B.C. Conservatives lauded by leadership candidate - Dan Brooks relays resource platform in South Cariboo

The following is an article written by Carole Rooney, which appeared in todays (November 6, 2013) edition of the 100 Mile Free Press.  

 

British Columbia Conservative leadership candidate Dan Brooks recently visited 100 Mile House to meet with potential party supporters.  Brooks is based in Vanderhoof, where he runs a hunting and fishing lodge.

 

"I've been in tourism pretty much all of my life. In my background, I did an awful lot of land and resource management planning." 

 

While his party did not put forward a Cariboo-Chilcotin candidate in the last provincial election, Brooks said he is actively seeking new members in order to begin "building the party" and find a candidate in the constituency. 

 

"Even though we didn't elect anybody, the [B.C.] Conservative Party played a very, very crucial role in this last election, and we took the entire political spectrum to the right, toward free enterprise and personal freedoms. The [B.C.] Liberals tacked to counter us. In previous elections, we weren't a force, and so they could ignore us, but in this election, we were a significant force, and so they had to tack that way." 

 

In this manner, his party did a "great service" for the province and its democracy, he said, so despite having no members sitting in the legislature, those election efforts were not made in vain.

 

"This province will be better by our presence alone. Imagine how much better it will be when we are in government," he added, chuckling. 

 

Brooks explained he realizes people feel discouraged about the lack of strength in his party, but without his right-wing party views, they will only have an "NDP and NDP-like" perspective in the legislature. 

 

"We need a party that represents the ideals of [B.C.] Conservatives across the province. That's what we are trying to build." 

 

Most small rural communities in B.C. are either "outright suffering or stagnant," Brooks said, with little economic growth and dwindling population. 

 

"Across rural B.C. in the last 15 years, we have lost 58,000 people. That's an awful lot of people."

 

Last year, 10,000 residents left the province, he noted, while others have gone to larger urban centres. 

 

"As a potential leader of the [B.C.] Conservative party, that is a worrying trend that I propose to change. So, we have got to put the focus on rebuilding the rural resource economy." 

 

Brooks explained agriculture, forestry and tourism issues in the South Cariboo are likely much the same as in Vanderhoof, as they all require dedicated land. 

 

"So, you have to find ways to utilize land to maximize your revenue base off of that land base. And, there are some deterrents that currently exist." 

 

He noted the first example of this that came to his mind. 

 

"Aboriginal land claims ... have become an economic deterrent, and have made economic growth in our rural resource areas extremely difficult.  I agree entirely with the idea of consultation and accommodation, but you can't perpetuate this indefinitely. At some point in time, someone is going to have to stand up and say, 'we are going to force this issue'." 

 

Brooks added the "biggest problem" on First Nations reserves is abject poverty, and the way to eliminate that is to provide jobs. 

 

"How do you get jobs? You build a rural resource economy. So, by building economic growth in your rural communities, that benefits First Nations." 

 

The current MLAs have become "rubber stamp machines" who follow the party lines, he said, while the B.C. Conservatives will empower constituents by empowering their MLA to represent them as they see fit. 

 

Brooks noted he plans to visit the South Cariboo again before the party leadership elections take place April 11-12. 

 

"I'm going to be down here in 100 Mile the first week of December. This time I'll be holding an event ... we'll have a meet-and-greet."

It is up to BC Conservatives to show we are a party worthy of support

I have to say that I am feeling MUCH MORE enthusiastic about being a BC Conservative these days.  Despite not much in the way of news in mainstream media, the rumor mills are alive with talk of upcoming announcements. 

That's why I am asking those outside, and inside the party, "Are you looking to create, and be part of, a true small 'c' conservative party with a social conscience?"

That is what I have always believed in, and hoped to see created in the BC Conservatives.  And those of us who have stuck by the party, and who are now giving us a second look, are (I hope) looking to continue to grow and develope that kind of common sense alternative. 

Dialogue.  That is what people within the BC Conservative Party need to have.  But it must be a respectful dialogue. 

