To all my BC Conservative friends ... and in particular Dan Brooks and Rick Peterson ... "Pursue your goal. Opinions be damned.”

Last Friday (September 27th) I happened across the North Shore News editorial entitled "Off to the races", which began by asking the question: 

"Can anyone recall a time when we were not in the midst of political party leadership race?  "

In the editorial comment they all but wrote off the 'leadership contests of the BC Conservatives and Greens' ... basically saying that even if you knew they were having a leadership contest, who would really care. 

At the same time however they did not have much complimentary to say about the Liberals or NDP:

Every time, we get the same commentary about the identity crisis the party must have in order to begin anew. Should they focus on their core principles? Or should they branch out to bring more people into the tent? 

 

In the NDP's case, it didn't seem to matter. Dix came in as a leader criticized for being too much of an old-guard, partisan ideologue and went down as a leader who wouldn't fight hard enough win the election. 

 

No matter who emerges as the new leader, a few things won't change.

Shall I complain?  Well to paraphrase the North Shore News, who would really care.  But then again, who should really care what they have to say?

SOME in the media, in my personal opinion, take the easy way out.  They rely on government, or political party media releases to get information needed for the news they present, and they don't dig very deep because that would take some effort and time.  Given the fact that media everywhere have chopped newsroom staff and budgets, that becomes difficult. 

So, let me say this ...  there are difference between parties, and therefore there is reason to pay attention to leadership races.  NOT just to see who is running, but why they are running. 

Every British Columbian -- and people involved in presenting the news -- should make some effort to find out what each political party stands for; not just the policies they say they champion, but also the principles that guide them. 

As a BC Conservative, I believe there is good reason see what both Dan Brooks and Rick Peterson will present as their vision for the party -- AND see how that lines up with our beliefs and principles.

IT DOES MATTER!  

BC Conservatives have clearly articulated positions that don't change depending on what loud vocal minority group is shouting

Everyone knows, and it is perfectly clear, that I do not support Christy Clark and the BC Liberals.

My lack of support has only been re-enforced in the recent days and weeks, as it seems that Christy blows one way or the other, in the breezes of voter discontent.

Shall we start with Enbridge and the Northern Gateway Pipeline? Clark herself has never really made a firm decision on the Northern Gateway … in fact the 5 principles she placed as crucial to having government support can NEVER be met – and she knew it at the time.

Ms. Clark simply wanted to try and make herself look good to anyone with an opinion on the project, whether they support it or not. By taking no stand however, she has pleased NO ONE.

She wants those who don't support the pipeline to think she is on-board with them … and she wants those who do support the project to think they just might have a chance to see it come about.

Meantime, she knows full well that the five principles she has put forward can never be met, and therefore the project will never get off the drawing board.

Contrast that however, to the statements of John Cummins, and the BC Conservative Party.

As CFTK TV News in Terrace stated today, “At least one political leader in BC is willing to express support for Enbridge's controversial Northern Gateway Project” --- that ONE leader would be John Cummins of the BC Conservative Party.

In a media release today, John Cummins said that unlike Premier Clark AND Environment Minister Terry Lake, he WAS willing to meet with Enbridge officials to see what their plans look like for building and maintaining the safest pipeline possible, and to see in person what monitoring systems they have in place at other locations.

Cummins stated that the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline Project had economic benefits far outweigh environmental concerns.

"Given all of the information made public to date, I strongly believe that the Northern Gateway Pipeline should proceed as quickly as possible. British Columbia desperately needs new capital investment, and new high-wage jobs. The Northern Gateway Project delivers both”.

And little wonder … this project alone would provide as many as 4,100 person-years of direct on-site work, and a total of 35,000 person-years employment throughout the province.

Environment Minister Terry Lake on the other hand, in a TV news interview which I saw, refuses to meet with officials from Enbridge, who have offered to show him what the technology they will be working with. 

