I love hearing good news!

I love hearing good news!

Each day the BC Conservative Party, through the efforts of 100's of individuals, gets closer and closer to preparing to provide British Columbians with a true option they can support -- and vote for.

Last night I was delighted to receive notice that the Richmond Delta area is now complete with all Constituency Associations officially recognized by the party -- and Elections BC.

Congratulations to Christopher, and everyone who worked hard to accomplish this milestone!

Here in the Kamloops, Thompson Fraser Nicola region we now have both the Kamloops South Thompson, and Kamloops North Thompson Constituency Associations recognized by the party, and Elections BC.  

That's two down, with just Fraser Nicola to go.

BC Conservatives stand for common sense government -- and you can find out more by Clicking Here

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops ... loving the sunshine, and wishing I was cruising the highway on my new Goldwing.

All in all, it was a wonderful evening -- now the real work begins

Two dozen members of the BC Conservative Party, in the riding of Kamloops South Thompson, came together last night to enjoy a meal, and to take part in the Constituency Associations Annual General Meeting, which was chaired by riding President Ted Joslin.

Back Row (Left to Right): Nando Di Lorenzo, Richard Holmes,
Ted Joslin, and Peter Sharp
Front Row:  Alan Forseth and Jacquie Hilton
Missing:  Chris Kempling and Roy Bell

The election of the new board was overseen by Fred Bosman, and when voting concluded, members had elected eight men and women who will now be tasked with registering the Constituency Association with Elections BC, getting plans underway to begin a candidate nomination process, and preparing for the general election to be held next May.

Elected to the board were Fernando Di Lorenzo, Alan Forseth, Jacqueline Hilton, Richard Holmes, Roy Bell, Ted Joslin, Chris Kempling, and Peter Sharp.  The new board will meeting in the next week or two to decide on executive positions, and to set several committees in place.

Following the election of the Board, Regional Director Alan Forseth introduced the evenings Guest Speaker, Sacha Peter of Chilliwack.  While a large portion of his talk centred building a strong campaign team around the right candidate, he also spoke to a concern that some have raised; the issue of vote splitting.

ELECTIONS BC: Chilliwack-Hope and Port Moody-Coquitlam By-elections Called for April 19, 2012

The following media release was sent out by Elections BC 0on Thursday March 22, 2012.  While we all know the by-election has been called, and who is running, this release contained more details on the mechanics of the by-elections:

VICTORIA – By-elections will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2012 to elect Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Chilliwack-Hope and Port Moody-Coquitlam electoral districts. The seats became vacant when Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Iain Black resigned on Monday, October 3, 2011 and Chilliwack-Hope MLA Barry Penner resigned on January 9, 2012.

“British Columbia offers voters an accessible and flexible voting process, ensuring that all citizens who are eligible to vote are able to do so,” said Keith Archer, Chief Electoral Officer.

“Elections BC is committed to administering the voting process in British Columbia with the needs of voters in mind.”

Residents of the two electoral districts will be eligible to vote if they are 18 years of age or older on Thursday, April 19, 2012, (General Voting Day), they are a Canadian citizen and they have lived in B.C. for the past six months.

BC POLITICS --- this week in the news

With the resignation of former Attorney General Barry Penner, Christy Clark now has two by-elections to call in the next few months --- by-elections that John Cummins and the BC Conservatives say they will be in.  There’s news on that … plus much more ... so read on! Remember the full stories can be accessed by clicking the link in the story title.)

Future jobs need planning now

… global economy goes from being a media phrase to something that threatens our jobs … it’s suddenly very real and very personal … and when hope gets lost, fear takes hold. Fear that our future will be bleak. Fear that what we’ve worked for will be lost … leadership and action can trump fear, and cynicism … need to stand together, to work together, and make the changes required … need to face our future not with fear or retreat, but with confidence and advancement on our strengths…

CLBC admits it pushed too hard to get clients out of group homes

… Community Living BC expressed regret for the harm caused and promised that, except in certain circumstances, nobody will be moved against their will in the future … follow recent reversals by CLBC in which it canceled plans to close homes and move residents ... spoken to families and apologized for the agency’s tactics.  “We regret the stress that we caused in their lives and we’re doing what we can to make that a better situation for them,” he said …

Community care crisis demands a resolution

… the crisis in community living has stirred something significant in us, demanding immediate action and decisive leadership.  In many ways it has become the barometer of how we are doing in B.C., striking a fundamental cord chord of justice and fairness….