No any one person, or group, is the BC Conservative Party. We have had enough inner squabbles, and I for one am more than ready to say ... "So long good riddance to the past crap" ... and look forward to building the future of the party. 

Personally I believe the party needs to grow from a support base and move out from there -- that means a solid foundation in the interior and north. I feel fairly certain some will not see eye to eye with me on that, however that's the kind of discussion and dialogue the party needs to have. 

Just to be clear, I have not yet chosen who I will be supporting for the leadership of the BC Conservatives. That's because I do not even know yet who is planning to seek the nomination, other than rumors of Dan Brooks and Rick Peterson.  I hope at least one or two others will step forward as well ... and I hope there conservative women considering the leadership as well. 

It may seem mundane, as opposed to the wild flurry of an election campaign, however it is a VERY important step to be ready for 2017

Al Siebring, Chair of the BC Conservative Party Policy Committee, sent an email out the other day.  It began by saying;

 

"Now that the election is out of the way, it's time to move on with more mundane Party business.  We have our Party's AGM coming up in Vernon in September.  Per Article 10 of the Party Bylaws, we are giving each CA an opportunity to provide input and amendments to our Party “Policy Document” in advance of the AGM."

 

I for one found that refreshing, and encouraging -- it also fit with something I had posted on this web-blog as well.  On Monday, I asked the question "Can you please tell me the differences between the Conservatives and the Liberals?", which I was delighted to see generated some conversation and dialogue. 

 

Some of the comments coming back included one from Sean who mentioned:

"... I think the person requesting this info would have liked to see a specific breakdown of the actual differences ... the differences are quite stark when you compare policies versus rhetoric." 

 

Sean is likely right on the mark, that said, I still think everything flows however from the 2 direct points which I made in the original post.  The BC Liberals -- and the NDP for that matter -- can say anything they like, however no elected member of either party is really accountable to the electorate.  They are ONLY accountable to the political party which they represent.

 

For REAL change to actually happen, there is going to have to be an acceptance that at times MLA's will have to vote against party line.  If a way is made available for the to happen, in a way that can be respectful, then this becomes a win-win for everyone ... everyone that is but those manipulating from the backrooms. 

 

Here's another snapshot from a comment made by Bob:

 

" ... we need to aim for a turn as the Opposition in 2017 as a training ground in preparation for governing in 2021 ... we need to compete with the statist party in those areas where they are winning the ideological competition with many citizens if we are to replace them ... we will have to produce some innovative policies using very conservative principles on issues such as poverty, education and health in a way that outshines their central-planning approach ..." 

 

Well indeed the leap for us to go from nowhere as a party, to government, was a hard one for most to swallow -- BUT it has been done elsewhere.  That said, getting MLA's in the legislature is the start needed to season a number of quality government ministers to take reins of government.

 

I like Bob's suggestion of having "innovative policies using very conservative principles" to deal with serious issues. 

 

We were right, in my opinion, to say that getting BC economy running, at full steam, would go a long way towards coming up with solutions to many of the "issues of poverty, education and health".  That said people need, and want, to see the steps that BC Conservatives will take to find them (solutions).

 

I am convinced we have individuals from every background and experience needed to come up with the pieces to connect our broad stroke ideas, with issues and problems we face as a province.  Now leadership at all levels of the party need to be open to hear possible solutions (workable or not) that can lead to real and workable policy.

 

(STAY WITH ME ... I'm headed directly to policy considerations, for the BC Conservative Party, in just a moment)

Can you please tell me the differences between the Conservatives and the Liberals?

Differences?  Yes there certainly are differences, and not just
minor ones, between the BC Liberals and BC Conservatives

On Saturday I received an email from a resident of the North Thompson; they asked, “Can you please tell me the differences between the Conservatives and the Liberals?” 

I think if a number of BC Conservative supporters were asked that question, they likely would have a number of different answers. 

It is a good question, one the party should be considering, and I hope you will take a moment to see what I had the say in response to it: 

Hello Alan,


This is Robert S---, I am in the North Thompson riding. I emailed Peter Sharp before the election because his was the only email I found. I don't imagine it makes much difference at this time though.

