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)

Christy Clark has challenged us to, "... compare our (BC Liberal) plan to that of our opponents

This morning I saw a Twitter comment from Kamloops South BC Conservative nominee candidate Peter Sharp, which I admit has prompted me to write today Conservative Thoughts blog post.

"They're hiding it because they don't want you to know what's in it."

At the last BC Liberal conversation in Whistler Christy Clark stated:

"I wish I could challenge you to compare our plan to that of our opponents but you can't. They are hiding it. They're hiding it because they don't want you to know what's in it."

Once again, this comment only shows the arrogance, and contempt, which Premier Christy Clark has for the voters of BC. Truthfully I think she was trying to use reverse psychology.

What she should have said is, "Please don't try to compare our plan, to that of our opponents, because its not there for you to see." 

And that would have been the truth!

What does the BC Liberal Party have as a plan, or vision, to once again make our province strong ... to claim the BC Conservative Party campaign slogan,  "We Believe in BC", as their own?

Well, not much.  If you do try to make the attempt, all you will find is a few lines of fluff:

... that government must promote private sector job creation and competitiveness
... that government must put families first in all decision-making
... that BC must lead in the area of open government

That's it. That's all she wrote. You can see for yourself at "What We Believe" on the BC Liberal Party website.

MEANTIME, as I noted, Christy Clark has challenged us to: "... compare our (BC Liberal) plan to that of our opponents."

And then going on to further state, "They're hiding it because they don't want you to know what's in it."

Would that be accurate? Would that even be truthful?  FAR FROM IT!

SHARP: "I have made BC, and in particular Kamloops, my home ... I have no more desire to live in a cesspool of pollution, or a scared landscaped, than anyone else."

BC Conservative Party nominee candidate Peter Sharp

Today's Conservative Thoughts blog post is a guest piece from Kamloops South Thompson BC Conservative nominee candidate Peter Sharp.  He writes in response to an article by Kamloops City Councilor Donovan Cavers:

My friend  and Kamloops City Councilor, Donovan Cavers, is concerned about the prospect of the proposed Ajax Mine falling off the radar in Kamloops, stating: 

 

"If, as it seems likely, a decision on the Aberdeen mine falls after the provincial election, will it receive the full and thoughtful examination it warrants during the writ period? Or, will brief responses such as, “I can’t comment as the process is underway,” or “Our party supports the health and prosperity of all Kamloops citizens” and similar “soft” answers echo forum after forum? Perhaps the only firm responses will come from B.C. Conservative candidates cheering the project on, “Full steam ahead!”

You can read his full opinion piece, "Will Ajax be lost in election politics?" by CLICKING HERE.

 

Donovan -- you should indeed be worried we will get more of the same wishy-washy talk from both the BC Liberals and the NDP on the prospect of ANY kind of resource development. They refuse to take any kind of stand for fear of backlash from one side or the other.

The BC Conservatives on the other hand have been very clear ... "Yes -- full steam ahead" with developments that will create well-paying family supporting jobs -- and NEW jobs for our young people desperately looking for something other than low minimum pay entry level jobs.

Its NOT development at any cost however. 

Article3.1.1 of our policy states that we will ... "Enact all legislation in accordance with the concept of economic growth and job creation being most effectively driven through private enterprise as the engine of the economy."

We have, what we believe to be, a balance approach to job creation and long term protection of the environment. Article 7 of our Environmental policy begins by stating:

"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."

It goes on to state, among other things, that we WILL:

Winning by default is nothing Adrian Dix and the NDP should be happy with; if they are, shame on them. Shame too, on us, if we allow that to happen.

I wonder how many people happen to have seen a Letter to the Editor, “And speaking of politics” written by Lloyd Atkins of Vernon, that was in todays (09/10/12) edition of the Vancouver Sun?