AND YET ... he has the audacity to claim and state (which I have also seen and heard) in the media, that Enbridge will not provide the government with the environmental and safety information they wish to have on the project.

I take exception to the blanket belief that BC Conservatives have no care, or concern, for the environment

Photograph by Alan Forseth (near Vernon)

The other day as I mentioned to my Facebook friends, I took a walk through the neighbourhood, and went door to door with the latest BC Conservative Party brochure. Overall, with the folks who were home, the reception I received was great and only two people said “No” to taking a brochure – one politely – the other, not so much.

The one who was less than receptive for some reason had the impression that BC Conservatives had no concern for the environment. This person said they had lived here all their life (as have I) ... they had raised their children here (as have I) ... and their grand-children are here (again as are mine).

Photograph by Alan Forseth (Cariboo Hwy south of Clinton)

I love the outdoors of BC ... I grew up in the Cariboo and every week I'd head out into the outlying areas to enjoy nature ... to go canoeing ... to simply see what there was to see around the next bend.

As a teen in the Cariboo I saw no end of wildlife from grouse and ducks ... to bear, moose, and deer ... along with some great tasting fish.

That is why I take exception to the blanket belief that BC Conservatives have no care, or concern, for the environment.

For example, two woman that I personally know (and not family members) are two of the staunchest environmentalists you could ever meet.  However I do also have family members and friends that hunt and fish, and who rely on the protection of our environment to be able to enjoy these pastimes.

Photograph by Alan Forseth (along
the Kettle Valley Railway Trail)

I also love to photograph the beauty of BC --- the wildflowers ... the fields ... the lakes, creeks and rivers ... the mountains ... trees and shrubs ... even some of the weeds make beautiful photographs.

I am PROUD TO SAY I am a member of the BC Conservative Party ... and the members of our political party no more want to see the beauty around us destroyed, than anyone else – regardless of WHAT party they are part of.

Now ... just for clarity if you have any wondering yourself ... let's take a look at some of the Guiding Principles and Policies, of the BC Conservative Party, regarding the environment:

ARTICLE 1. Guiding Principles

1.1 The new BC Conservative Party is founded on and will be guided in its policy formation by the following principles:

1.1.6. We believe in:

• a competitive free enterprise system as the basis for prosperity and growth.
• protection and management of our environment and natural resources to optimize benefits now and into the future.

ARTICLE 7. Environment.

7.1. Preamble.

We recognize that BC’s diverse environmental assets are the envy of much of the world and should be preserved and protected, and that environmental and fiscal sustainability and optimization should be the hallmark of a government’s policy. To ensure this, our government will work with the public, landowners, involved business interests and other stakeholder groups.

“Most of these statements, if not all, people once thought of as principles the BC Liberal Party supported”

For those who stop by on a regular basis to read my blog, you’ll have noted yesterday’s post, which was entitled “Under Premier Clark's leadership we've seen increased costs to businesses in BC, and to middle class families, who continue to fall farther and farther behind".

In part of the post I noted that:

 … many British Columbians, including business owners, are asking if this government truly represents free-enterprise, and the workers it employs?

I went on to say that:
If you ask people in the Kamloops area, to define this government's claim to representing so-called 'free enterprise', you’ll be met with varying responses. Whether business owners, or their employees trying to raise a family and keep a roof over their head, neither can see how this BC Liberal Government has helped them keep a few more dollars in their pockets.

BC businesses have faced not only the increase in corporate tax rates, but also user fees which penalize their business growth.

That led my nephew, a fellow blogger to respond by saying:
Earlier today - BC Conservative Kamloops Regional Director (and Kamloops blogger) Alan Forseth took the BC Liberals' to task over its' fiscal policies including a possible corporate tax hike schedule to take place in 2013.

