BC Politics --- The Stories of 2010

Happy New Year ... I hope that you were able to enjoy a great Christmas with family and friends. As you read this, I am away for several days so that our family can visit and spend time with family.

I have a great deal of confidence for the conservative movement in British Columbia in 2011, and as 2010 ends, let's take a look back at some of the events that happened in the wacky world of BC politics:


Jan. 20: The BC government issues layoff notices to 233 provincial employees in the second round of cost-cutting measures since B.C.'s deficit soared in 2009.

Jan 21^st ... Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health, which carry out directives issued by Health Minister Kevin Falcon, are cancelling 2,450 surgeries this February through March. The government has characterized the reduction in operating room procedures as an "Olympic slowdown". Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health, which carry out directives issued by Health Minister Kevin Falcon, are cancelling 2,450 surgeries this February through March. The government has characterized the reduction in operating room procedures as an "Olympic slowdown".

February 1^st ...Today B.C. Liberal agriculture minister Steve Thompson suggested in a radio interview that the Buy B.C. program could be the key to helping struggling fruit growers in the Okanagan stay in business, yet despite the fact that the program costs little more than what the government is spending on Olympic tickets for B.C. Liberal friends and insiders, he would not commit to reinstating it.

March 2: The B.C. government tables a budget that forecasts a $1.7 billion deficit this fiscal year, and reveals a BC Hydro plan to increase rates by 15 per cent in the next two years. The budget maintains the government’s priority of protecting core services in health and education and commits every dollar raised through the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and four other revenue streams to be used for health services funding when the HST comes into effect July 1, 2010.”.  While health and education have received modest increases in funding, other provincial ministries are facing significant cuts: Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Forests and Range and the Healthy Living and Sport Ministries.

We need a strong alternative to provide voters with a clear and identifiable choice

Why is it in British Columbia that we seem to have a penchant for one or the other; the left or the right??  There is a definite solid base of supporters for the NDP --- and a solid block for what is now the BC Liberal Party, former represented by Social Credit.  In the middle stands a huge block of voters who swing from one side of the pendulum to the other saying, “lets throw these bums out”. 

It seems that a growing number of people are beginning to see that a strong alternative would go a long ways to providing voters with clear and identifiable choices – and would go a long ways I believe to seeing an end of the swinging pendulum.

I have said this before, but I believe it is still as true as ever … NO political party can embody everything an individual would want.  I do believe however that those of us wishing to see a clear alternative to the Liberals vs. NDP option we have had for the past decade … can identify with the beliefs and values of the BC Conservative Party.

What seems to be at the top of the list in importance to the BC Conservative Party includes, but is not limited to:

This Week in BC Politics (Dec 20 - 26th)

Here's a snapshot of stories from the past week ... just click the link in the story title

BC Conservative Party names board for Kamloops North Thompson -- Barriere Star Journal 

The BC Conservative Party named its Board of Directors for the Kamloops North Thompson Riding on Saturday, Dec. 11, during a meeting held at the McLure …

COLUMN: Don't sacrifice set election dates -- BCLocalNews

VICTORIA – Christy Clark could run in a by-election if she wins the BC Liberal leadership vote in February, but she is leaning towards an early general …

BC Liberal leadership rivals square off on tax cuts -- Globe and Mail

Kevin Falcon says Christy Clark, one of his rivals for the leadership of the BC Liberals, has fallen prey to NDP thinking on tax cuts…

'A propitious time' in BC politics, MLA says -- Cranbrook Daily Townsman

Right now, if there's an election, and there's a credible alternative to the NDP and the BC Liberals, I think we're going to end up with a brand new party ...

BC Rail probe is a bold move -- The Province

Although the BC Rail corruption saga was the most serious and disturbing political scandal of the decade -- with many unanswered questions about the biggest …

BC ombudsperson asked to investigate coroner's resignation -- Vancouver Sun

... but several allegations of direct political interference in the coroner's office have since been made in the media by former chief coroners and BC's ...

Basi memos show need for B.C. Rail inquiry -- North Shore News

British Columbians are owed a full, sworn exposé of the political shenanigans that led to the dealing away of a critical public asset -- BC Rail -- into the...