I only started getting interested in politics this year because I am tired of voting a party out, not voting a party in, so I figured to try a third party, the Conservatives.

Can you please tell me the differences between the Conservatives and the Liberals, both being free enterprise parties.

Thank you,
Robert S.  


Good afternoon Robert ... thanks for getting in touch ...

WOW -- you have asked a big question; one that deserves a thoughtful response, and not necessarily one that all members would not be unified in stating. 

First I believe there are two distinct area where we differ from the BC Liberals; one we believe that political parties should be sponsored by individuals, not big business and big labour.  The BC Liberal Party has be steadfast in not supporting this, which is not hard to understand as they are supported to the tune of millions of dollars by big business.  Our position has now also been taken up by the NDP and Green Party, and is being pushed by Integrity BC. 

The question that needed asking was, "So where do the Conservatives go from here?"

It's conversation time again ... this time Alan and Allen ... as the question is asked of me, "What went wrong, and where do we go from here." 

These kinds of conversations are going on all over the province and so it would seem to me that there is much value to be gained from sharing thoughts, questions, and suggestions amongst each other. 

This then, is another of several I have had in recent days:

Hi, Alan,

I would be interested in your take on the election results.  It seems to me that John focused all his energy in attacking Christy Clark rather than the NDP, in expectation that she was vulnerable and the Conservatives could pick up Liberal seats.

Obviously, like the pollsters, he got it wrong. So where do the Conservatives go from here?


Hello again Allen, and thanks for your email ...

Boy there is sure a lot to look at and digest from the election.  The bottom line, in my opinion, is that we were strategically wounded last Summer and Fall, and the party and leadership were never able to recover.  The party tried to make several attempts to highlight positions of importance, that would make real positive change across the board to the people of BC, but the clamour we were spiraling down (fed by polls and media pundits) only re-enforced that we were not yet ready to govern.

That said, we now have the opportunity to build a strong party, and leadership at all levels will also need to be looked at; from the local CA level right to the top.

The beliefs and principles of our party ARE important, and we as BC Conservatives need to present our party as a clear alternative to the BC Liberals -- AND the NDP.  I hope that you will be encouraged to support our party, to perhaps take a step towards being part of the local CA Board, and to show others that BC Conservatives will have a message integrity and accountability in the platform and policies we will take to voters next time round.

Thanks again for getting in touch ... and have a great day ... 


Thanks, Alan, this is as I have expected. 

I do think that we were wounded, as you say, and I also supported our leader, but I hope that he will recognize the value of stepping aside and encouraging the search for a new leader. He did not seem to ever connect with the public, and it was not all the fault of the media. 

I think they gave him a fair opportunity to set forth his message as one of the four leaders. I also thought that the things he said, and the policies he set forth had opportunity to resonate with the electorate, but I believe his strategy was wrong, and his negativity towards Christy Clark backfired. 

The time to lick wounds is over --- the time to show we still BELIEVE in BC begins right now!

I

For those who have never met me (July 2012)

am cheating -- a bit -- with todays Conservative Thoughts blog post.  It's an email which I sent out to BC Conservative members in Kamloops South, part of the existing Kamloops South Thompson Constituency Association Board of Directors, some people who contacted us during the election campaign, or who are on my contact list of people from around the province ...

The other day I made a comment and post stating: "People may say they are concerned about the kind of representation (or lack of it) they are receiving -- but it seems we can be led to support a political party that paints the other as the lesser of two evils -- no matter what options may be available from choices available across the political spectrum. Thus, in my opinion, the momentum for the downward spiral continues ... "

It was the start to my first Conservative Thoughts post (http://kamloopsthompsonbcconservatives.blogspot.ca/2013/05/yes-i-am-disappointed-in-results-of.html), since taking a break over 11 weeks ago now, to be directly involved in the election campaign for the BC Conservatives in Kamloops South Thompson.  I also stated, in that post, that I did not want it to be considered sour grapes as it was NOT my intent; it was just my observation after watching all of the work and efforts put in by a number of great candidates and campaign workers, in individual riding's, right across the province.