For BC Conservatives' to continually 'squawk off' about BC Liberal fiscal policies is really getting old because if they truly want to become government in 2013 and want to rid this province of the fiscal deficit (caused by external forces), then they need to say how they'll make up ditching the carbon tax and which provincial services (healthcare, education, social services, transportation, etc) they'll dump in order to bring the provincial books to balance.  Sound bites won't do.  Actual list of services that BC Conservatives' will dump is now needed as the voters' of this province need to know how each political party will serve the best interests of this province from 2013-2018.

Well Steve ... as much as I appreciate your comments, you'll note that the basis for my blog post was ultimately the comments of the BC business community, which I happen to agree with.  Just to be clear, the comments I included, I believe, made a strong case for what I had to say:

… BC food producers have said the carbon tax hurts their bottom line

… the Business Council of BC has described the carbon tax as unfair because BC based businesses pay the tax, but their competitors from outside of the province do not.

…  Shachi Kurl, director of provincial affairs for BC and Yukon for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said … “The costs of doing business are starting to become unsustainable.”  Kurl added that rising hydro and other utility costs, as well as the carbon tax, are other increases businesses have faced in recent years.  “All of this is coming out of the same till.”

… the Cariboo Cattlemen’s Association says the carbon tax continues to put ranchers at a competitive disadvantage ... “we’re paying the tax and there’s no investment coming back... into the sector to reduce our carbon footprint ... either exempt us from the tax or get a program in place to provide some benefits back to us.”

And the Fraser Institute stated that:

… competitive personal income tax rates enable the province to better retain and attract high-skilled professionals as well as promote entrepreneurship and innovation in BC.

Again, those comments make sense to me --- they are things I have been saying, and commenting on now, for a year and a half.

This government has a problem keeping taxes, fees, and utility rates under control … both for business, and BC’s middle-class.  I know it … the people of BC know it … and now even the business community is speaking out on it.

So Steve, what I fail to understand is why you would shoot the messenger?

Voice of BC - BC Conservatives

BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins

An interview between editorialist and Vancouver Sun news columnist Vaughn Palmer, and BC Conservative Party Leader John Cummins, aired live on the Voice of BC on Thursday May 17th.  For those who do not have SHAW as their internet provider, the link noted below will take you to this 60 minute video interview.

The following is the promo for that interview:

While the BC Liberals and BC NDP battle it our in the legislature, the BC Conservatives are growing their support throughout the province. 

Whether their support will hold until the provincial election in May 2013 is unknown, but it appears the 'coalition of the right' is splintering and most political observers believe that there is little hope of a united right going into the next election.

BC Conservative leader John Cummins provides some insight into his party's policies when he speaks with Vancouver Sun columnist and host of Voice of BC, Vaughn Palmer.

CLICK HERE for the interview

What they believe, and stand for, are the things that will guide them in government

If you go to the BC Liberal Party you’ll find a section entitled “What We Believe” … the BC Conservative Party website also has a page that gives an overview on what the party stands for, it is entitled “What We Stand For”.

Some in the media and public believe that the BC Conservative Party has viewpoints that would be opposed by the majority of British Columbians, and has no clearly defined plans and ideas.  Given that, I thought that I would do a side by side comparison.

This was an interesting exercise to do, given talk that the BC Liberal Party is willing to take a look at a name change.  That possible name change however would still be over a party that has the same guiding principles and beliefs.

Granted these are not the ‘policies’ of the party; however what they believe and stand for, are the things that will guide them in government.

BC Conservatives:

A belief in the rights and responsibilities of all British Columbians and that Governments at all levels are responsible to serve and respect all individuals and their families, including freedom from unnecessary laws and regulations and excessive government

BC Liberals … not covered

BC Conservatives:

A belief that Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) are primarily responsible to represent the interests of their Constituents

BC Liberals … not covered

BC Conservatives:

Protection of the rights and freedoms of individual British Columbians

BC Liberals … not covered

BC Conservatives:

A belief in smaller government resulting in more liberty and personal property rights, the encouragement of new enterprise and individual achievement striving towards excellence and prosperity

BC Liberals … not covered

BC Conservatives:

A belief in the principle of equality of opportunity for all British Columbians, with special privileges for none. This principle includes the protection of private property, the freedom of the individual, and freedom of speech, worship and lawful assembly

BC Liberals … not covered

I hope others will do the same – and support something they can believe in – NOT just vote to toss something out

Today it took a few minutes to read the editorial in the Victoria Times Colonist … it was titled “Liberal wipeout benefits no one”, and I would like to encourage you to check it out.

