“This
is pure and unadulterated piffle politics”.
Those words were penned by a friend of mine, Al Siebring, who lives on Vancouver
Island … and yes indeed “Piffle Politics” is what we have been subjected to
year after year for the past 2 decades.
Piffle
Politics is what we have been getting with all 4 throne speeches as well during
the 39th session of the legislature.
Let’s
look for example at all the TALK that has been generated around the BC economy
beginning with the first speech from the throne of the 39th parliament
which was give on August 25th, 2009
As in the early part of this decade, it is a smart focus on our economy that will lead us back to the
successful position that, only a year ago, we took for granted.
... heard clearly from British Columbians that they wanted a
stable government that would live within its means, improve and protect vital
services and lower costs on the economy so that we could invest in jobs and
infrastructure.
The government
committed to work to make B.C. more competitive, reduce barriers to the economy
and protect core public services.
The benefits will flow through in higher
productivity, higher wages and lower costs, increased competitiveness, reduced
bureaucracy and red tape, more jobs and
a stronger economy in every part of the province.
This administration's commitment to climate
action is equally unflagging and crucial
to our economy.
That sounds like the government is placing a high importance on the economy, and well they should, right?? I guess
that then means that in the 2nd throne speech, of the 39th
legislative session, given on February 9th, 2010, we should be hearing
good news. Let’s take a look …
A new budget will set the foundation for
the province we want in 2030, with a new
agenda that strengthens our economy …
We must identify new ways to achieve our
goals at lower cost, with faster
decisions and integrated approval mechanisms if our economy is to thrive and
job creation is to revive.
Airports should be open to trade, commerce
and tourism through Open Skies agreements.
That step alone would add $800 million and thousands of jobs to our provincial economy
Our natural
resources will remain the foundation of our economy. We will add new
competitive value to them with emphasis on technology, culture, art and design.
This is an age of innovation and invention.
The creative economy will shape our
future.
This session will feature additional
measures to restore our economy and to
create jobs in every sector.
Innovation is the watchword of the new creative economy that requires imagination,
ingenuity and new implementation strategies.
Ongoing financial discipline is
essential. It is the responsibility of all in this house to guide our economy and our
public finances back to balance.
Hmmmm
… I think I’m beginning to detect a theme or two here. Before I say anything more though, let’s let
the words of the 3rd throne speech from the 39th
parliament, given this time on February 14th, 2011 give us a few
more clues.
Its success was possible because of a foundation built on economic
competitiveness, sound fiscal management, a commitment to quality health
and education programs and services to support those most in need.
At a time when Canada is seen as a beacon around the globe for its economic
stability, its social character and its unwavering strength, British Columbia is recognized as a leader
within Canada.
Today in B.C. well over two million people have
jobs that support their families and add to the quality of life in their
communities
It is our families who are raising those
children and who are determined to make
sure that they inherit a province filled with even more opportunities than
what this generation has been blessed with ... even as we look back we know
that British Columbia's best days lie ahead
Okay …
now we come to the most recent throne speech, the fourth session of the 39th
parliament of the BC Legislature, which was given just this week on October 3rd…
This leadership is grounded in respect for
taxpayers, concern for our environment and a
commitment to a prosperous, entrepreneurial economy that can sustain a caring,
generous and ambitious society.
Your government has brought forward a
family lens through which decisions are made — decisions to preserve and strengthen the economy, the environment
and our social programs for the sake of the families who depend on them.
Of course,
these services depend on a strong economy that generates ample revenues.
We live in a time of financial instability ... this year, British Columbia's economy is expected to
grow, but at a modest rate and below the expectations of just a few months ago.
Revenues are expected to be smaller than forecast … it was hoped by both sides the global
economy would rebound; that stronger economic growth would take place ...
A Jobs and Investment Board will be up and
running in 50 days to hold government's
feet to the fire, clearing the way for job creation while continuing to monitor
key economic and social indicators.
The government is developing an international education strategy to increase
enrolment of foreign students ...
Your government sees the economic benefits of clean technology as part of a diverse
economy. We will look at the larger picture and consider how tax policy,
energy policy, incentive programs and new technology contribute to a renewed vision for B.C.'s green economy.
Efficiency, is designed to ensure we get the best return for every dollar.
These
are just SOME of the comments on the economy of British Columbia, from four consecutive throne speeches by the BC Liberal government.
In
each one of them they spoke to the need to be innovative … to find new
efficiencies … to lower costs … to reduce barriers … to make faster decisions
and integrate approval mechanisms … to develop new strategies … and to guide
our economy and our public finances back to balance.
These
four consecutive Throne Speeches, by the BC Liberal government, also spoke to
getting economic benefits from clean technology … several times they spoke of
strengthening and providing a strong economy, and to a prosperous,
entrepreneurial economy … to be creative – to restore – and to find
balance.
Finally
in this last throne speech the government said they plan to have their feet held to the
fire, clearing the way for job creation while continuing to monitor key economic
and social indicators.
This sounds
to me like pure and unadulterated piffle politics.,
We've heard the same story, over and
over again, using slightly different words and terms. The bottom line is this government has NOT
grown the economy – has not created an environment for new industrial development
– and has since 2005 increased taxpayer debt through continuous deficit
budgets.
The
throne speech from the third session ended in part with …
Our values are reflected in our actions.
Let us all in this House commit to reflect the best of British Columbia. Let us give to future generations rather than
taking from them. Let us demand more of
ourselves than we demand of others and set a better example to all those who
have bestowed upon us the honour of public service.
This week’s
throne speech ended in part with this comment:
We will not
lose sight of shared goals … your government is committed to change, committed
to improving life for British Columbia's wonderful and diverse families and
committed to open government … will face the challenges ahead, with humility
and respect for its citizens, and with optimism and confidence for the future.
So
far during the last 3 session of parliament we have been subjected to “Piffle Politics”. That said, I hope the objectives of this fourth session can be met. If not, I will be happy to write the next
throne speech for them. It will actually be quite simple to do, I’ll just cut and paste the same things they’ve already
said in the last four speeches.
I’m
Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservatives on this round
ball we call planet earth.
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