow each of us to have real power to influence, and have a say, on decisions that affect our lives.

One opportunity is through Referenda, Recall, and Initiatives; which are opportunities for us “… to take part directly in the political and legislative process. Each event makes citizen involvement possible in a different area.”  (Elections BC)

For example, between June 13^th and 24^th we will have the opportunity, through Referendum, to vote on the future of the HST.  This vote is certainly going to provide us with the opportunity to have a say on a tax which definately does affect our life – but then what is going to happen? 

Remember, here’s what the questions is …

"Are you in favor of exitinguishing the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) and reinstating the PST (Provincial sales Tax) in conjunction with the GST (Goods and Services Tax?"  

Our choice is to answer either "Yes" or "No"; but think about that for a minute.

If we vote “Yes” it is clear we will go back to the old system of PST and GST – BUT – what about the 1.6 billion dollars payment the BC Liberal Government took to bring about the HST tax.  Will that be forgiven – do we have to pay it back – will this be discounted as a percentage from future Federal / Provincial programs?

Our BC Liberals government joyfully and happily accepted this money because the debt and deficit was going up faster than they wanted us to know – and they needed that money.  Now unfortunately, each of us may end up facing the consequences.  We may end up being responsible (through taxes and less government services) for a decision made by the BC Liberals.

Our BC Liberal government has placed us in a very precarious position. 

We either vote against continuing a tax THEY NEGOTIATED with the federal government (and by the way the federal government DID NOT force this on BC) … but we will likely end up owing back that 1.6 billion (in one way or another) --- or we can vote to retain it and then we end up paying tax on an additional 20% of goods the previous tax did NOT apply to.

BEFORE we vote on the referendum, Christy Clarks Liberal government (and remember former Liberal leadership candidates Falcon, De Jong, and Abbott were all there when the HST was negotiated) must come clean on what the results of a “No” vote will be.

They also need to come clean about whether or not the HST is going to be reduced by a point or two if we vote to retain it.  We keep hearing vague rumours about that --- we need to know for sure, BEFORE we vote.

Having a say on major decision that affect us is of absolutely no value if we do not have all the facts – or know what the consequences of the decision are going to be.

I’m Alan Forseth in Kamloops, and those are the thoughts of one conservative.