I have been asked for my thoughts on why we were not able to connect with voters ... my thoughts on the campaign ... where we went wrong ... did we attack the Liberals (and / or the NDP) hard enough.  One of the best comments posed however, at least in my opinion, was as follows: "Define the ballot issue then define your opponent - a recipe for victory every time."

My response was:Again I can only speak for what we tried to do here in Kamloops ... that 'was' to define an issue which we felt everything else flowed from.

Specifically that issue was: "Do BC Liberal Todd Stone, or the NDPs Tom Friedman, have the full authority of both party / leader to truly represent the interest of the people of Kamloops South Thompson on issues of concern to them? Or when push came to shove, would they have to follow the party line?".  Whether it was hospital care, Ajax Mine, the Carbon Tax, new / increasing fees, rising debt, educational needs, or a multitude of other things, we wanted to know that answer, and felt that voters should as well. 

Call me Don Quixote, but I still believe it was the right question / issue to raise; it simply did not get heard ... and for whatever reason, it was not something which the media (which I was part of for 25 years) chose to ask and get a direct answer to.  In the end, this campaign again boiled down to 'fear' of one party over the other. That was, at least in my opinion, the only issue that defined this campaign.

Was I wrong?  Lots of people I am sure will think so, and there's nothing wrong with that.  There will likely be as many reasons why we lost, as there are individuals. 

Regardless however, we DID increase our popular vote.  People DO want our voice to be heard, and they DO want to have BC Conservatives on the ballot ... WE DO have a message that is important.

So now, we get down to the nitty-gritty. 

Second candidate declares they will seek BC Conservative nomination for Kamloops South Thompson

Today, a second individual stepped forward to announce they will be seeking the BC Conservative Party nomination for Kamloops South Thompson.  Here are the words they spoke this morning, in making that announcement:

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to thank you for being here today.  My name is Maria Dobi. 

Maria at her announcement today (Kamloops)

Throughout my adult life I have always kept track of what is happening around me locally, but more so provincially, federally, and around the world. 

I have always had a burden for people -- and especially the less fortunate.  I volunteered working with the homeless and on the board of directors for 5 years in Penticton, BC.  I cared for a number of teens in my home and also worked with teens here in Kamloops.  But my primary work was working with seniors as a care aide/rehab/ and recreation therapy assistant.  Most of those years have been with dementia clients and those with a brain injury. 

This experience has helped me learn to communicate well but more importantly, to Listen.    This has given me the courage to stand up for those that are less fortunate, or vulnerable.  And ... it has grown a passion in me to confront those, who would chose to take advantage of those that are less fortunate.

It has also shown me how much, some whom society writes off, have to offer.  On December 26, 2004, I was working with dementia clients in Salmon Arm, when an earthquake triggered a major tsunami on the Indian Ocean.  These clients were shaken by this event, BUT they also they wanted to do something to help. 

We had a large number of doll kits donated to us, and so it was decided that we would put together the dolls and also purchased some balls.  I then contacted an organization that was able to take their donations to the tsunami area to be distributed. 

Ladies and gentlemen, these individuals, despite any limitations they had, were still able to contribute to society -- even to those on the other side of the world.

This has shown, and taught me, that we need to empower people to do as much as they can for themselves -- and others. 

How does this relate to politics? 

The main responsibility of government is to safeguard the inalienable rights we as individuals have ... the right to life, liberty, property, privacy.  Governments role should also including ensuring we have an environment in which people can thrive by doing for themselves through honest hard work.  In large measure, I believe that comes about by encouraging business and competition in a free enterprise system where business and government are honest, transparent, and accountable.  The result is a society where we as individuals   also assist and support one and other.

We say that we want honest, accountable and transparent government: yet, so many demand the government to give and to control everything.  As a result, we are giving away our freedoms.

We need to only look at history to see that when you give the government the power, which is also known as socialism, it has proven over and over to fail, but even worse than that, to abuse the people. 

More people were killed in the 20^th century -- in times of peace -- than all the wars in history combined.  (John Simpson:  Researcher, Writer and Former Whitehouse staff economist).  The reality is that socialism creates the environment for a dictator to rise.