Elections B.C. wants to pre-register 16- and 17-year-olds for voting

…  elections agency wants to use high school classes to pre-register teens to vote when they turn 18 … presented by chief electoral officer Keith Archer to a committee of MLAs Thursday … attempt to increase voter participation among 18- to 25-year-olds, the age group that's the least likely to vote …

This Week in BC Politics

It's the end of the week, and what a week it was!  Monday was awesome with Harper’s Conservative finally achieving majority government … and of course BC had its own share of political stories.  Some of these you may have missed … and some perhaps not.  So without further adieu, here is the week that just was in BC politics.

HST has been vastly oversold in B.C.,report finds

Tax will give only a modest boost to the economy while creating less than a quarter of the jobs predicted, government-appointed panel says ...

BC Conservatives ready for an election

If the response to this Saturday's fundraising dinner is any indication, the BC Conservative Party has a bright future in the area, says Randy White. The former Reform Party MP is helping to organize the …

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? 

Christy Clark has responsibilty to get elected as MLA for Vancouver Point Grey

BC Legislative Buildings

Christy Clark is not a member of the Legislature … she has the opportunity to become one

Christy Clark is not a MLA for any Constituency … she has the opportunity to run in one

No one can sit in the BC Legislature unless elected by the people … she has the opportunity

Is getting 70% of your campaign funds from one source is a good idea or not

“A new BC Conservative government would take big money out of politics by banning provincial political donations from corporations and unions.”
John Cummins, announcing his candidacy for leadership of the BC Conservative Party.

A story two days ago, in the Globe and Mail, included comments from University of Calgary Political Scientist Lisa Young, who said that a ban on corporate donations to federal political parties has improved public confidence in the system. “There isn’t that sense that corporations or unions are unduly influencing the process,” she says.

So is the BC Liberal Party thinking perhaps this is an idea they should now jump on – or do they disapprove of this suggestion from BC Conservative leadership candidate John Cummins?

Polls, ElectionBC, Moe Sihota --- is an election call around the corner?

Will we be having a BC general election in 2011 – over two years ahead of time. Speculation continues on that one – which is way I took a trip with Google to look at a few recent news stories over the past 6 month. Read on and see what you think ... but first let's check in with Elections BC:

Elections BC

Voting is an important part of our democratic process. It is a chance, for every eligible person to influence the policies that affect our lives on a daily basis. With only a simple mark on a ballot, voting lets us decide who our representatives will be and what our future will look like. The right to vote is protected by Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is one of our country’s most cherished institutions.

B.C. was the first province in Canada to establish fixed election dates. Provincial general elections are to take place on the second Tuesday in May every four years. The next provincial election is on May 14, 2013

BC Politics … the week of March 6th

It’s week number two for the month of March – and news of Christy Clark as the premier designate begins to take over the reins of government in Victoria – and let’s us know some of the things she plans to do – and doesn’t.

Also there is word this week of the first person rumored to be looking at taking a run for the leadership of the BC Conservative Party.

All the news you may have missed, or need a refresher on – just click the story title to go to the full story.

Tally almost $125K for failed recall campaign against Ida Chong

Elections BC expense reports released Tuesday for the Oak Bay-Gordon Head recall campaign read like a microcosm of BC politics. A business group with strong Liberal ties supported the Oak Bay-Gordon Head Liberal MLA and a labour union, disgruntled at ...

Arrrggg ... can't remote access my desktop :(

Arrgghhh ... I am out of town, and after carefully (I thought) making sure I would be able to access my material for this weekends BC Political News update for the week -- it appears that I can't.

Well the big news any way is that late this afternoon / early evening, the BC Liberal Party will elect a new leader, who becomes premier of BC.