Personally, I have a feeling it was written by someone that has leanings towards the BC Liberal Party; however it did ask some important questions that all BC voters need to consider.  Here are just a few excerpts from the editorial:

As it stands, we are headed for an NDP sweep of the province similar to the Liberal sweep of 2001.  While this might bring delight to those who are determined to make the Liberals pay for their sins and their errors over the past decade, this kind of political turmoil is not good for the province...

Premier Christy Clark has tried to put a fresh, optimistic face on the government, but it simply hasn't worked.

We need stability from our leaders, as well as a sense of purpose. We won't have that if the government is bouncing from one idea to the next, trying to find messages that resonate with voters. Good government is based on solid values and sound principles, not poll numbers, yet the fate awaiting the Liberals in next May's election will always be in the back of their minds.

…what is next? More turmoil? More desperate attempts to win back the voters? And if that doesn't work, what's left - a scorched-earth attitude that would ensure that the NDP inherits as many problems as possible?  This would not provide the kind of stability that the province needs.

… have voters seriously considered all of the alternatives? Have we examined the policies of the NDP or the Conservatives - or the Greens, for that matter?  Have we considered what governments run by either of these parties might do?

Just because they aren't Liberals does not automatically make them better. We need to judge each party on its own merits, not simply vote against the people in power.

The 2001 election result, which left us with 77 MLAs on the government side and only two in opposition, was over the top … unless the mood of the voters changes, we will do the same thing to the Liberals.  These wild swings from left to right don't help the province … who benefits when the governing party is so thoroughly written off? Nobody.

As I said at the start, this editorial does make some important points, and asks some serious questions.

We know that the people of deserve better than two tax and spend parties

This afternoon John Cummins, leader of the BC Conservative Party, spoke to the Surrey Board of Trade.  His speech covered the party's response to the BC Liberal Budget released earlier this week, and how a BC Conservative government would do things differently. Here is the complete text of that speech:

John Cummins, BC Conservative Party Leader

Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me to speak at the Surrey Board of Trade. I especially want to thank Anita Huberman for putting together this great event.

I’m here to speak with you about the budget that the Liberal government tabled on Tuesday.

In order to understand the budget and what it means for the future of BC, we have to understand some facts about BC’s economy and the state of the economies we are competing against.

British Columbia has the worst unemployment rate in the west. It isn’t a surprise that unemployment is worse than Alberta, or even newly booming Saskatchewan. But we trail NDP-run Manitoba as well, and by a significant amount.

When comes to income taxes BC is very competitive, but families pay far more than just income taxes. When you include the highest gas taxes in Canada, that are going up another 3 cents this spring in the lower mainland, MSP premiums and other fees and surcharges – the average family in BC pays more in taxes than in any province west of Quebec. That means more than Ontario and more than NDP-run Manitoba.

On top of this is the cost of living in this province. I don’t need to remind you of the various international surveys that have come out in the past few months that show that living in the greater Vancouver area to be one of the most expensive places in the world.

When you combine higher taxes, higher unemployment and higher cost of living than the provinces we compete with the most, you would expect people to leave. And that is exactly what happened in 2011. Last year, more people moved out of BC to other provinces than moved here.   

For me this is an extremely telling measure – people have a choice about where they can afford to live, where they keep more of their money and where they can find a job. And they are not choosing BC.

Another day … another poll. What does it mean?