So you ask how this relates to us here in BC?  We have two parties in BC, one only slightly more so than the other, who believe in a large degree of government intervention.  You need only to read the constitution of the NDP Party who believes “that social economic and political progress in Canada can only be assured by the application of democratic socialist principles to government and the administration of public affairs”. 

I have a passion to stand for the citizens of this province ... and to serve wherever possible. 

I also have a passion to encourage people to stand up, and know that we do not have to make a choice of who to elect, based on fear.

Instead, the people of BC, and right here in Kamloops South Thompson, can place a government in power which will deliver, because it led by the common sense knowledge and direction of the people of BC.

NOT ... the unions bosses and special interest groups of the Liberals and NDP (as we recently read in the Dec 7th, 2012 of the Province).

We can place a government in power that believes the people have the ability to make good choices for themselves and their families.  That realizes we -- you and me standing here today -- actually do have the skills build businesses, to invent, to care for the environment, to care for the sick and elderly, and have the heart to build healthy communities ... and that knows we do not need government interfering in their lives.

So I stand here today to announce my intention to seek the nomination as a candidate for the BC Conservative Party, here in Kamloops South Thompson.

I believe that the BC Conservative Party is the only party that has a vision… a vision for a healthy balance of small government which is honest, accountable, and transparent… and with providing the citizens of this province with the environment to live healthy and productive lives, while still providing the safety net for those that truly need the assistance.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am calling on you to do your part to make democracy work here in BC ... and here in Kamloops South Thompson. 

True Democracy is government for the people and by the people. 

You can take back control of the government by electing the BC Conservatives who desire to give you that power.

Thank you.


Conservative Thoughts from Maria Dobi ... as she makes it official that she wants to represent the people of Kamloops South Thompson.

As Peter Pan said, “All of this has happened before, and it will all happen again.”

An opinion piece ran in the Tuesday November 20th edition of 24hrs Vancouver entitled, "Liberals could win next provincial election"

It read in part:
... Premier Christy Clark gave what was, by all accounts, a rousing speech .. a clarion call to arms leading up to the election next spring. Indeed, there wasn’t a defeatist tone in the speech or mood in the house...

Soon to be BC Liberal candidate John Martin sharing his
thoughts of Premier Christy Clark on CKNW (03 / 28 / 12)

"Not even the most devoted Liberal supporter could

argue with a straight face that this government has

earned a fourth mandate. Theirs is a legacy of deceit,

incompetence, and financial mismanagement."

... recent polling has the governing Liberals deader than the proverbial doornail that would seem to be more than a little strange. But the premier is nothing if not a fighter ... it seems likely at this point that Adrian Dix and the New Democratic Party will form the next government, it is by no means a fait accompli.

... BC  politics has been about big government and unions versus free enterprise ... when the NDP got into power in 1973 and 1991, it was because the free enterprise party was in tatters. I’m not sure that can be said now — especially with an energized and feisty premier.

... if Clark can frame this election in the traditional left-right terms of free enterprise versus big government and big labour, plus play down the battered Liberal brand, she might just have a chance.

Seriously.

My response?  Well I certainly had one, and so I wrote:
Sorry but you are writing off the BC Conservative Party wayyyyyy to soon -- and yes I am a member of the party.

I think you, and many others, are going to be surprised at who ends up going to the legislature in Victoria next May. Seriously!

That led to Collin Rogers taking a moment to suggest:

That statement however doesn’t seem to make sense to the “We’re Green no matter what the cost” crowd

Leadership we can count on?  Well it seems what we can
count on is a leader that will drive our economy in to the ground

So … BC NDP leader Adrian Dix says: “Within a week of taking office, we will serve the federal government with 30 days’ notice to terminate the 2010 deal in which the Liberals signed away B.C.’s interests.”

Well thank you very much (NOT!)

GREAT --- that's all we need is years and years of more delays.  I know I am not alone in saying, “Let's just get the process completed and make a decision. Delays cost jobs!!”

But no … those in the NDP, along with those who are totally opposed to any kind of job creating development in our province, are going to do everything they can to stall, delay, and stop projects from going ahead. 

