The report does bring up things that cannot be ignored --- basically dismissing the party they came from as irrelevant however, is a BIG mistake

Today in the Victoria Times Colonist, reporter Jack Knox had an article entitled … B.C. Tories tap into worries about costs, gaffes of RCMP.  Early on in the story he makes the following comment:

An hour after word leaked out that Ottawa and the province were - finally! - close to a deal on a new RCMP contract Monday, the B.C. Conservatives issued a report calling the Mounties "inept and outdated."

Not that what the Conservatives say carries much weight, as they haven't elected an MLA since the 1970s. But in calling for B.C. to look at forming its own police force, they did drag up criticisms that, fair or not, neither the politicians nor the RCMP can afford to ignore.

There are many things to consider in this report, prepared for the BC Conservative Party by former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Brian Peckford, and they do bear consideration. 

That aside … my attention was caught by the very beginning of the story. 

Again here is what Jack Knox had to say:

 “... after word leaked out that Ottawa and the province were close to a deal on a new RCMP contract Monday, the B.C. Conservatives issued a report calling the Mounties "inept and outdated." Not that what the Conservatives say carries much weight, as they haven't elected an MLA since the 1970s. But in calling for B.C. to look at forming its own police force, they did drag up criticisms that, fair or not, neither the politicians nor the RCMP can afford to ignore...”

(L) Former Newfoundland & Labrador Premier Brian
Peckford with BC Conservative leader John Cummins

I think that Jack Knox is right --- in saying the report does bring up things that cannot be ignored --- basically dismissing the party they came from as irrelevant however, is a BIG mistake.

Perhaps Jack may have wanted to think this through from another angle.

He may have said to himself ... this party is indeed serious about becoming no less than the opposition in the next provincial election. 

He may also have thought, with no MLA's in the legislature ... and no taxpayer paid staff and research budget ... here they are commissioning reports on matters of importance to British Columbians!

So I pose this question to you who are reading this, and to Jack;  what do you think now when you look at it from that point?

I’m Alan Forseth in Kamloops … with the thoughts of one conservative.

PS ... if you would like to read the full Peckford report, click HERE