For those who have not, here it is re-printed in its’ entirety:

If any BC Liberals were clinging to the fantasy that British Columbians would refuse to dance with the socialist horde, then the provincial election results in La Belle Province must come as a shock. Quebecers put the Parti Quebecois separatists at the top of their dance card and everyone knows they are much spookier than the NDP. There is a lesson here for Premier Christy Clark and her disintegrating party. Voters are willing to take a calculated risk to repudiate and punish dishonest and incompetent leaders.

The people of Quebec have decided waltzing with Pauline Marois' separatists is worth the gamble if they can rid themselves of Jean Charest and his corrupt gang of Liberals. The people of B.C. seem more than eager to tango with Adrian Dix's socialists if they can rid themselves of Christy Clark and her inept gang of Liberals.

Marois must realize she is only get-ting a chance to be premier of Quebec by default. Dix must already know he will become premier of BC by default. His New Democrats will only win the election next spring because frustrated British Columbians want to kick the Liberals out.

The underlined text was done by me --- and for good reason; if the New Democrats win next year’s election, it will be by default ONLY.  The majority of people in BC do not support the policy and ideals of the NDP, they simply see no other viable choice or option.

There is in fact an option however; but it is one that in the coming months MUST get past internal squabbles, and present a united front, with strong policies, and a quick and easy to understand platform.  That option is the BC Conservative Party.

It will be incumbent on members of the BC Conservatives (of which I am one), to come out of the AGM being held September 22^nd in Langley, united.

Policy is the stuff that pundits, media, and those of us who are political junkies, feed on.  It is not however what most voters take the time to read – never mind understand.

IF BC Conservatives wish to have a chance at forming government following next Springs General Election, we will have to provide voters with the broad strokes of policy in a way that can easily and readily be understood.  

I myself have been guilty of boiling this down to the lowest possible description of what we stand for --- fiscal conservatives with a social conscience.  

If Bill Bennett is standing shoulder to shoulder with her on that fence, it must be quite the balancing act

I am disappointed to see BC Liberal MLA Bill Bennett not only deliberately misleading the people of his region, but elsewhere across the province, with regards to BC Conservative policy on pipelines and the environment (MLA, premier stand 'shoulder to shoulder' on pipeline issue).

In his article, posted in the Kootenay News Advertiser, he states, and I quote:
“ … the NDP categorically oppose pipelines, without even wanting to know the results of an environmental assessment or potential benefits to tax payers. The BC Conservatives categorically support pipelines, no matter the environmental risk and cost and no matter whether BC receives any benefits.”

I am sure he is very well aware that BC Conservative Party policy does not in any way have blanket support of pipelines, and has always stated that any resource development must pass thorough environmental reviews, be of benefit to the province, and have direct benefit to the people within the region of proposed development.

For those interested, here is the text of ARTICLE 7: “Environment” (BC Conservative Policy document)

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

Interesting isn’t, how the human mind thinks? Or … venom and hate the order of the day.

This is me, the big scarey BC Conservative. Hmmm ... maybe Petrosa
and Pierre are right; women, children, and those in need beware.

Those who get the Kamloops Daily News will have seen a Letter to the Editor that I submitted, and which ran in Saturday’s paper.  It was actually an edited version of a blog post I did.  The letter went as follows:

After winning the leadership of the B.C. Liberal Party Christy Clark stated: "I want you to be my partners in change in Victoria. I want you to be my partners in bringing open government. You can count on me to listen, you can count on me to engage, and you can count on me to make sure government really does include you. I have specific ideas on how to do these things but I also need to hear from you," she said.

"My top priority will be to put families first. In British Columbia we are blessed with families of all shapes and sizes, families as diverse as our great province. This is the foundation of our communities. This is the building block of our future."

What a difference a little over a year makes.

Since then her government has gone from one crisis to another … she has watched as people who last election voted Liberal, have moved to both the B.C. Conservative Party, and the NDP … saw a former Liberal cabinet Minister (John van Dongen) switch to the Conservatives… and she’s seen one story after the other saying the Liberals may actually come third in the upcoming byelections.

She has also watched as both her approval rating and the fortunes of the B.C. Liberals have fallen in poll after poll.