Their sole purpose? 

Well it seems clear enough to me from a message posted by Tom Woodsworth on Facebook today.  He stated, “The sludge ain't going anywhere. Worried the green energy sector will explode and relegate the O&G sector to the dustbins of history? Not gonna happen anytime soon.”

Well to be clear, all I am saying is it's time to fish or cut bait. Either the project passes environmental reviews or it doesn't.

WHY?

Because this never ending process of reviews and counter reviews is nothing more than a COSTLY waste of time and energy for ALL involved.

That statement however doesn’t seem to make sense to the “We’re Green no matter what the cost” crowd. 

POLITICS 101 … the wacky world of British Columbia

In British Columbia we do things differently when it comes to politics.  Anywhere else, the topic of politics and politicians can come up, and a civil, even occasionally heated, discussion can take place.

NOT in British Columbia.

Mention the words ‘politics’, and / or ‘politicians’ and the fight is on.  Either that, or folks tune out entirely.

Thoughts that come to mind for many are money grubbing … power seekers … looking out for number one … unaccountable … unresponsive … and a host of other things that can’t be repeated.

That’s because, as I mentioned, we do things differently here in BC.

W.A.C. Bennett

We generally have one party that’s in power for a long period of time, with one sitting on the wings … waiting to take over when voters get sick and tired of the governing party.  We’ll say, “Well at least these guys can’t do any worse than those jerks”.

This really began in 1951 when W.A.C.  Bennett, “Wacky” as most people called him, took over what was then called the Social Credit League, and renamed it the Social Credit Party.  Social Credit really was a big tent party that keep both small ‘c’ Conservatives, and small ‘L” Liberals, all under one roof. 

Bennett reviled the NDP with a passion, calling them the Socialist Hordes, and so it must have been with a great deal of anguish and upset that he turned the reins of government over to Dave Barrett and the NDP following the election of 1972.

That government was short lived however, only staying in power for one term.  The ‘socialist hordes’ as Wacky called them, tried their social engineering much to fast -- overtaxed industry – raised debt dramatically -- and scared the hell out of the majority of people in BC once they realized what they had voted for.

Then Wacky’s son Bill Bennett took over the leadership of the Socred’s, winning the next election, and became Premier in in 1975.  The Socreds then remained in power again, for another 15 years.

What led to their downfall, and demise, after those 15 years? 

Most people would say it was due to a disconnect with the people … and an arrogance where they believed themselves to be the natural ruling party (much like the federal Liberals used to be).  Another issue was Bill Vander Zalm, who took over leadership of the party once Bill Bennett resigned.   With Bill Vander Zalm as leader, many also objected to what they considered to be his right wing, socially conservative, policies.

Bill Vander Zalm

Vander Zalm was ridiculed in the media … and he took a tongue lashing from voters in Letters to the Editor, and phone in talk shows.  He too was forced to resign, and Rita Johnson then took over the reins – not for long however.

Does any of this sound familiar?

In 1991 voters returned the NDP to office.  This time they governed a little more slowly with their social policies, and taxation, and managed to be re-elected several times.  Again however, a disconnect with voters, and a number of scandals (the financial debacle of the Fast Ferry’s, and Bingo-Gate, spring to mind) which saw the leadership of the party switch from Mike Harcourt, to Glen Clark, and finally to Ujjal  Dosanjh.  Changing leaders was no help however, and they were soundly trashed at the polls in 2001; retaining just 2 seats in the legislature.

Again, the ruling party was tossed from office by the voters who no longer believed anything they said, and who were tired with the scandals that surrounded them.

What also happened, in the time between 1991 and 1996, was the growth of a third party following the decline of the Socreds.  Just prior to the 1996 election, four Socred members, led by Jack Weisgerber, moved to the populist BC Reform Party.  In 1996 Reform duked it out with the BC Liberals, who had a much better organized and better financed machine, for dominance as the center right party.

As history shows, the Liberals won for dominance as BC Reform was reduced to just 2 seats, and British Columbia was once again back to a two party system; one big tent center right party (the Liberals) … and a center left party (the NDP).