Yesterday saw the release of a new poll that shows the BC Liberals, led by Christy Clark, are in deep trouble and headed for defeat in the next provincial general election in 2013.  That is however nearly 16 months away, and a lot can change between now and then … it does however show a strong trend that has been developing over 6 consecutive polls by 3 different polling companies.

The following is a story by CKWX New Radio 1130, from this morning, which gives a brief overview of the results of that poll:

Yet another poll is showing the BC NDP could form a majority government after the next provincial election. One political analyst feels there's not much the premier can do to buck this trend.

"This isn't just one poll showing them behind the NDP; this is multiple polls showing them behind the NDP," explains Sean Holman.  While he believes any seat predictions at this point are premature, he believes the New Democrats are going to be very well-positioned going into an election.

Holman feels the Christy Clark government is having all sorts of problems associated with an  administration in its third term. "And is currently led by a leader who is new but has not been able to capitalize on that 'newness' in a way in which she probably would have liked."

"She rolled out her jobs plan late last year. That was supposed to give her some kind of traction with British Columbians -- that hasn't seemed to have worked," he adds.

The Forum Research numbers suggest 57 seats for the NDP, 20 for the Liberals, seven for the Conservatives, and Independent Vicki Huntington keeping her seat. Clark’s disapproval rating is at 46 per cent with Adrian Dix at 35.

I have been saying for some time now that the BC Liberals were NOT going to win the next election, and that the only hope to see the NDP NOT win, or at least be held to a minority, was to have the BC Conservatives on the ballot, and elected to the legislature. 

Until now, no poll had shown the BC Conservative electing ANY members, that is now beginning to change however, and I believe that numbers will continue to show the Conservatives gaining in strength, and with the likelihood of electing more members, the closer we get to the next election.

THAT HOWEVER is not based on any of the recent polls.  No ... the reason I say this is because of information that comes from a BC Stats study that was done in January 2010 entitled, “Motivations and Barriers: Exploring Voters Behaviour in British Columbia”

Here are a few things that I noted in this report:

I ask you; by comparison, what do the BC Liberals and the BC NDP stand for?

I like Facebook, although I will admit I spend far too much time there.  I like it because it gives me the opportunity to share and exchange all kinds of ideas with people from all across the political spectrum ... and you should see my Friends list :D

Why am I starting the blog comment, this way, you ask?  

Well last night a friend posted a comment saying, “Thanks for the call BC Liberals but no you won’t be getting a donation from me. Those days are over.”

At which point I promptly said, “… should have asked them to sign up with BC Conservatives. I suspect the call results aren't going that well and maybe they'd want to check us out :D”

Then someone else made a comment that I found interesting … especially as I have been involved in the party and following its growth now for a little over a year.  This person said, “Can't say I've heard piles from either party lately that makes me want to donate to either one, actually.”

That tells me there is still a big job ahead … and that there are still many people are out there waiting to find out what the BC Conservatives stand for, and why they should support them ... whether as a member ... with financial support ... in spreading the word ... being an active member working to build membership ... a director on a constituency association ... or perhaps even consider seeking a nomination to run for the party.

I wrote this person back … and here is what I had to say:

I did NOT see one story about a commitment to public safety and protection

Yesterday I was led to write the blog story, “YOU'RE RIGHT CHRISTY … those are things most British Columbians support”.   I wrote it because despite everything they say, the real story about crime and protection is that Christy Clark really has NO commitment to it.  Truthfully, it seems everyone -- BUT the BC Liberal Party -- questions their commitment to public protection from criminals and thugs.  

Are you aware of IntegrityBC??    Integrity BC is not some cover for the NDP or the BC Conservative Party … or any other political group.  They are, as they say, “… a non-partisan, non-profit organization working with citizens, volunteers, activists and political parties to promote, lobby, pressure, advocate and demand: integrity and accountability in BC.”

They have no axe to grind directly against any political party … they simply want to have a government that is more accountable to the people of our province.  It seems however they too are wondering and questioning the priorities of this government. 