Those who read my blog are well aware that I, along with many others, believe that no matter who they elect, it will be business as usual for the BC Liberals as Gordon Campbell heads off to retirement from politics.

BC Politics … week of Feb 13th, 2011

Well this week we saw three candidates (2 Liberal and one NDP) drop out of the races to lead their parties … a Throne Speech and Budget delivered that mean nothing as a new premier will be elected next weekend by the BC Liberals … more on Basi Virk / BC Rail and a multitude of other stories. 

As usual, I have tried to stick with one perhaps you may have missed, or that offer another side or viewpoint.  Regardless, take a minute to click the link in each headline and read on for the political stories that made the news this week in BC.

MLAs back after 256-day break -for four days
BC politicians return to work at the legislature Monday for a bizarre one week session that includes a …

Kash Heed -- BC's former "Top Cop"

The other day I said that a person just can't make up the kinds of stories coming from the BC Liberals – well turns up real-life drama IS better than fiction, at least when it comes to former solicitor general Kash Heed.  Now remember, Kash Head was elected as a Liberal MLA in the 2009 provincial election. He was the first Indo-Canadian police chief – a former chief constable with the West Vancouver police department, and a former superintendent with the Vancouver city police.

One would expect that someone who had graduated from the BC Police Academy, and having these credentials would know the law, or the repercussions of being involved with people that break the law right?  If I remember correctly, and I'm sure you'll let me know if I'm not, whether you commit the crime or not, if you are part of a group – OR – with an individual that breaks the law, you are equally responsible.

So what are the issues and legal problems he is currently facing?

BC Politics ... the week of Jan 16th to 22nd

Again there was lots of the same ol', same ol' this past week in BC politics.  Just once, wouldn't you like to see a week where the following headlines dominated in the news J

“All smiles at NDP leadership get-together”

“Teachers approach Education Ministry to say they agree with FSA testing”

“Christy Clark and Moe Sihota see eye to eye over the HST”

“No investigation of Liberal MLA Kash Heed this week”

Okay, you’re right, they will never happen – but here are a few of the stories that did make news this past week which you may have missed.  If nothing else, be sure to read this first one becuase it will leave you wondering if there really is much difference between a Liberal and New Democrat.  The last two are very interesting as well.

Politics makes strange bedfellows

No one can make me laugh like Brad." Just call them BC's version of James Carville and Mary Matalin …

Leadership is key to disease prevention

BCHLA urges the prospective leaders of all parties in British Columbia to commit to the development of a comprehensive, cross-government plan with ...

NOTE … I also did a blog comment on the story above --- click here to read it

This Week In BC Politics ...

Greetings and I hope your weekend is going well.  There’s never a slow day when it comes to politics in BC, and as you will note the BC Conservative Party has received a lot of ink this past week.  Here are a few stories you may have missed and will want to read … or perhaps you have read them already and just want to refresh yourself.  (click the article title to get the full story):

Cummins dismisses BC Liberal leadership race

Cummins support for the fledgling BC Conservative Party which he joined a year ago has ... to people who he believes have given up on the Liberals and NDP ...

BC politics is gearing up for its YouTube moment

On the flip side of the spectrum there is also the potential for a new centre left party should the Liberals implode. British Columbia New Democratic Party ...

Island of Conservatives

Former Reform Party member Randy White speaks during Saturday's business …

BC Liberal leadership race suffering from vision vacuum

Eventually, suggesting to voters that they have a direct say in what happens in a provincial capital catches up to a government, whose political interests …

Merry Christmas to you … and best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season …

As this year rapidly draws to a close, many people were asking what the likelihood of a provincial election was for next year.  While one Liberal leadership candidate, Christy Clark was saying there should be one if she is elected -- other leadership hopefuls have been saying no.  Regardless, Elections BC says they will need six months to prepare and get voters lists ready.  Keep in mind though there is at least the possibility we could have a few by-elections depending on the outcome of recall campaigns -- and depending on the winner of the NDP and Liberal leadership races.