A bit of ‘This and That’ from the news

My apologies … I have been busy with CA meetings for the Kamloops North and South Thompson CA’s … the Public Town Hall meeting in Clearwater with John Cummins tomorrow night ... and the founding meeting of our Fraser Nicola CA which takes place on Saturday. 

That means todays blog post will be a bit of ‘This and That’ from the news over the past couple of days.  Let’s start out with a story from Jordan Bateman OF the Canadian Taxpayers Federation;

“Outrageous B.C. Gas Taxes Keep Economy in Neutral”

If the federal and B.C. governments are as hungry to spark job creation as their expensive TV commercials and overseas trips make it appear, they should cut the taxes on gas.

Taxes now make up nearly one-third of the cost of gasoline, which both penalize drivers and raise the cost of any good or service moved by a vehicle. Leaving more of that money in drivers’ pockets to spend anywhere but on government, simply makes sense.

Lower Mainland drivers pay the highest gas tax on the continent—more than 49 cents per litre. In Victoria, the tax burden is almost 41 cents, while the rest of British Columbia sits at the national average of 37 cents per litre.

CLICK HERE to read the full story.

Next up, is the “The great Hydro cost coverup” by Vaughn Palmer of the Vancouver Sun

As the B.C. Utilities Commission moved this spring to hold public hearings on the B.C. Liberals' controversial electricity plans, the government mounted a rearguard action to drag the process back behind closed doors.

… the process is the formal name for what is essentially a backroom deal, brokered by the regulator with Hydro and the industry and consumer groups that make up the bulk of the players at any public hearing.

Had the commission gone along, the public hearings, set for a minimum three weeks starting June 18, would likely have been cancelled. Much to the relief of the Liberals, who - I'm told - lobbied hard to make sure they never happened …

CLICK HERE to read the full story.

By-Election coverage in the news today

It’s Election Day in two riding's in British Columbia, as the polls opened at 8am in Port Moody Coquitlam … and Chilliwack Hope.  Here’s a quick snapshot of stories that have been in the papers this morning:

BC byelections under way: Conservatives say they're in the mix with Liberals, NDP

If Conservative candidate John Martin wins, it will bring John Cummins's party one step closer to official status in the legislature and could tempt more dissatisfied Liberal MLAs to join John van Dongen on the other side of the floor with the Tories.

A Liberal win, meantime, would provide some much-needed good news for Premier Christy Clark, who has had to face a string of public-opinion polls that suggest her party and leadership are in real trouble.

Clark braces for by-election results

Premier Christy Clark plans an election-day visit to Port Moody today, but she won't be attending victory parties there or in Chilliwack tonight.

With the surging B.C. Conservative Party making a close three-way race in Chilliwack-Hope, Clark continued to stress keeping the "free-enterprise coalition" together. And she allowed that she is aware of merger discussions going on at the constituency level.   "I will certainly be leading this free-enterprise party," Clark said

Tomorrow voters will decide between more of the same … and real change

In by-elections to be held tomorrow, voters in the riding's of Chilliwack – Hope … and Port Moody – Coquitlam … will go to the polls to election a new MLA to represent them in the legislature.  On the ballot will be the names of John Martin, and Christine Clarke, for the BC Conservatives.

John Martin, running in Chilliwack – Hope has campaigned hard on a number of important issues; including the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) … the Carbon Tax … the proposed incineration of Vancouver garbage in the Fraser Valley … and the (lack of) justice system. 

Here are just a few of the comments that have been made by John on these issues:

“I’m worried that under the Liberals the ALR has become a plaything for developers and well-connected special interests.  Over the last number of years a lot of good farmland has gone to other uses in Chilliwack or been excluded entirely from the Agricultural Land Reserve. And it’s not just the economic impact of losing some of the best farm land in the world, the ALR also helps to preserve the character of Chilliwack and the upper Fraser Valley.”

John Martin also responded to a recent Ministry of Agriculture announcement that $7.6 million will be provided to the BC greenhouse grower industry as a one-time rebate in 2012 of the carbon tax.