Here is a post they had online this morning on their Facebook page:  

This headline last week caught our attention for a fast back-of-the-envelope calculation.  The BC Liberal government paid $6-million for Dave Basi's and Bobby Virk's legal bill in the BC Rail trial, even though they plead guilty. BC sheriffs earn $48,055 per year (contract ending 2010 at $26.31/h). For $6 million, the Liberal government could hire 60 full-time sheriffs for two years or 24 provincial court judges for a year to help clear the backlog in BC courts.

Well if the media, and non-partisan groups, are questioning their commitment, surely to goodness the website for the BC Liberal Party would be filled with comments and news from Premier Christy Clark, and the Attorney General, about what they are doing. 

If they do, I was NOT able to find them.

Their webpage “In the News” has all kinds of glowing things about the party … along with a ‘liberal’ sprinkling of negative comments about NDP leader Adrian Dix … and BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins.

Let’s see … here are some of the headlines from stories they have posted there:

Premier Christy Clark and Our Ship Building Contract … hmmm I distinctly recall the Prime Minister saying that the contract would be awarded ONLY on merit.  So what exactly was it that she did to help our BC ship builders get this contract??

BC targets innovation, job creation and training.  Ah Yes … I remember that week.  It was Christy Clark’s photo-op tour of the province where she re-announced a number of things that former Premier Gordon Campbell had previously indicated they would be doing. 

Taking a look at the costs, size, and scope of government in BC

The Labour Day weekend is over, and Fall has now UN-officially begun as the kids head back for another year of school (as long as we do not have a strike in the near future). 

I have also now begun week number two in the return of my Conservative Thoughts blog, and today I am going to take a brief look at the costs, size, and scope of government --- and some things that perhaps we can consider in making government more streamlined and effective.

From the BC Conservative Party Draft Policy document:

The budget of the Province has risen from approximately $29 Billion in 2001 to approximately $42 Billion in 2011-2012 … and the current budget is divided approximately 40% for core Government Ministries and 60% for broader public services.

The number of Government Ministries, Crown Corporations, Boards, Tribunals, Commissions, Councils and other entities in British Columbia now functioning is approximately 320 in number. This estimate does not include the approximately 175 local governments and regional districts the Province provides funding to, nor does it include the breakdown for Regional Health Centers, Community Hospitals and special treatment centers, etc.

BC Conservatives Plan "Policy" while BC Liberals hold "Fund-Raiser"

It’s Wednesday February 2^nd, and that means the arrival of the BC Liberal Party leadership candidates to the city of Kamloops.  Here for a fundraiser / debate will be former MLA Christy Clark, current MLA’s George Abbott, Mike de Jong, Kevin Falcon and Moira Stilwell, as well as the former Mayor of Parksville, Ed Mayne.

Residents of Kamloops and surrounding area arriving at the Kamloops Convention Center – and hoping to hear real debate, and future plans and policy of the party -- will find this a closed door event however.  The event is being held exclusively for member of the BC Liberal Party.

That’s very disappointing because voters of all ages across the province have been clearly saying they are tired of the closed door policies of the BC Liberal Party, and their lack of accountability with the voters.  This is just one more example, of how it’s business as usual, even with the leave taking of current Liberal leader Gordon Campbell.

What does the vast silent majority really think?

Politicians and political parties of every stripe are always claiming they represent the majority of people -- the silent minority ... everyday people ... what ever you want to call them.  And each party also has a platform and principles that reflect where they believe policies need to be taken ...

So what does the vast silent majority really think?

I would like to know the top 3 or 4 things you believe are most important in BC, and not necessarily the things that will most impact you directly (could be your children or grand-children, your neighbour that's been out of work for months, someone you know that's been a victim of crime, etc, etc). 

There are all kinds of things to consider from farmland usage ... hydro run of river projects ... mining ... forestry ... the environment ... education ... health care ... law and order ... deficits and debt ... how often the legislature sits ... retaining government services (which) in smaller communities.