Now, from all sides of the political spectrum, people are beginning to question if she can even survive as leader of the party before the next general election to be held in May 2013.

When Clark announced she planned to seek the leadership of the B.C. Liberal Party, these are the opening and closing words which she spoke: “I am running for leader of the B.C. Liberals – and to lead us to an election victory over the NDP – to bring new leadership to our province. That means more than simply a new premier, it means a new way of doing business for our government.”

 “… with me you can count on a leader who is direct, responsive, and committed to bringing positive, prosperous change to B.C.”

Again, what a difference a little over a year can make; which is why people are asking, “How long can Christy Clark last?”

It didn’t take long for the responses to roll in one of which stated:

People need positive leaders, positive solutions to our problems with policies to match

Yesterday, Christy Clark and the BC Liberal Party posted a new video on their YouTube channel.  A video in which she began by saying “It’s been quite a year for British Columbia …”

I couldn’t agree with her more on that!

Last year was both interesting and exciting … it was a year in which BC Liberals and the New Democrats elected new leaders … and one in which the fledgling BC Conservative Party went from 5% in the polls to 23% in the months following the election of John Cummins as leader, the development of dozens of constituency association, and the building of a strong party foundation.

But back to the video, and the words of Christy Clark.  For example these words at the 9 second mark … “We’ve come together to bring the right kind of change to our province”

Sorry Christy but the actions of your government don't match the words being spoken --- and the talk of openness and member participation – well that’s about a year late now.

The platform and ideas she is NOW asking to have contributed ‘by the people’???   They are already part of the BC Conservative Party Policy and Guiding Principles document; one developed and created by the rank and file members of the party during the past year. 

Why do I know this??

If British Columbian's want an optimistic future, hire the only true free enterprise party

Today in the National Post the “Full Comment” editorial from Kelly McParland was headlined … “Ontario election ignores the gathering storm”

Given I have some concerns about BC’s economic future I have to admit I was intrigued, and so decided to read on.  What I found were similarities to BC that have me both concerned and relieved; but first here is just a bit from that story.

The promises, the predictions, the pledges, the vows by the Tories to clean up the mess the Liberals have wrought, the assurances by the Liberals that they can abandon their spending addiction and run the province with a new, low-cost, tight-fisted approach (even while they suddenly discover half a billion dollars to pay for university subsidies) — don’t bet on any of it.

It’s not that the party leaders have been fibbing any more than usual. But the election thus far has operated like tourists on a beach, standing around watching a massive wave head towards them. Rather than race for higher ground, they’re ignoring the approaching peril and pretending the afternoon cocktail hour will proceed as scheduled.

Do any of the three have any sort of plan? Have they even given a passing thought as to how they’d keep the provinces fragile economy from cracking down the middle? There’s no indication they have. And that should have people worried.

Change the names of the political parties … the names of the leader … and the election date … and this Ontario election story could be here in BC.  That’s because it seems that both the Liberals and NDP seem to be unaware we must get our house in order.

Headed to the BC Conservative Party AGM

It's Friday ... and this afternoon I will be headed to Nanaimo for the BC Conservative Party AGM.  In addition to electing a new board and executive for the party, we will also be discussing and adopting the DRAFT policy document of the party.

This has been an exciting time over the past year as 100's of members of the BC Conservatives party have worked hard to put this document together ... including many of us here in the Kamloops, Thompson, Nicola region.  

It represents the common sense ideas of people from all walks of life -- and it will be great to remove the word "DRAFT" from it.

I'll have more to say as the weekend progresses so let's keep in touch!

This tour, of questionable value to the people of BC, is indeed a mystery.

I have to say I am looking forward to approval of BC Conservative policy platform, this weekend, at the parties AGM being held in Nanaimo.  This is a document that has substance and common sense, and one the party can feel good about taking to the people of BC!!

Why do I say that?  Well it was tongue in cheek I know, but I started off on Monday calling this week’s jobs strategy blitz, by Christy Clark, the "Can You See My Now Tour".  Given we are now on day number four of the tour … and given the lack of substance so far … I think I am going to have to come up with a new name. 

If the question were asked of me ... I would have to say “NO”

Do the “Guiding Principles” … the “Contract with British Columbia” … or the “Policies of the BC Conservative Party” firmly entrench who and what the party is??

If the question were asked of me, I would have to say “NO”

The very fact that the party has said elected members (MLA’s) will be accountable, responsible, and responsive to the people who have voted them into office, clearly shows that the party (which is the members) believes in the common sense of British Columbians.  They are after all the same people that have put together the draft policies of the party.

I believe that no political party can dot every “i” and cross every “t” of what policies will then become legislation.  That just cannot be done because situations change, and nothing stays static, from the time it was suggested.

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.

Take a stand against … Boredom … Lack of Uniqueness … Lack of Originality … Poor Quality

Today on my way to the mailbox I happened to really notice something that normally only gets a passing glance -- it was a vehicle by Eagle called a Summit.

Now I am indeed old enough to recall that at one time Eagle was its own company.  Then as things were getting bad financially for them, they were taken over by American Motors. 

Does any of this sound familiar to anyone???

What happened to American Motors?  Well they in turn went through a decline only to be swallowed up by Dodge / Chrysler who out of the deal ended up with the Jeep brand, the last thing of value in American Motors.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

As I looked at that old Eagle Summit I was reminded that there is also no longer the Pontiac brand … or Oldsmobile … Hummer is gone … as is Saturn.  Other than Saturn, which for the life of me I am unsure why it did not continue, I think I know what happened to the others.

Boredom … lack of uniqueness … no originality … poor quality … etc, etc.  They all became too much the same!

Okay so this is a political blog … what do a few old car companies, that no one remembers anyways; have to do with anything today.

Government has a SPENDING PROBLEM ... not a revenue problem!

"Government has a spending problem, not a revenue problem!" ... so said Maureen Bader (former director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation) to a large group of BC Conservative Party members in Surrey this morning.

Ms. Bader indicated that while some people believe that government is the answer to all problems, a large portion of the population is fed up, and will elect a political party running on a platform of small government.  What is needed however, is to have a clear platform that will allow voters to give a mandate for change.

How will BC Conservatives govern? ... that's a good question.

So ... when the next general election rolls around in May 2013, and we end up with a BC Conservative government, what is going to happen.  Well just the other day some one did ask me, what is the first thing that a BC Conservative government will do when they take power?

Those are both good questions (first thing they'll do / how govern), and I wish that I had the answers to them. Before they can be answered, there are a couple of very important things that will have to happen first, within the next couple of months.

Both will be happening at pretty much the same time – which will be good for the membership of the BC Conservatives. First will be the election of a party leader – second will be the approval of party policy.

"... politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians"

Charles de Gaulle once said, "I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians" … and I am inclined to agree.  Given the proliferation of political parties in BC in recent years, here is something else that he said that seems to fit with our provincial politics, “How can you govern a country which has two hundred and forty-six varieties of cheese?”

Before I continue today though, I have to anonymously give credit to a friend who sparked the idea of finding those quotes.  Thanks “D”

Okay, back to politics is too serious to be left to the politicians; isn’t that the very reason why over a decade and a half ago the provincial and federal Reform Parties said that elected representatives had to actually be accountable to the people that had elected them, or be subject to being fired by the voters.

I want to say that I do not agree with how recall is currently being used in BC given the fact that we are going to have opportunity to vote on whether the HST is going to be dumped -– and also because the BC NDP seem to be heavily involved in the Fight HST process. 

Having the opportunity, and a process in place, to initiate recall however is valuable to voters in BC (and should be available elsewhere) because politicians and political parties are inclined to say almost anything to get elected.  I believe that between elections, and when there is no other way to stop government and MLA actions that the majority of voters disagree with, recall is a valuable tool that should be used.