Economy at stake in BC recall campaign -- Journal of Commerce

The worst kept secret in British Columbia is that big labour and their political arm, the NDP, are involved. Leaked memos from NDP meetings …

De Jong camp hopes Christy and Kevin keep fighting -- The Province (blog)

... the legendary political operator from Alberta who steered Ralph Klein's career for many years, is in British Columbia working for Liberal leadership

Seasons greetings from BC Hydro -- Vancouver Sun (blog)

In short, by the time the holiday season is over, this thing is pretty much a done deal. And in the BC Liberal political lexicon, that's what they mean by ...

We'll be back soon ... Happy New Year and I hope you had a great Christmas

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

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

Bill Bennett asks, “Is there not a better way for MLA’s to represent their constituents?”

On Tuesday (December 21^st) there was an interview with Kootenay East MLA, Bill Bennett in the Cranbrook Townsman newspaper (http://www.dailytownsman.com/article/20101221/CRANBROOK0101/312219982/a-propitious-time-in-bc-politics-mla-says).

During the interview, which was conducted by Barry Coulter, Bennett indicated he sees an opportunity for positive change to the way politics is conducted in BC in that he said, “…. you could easily end up with something we haven't seen in this province in many decades, which is NDP, BC Liberal, BC Conservative (who Bennett sees as the best organized of the other parties and the furthest ahead in terms of electing members), and one or two BC First Party or BC Heritage Party members.”

He also asked the question a large number of residents, who are becoming increasingly more vocal, have been asking for many years … “Is there not a better way for MLA’s to represent their constituents?”

A look back ... May 21st, 1996

Just this morning I looked back at something I had written on May 21^st, 1996, when I ran as a candidate for the Reform Party of BC.

As British Columbians we enjoy the richness of our multi-cultural diversity – job opportunities in every imaginable field – scenic splendor for all to enjoy – and an abundance of natural resources that in the past have fueled the economic growth of our province.  And you ask, "How can we protect this quality of life?”

• You feel taxed to death and over governed
• You’ve lost faith in political parties that have repeatedly failed to deliver on what they promise
• You’re concerned about ensuring that we have a quality health and education system we can be proud of
• And you’re concerned about maintaining a caring society that offers a hand to those in need

It is now 14 years later, and since then we endured one more term of the NDP … followed by a decade of the Liberals.  Since 1996 what has changed from the concerns I heard back then?

We still feel taxed to death and over governed … in fact a 15% tax reduction offered this Fall (which never should have been promised in the first place), was yanked back days later by the Liberals.

Politicians continue to make promises they can’t – or won’t – keep.

The Liberals have lost the trust and confidence of many British Columbians

In following news of the leadership campaign, George Abbott has said the BC Liberals have lost the trust and confidence of many British Columbians, and that he intends to use this campaign to help see it rebuilt.

He has also said he is travelling the province to meet with people to discuss their concerns and ideas … and one of the reasons why he is placing a heavy emphasis on reconnecting with the grassroots is because, and I quote, “if we don’t do that, there will be other parties that will fill that void” … “such as the B.C. Conservative Party”

What I fail to understand however is why it has taken Abbott and the rest of the Liberal leadership hopefuls, ten years to understand the obvious – voters want government to be accountable, and we want our elected MLA’s to actually represent us. 

Christy Clark -- the next leader of the BC Liberals???

Apparently the majority of people involved in the news media currently seem to think that Christy Clark has the lead among members of the BC Liberal party who will soon be electing a new leader.

So what have some people had to say about her ???

... a well-honed ambition does not necessarily translate into performance at the cabinet table. As education minister, she launched many initiatives but delivered on few, and lost a key battle with the B.C. Teachers' Federation over control of the College of Teachers.

... "She was energetic with a lot of ideas -- some of which were positive," said Gordon Comeau, head of the school trustees, on the day in early 2004 when the premier shuffled Clark out of education. "But her energy sometimes created conflict in the system that is still there now."

… her second chance was the ministry of children and family development -- "Why me?" Clark was quoted as saying when Campbell gave her the news.  Six months later she was gone telling the premier she was quitting cabinet and would not be seek re-election.

BC Conservative Party Board of Directors named for Kamloops South Thompson

Following the official founding meeting for the Kamloops South Thompson Constituency Association, held on November 29^th, a Board of Directors is now in place.

Meeting in Kamloops Thursday evening (December 9^th) the constituency associations’ directors selected Alan Forseth of Kamloops to the Presidents position while Fred Batyi (bay-tea) of Chase will be the Vice President.  Also from Kamloops, Ted Joslin chosen as Secretary and Jacquie McDonald fills the Treasurers position.

Board of Directors For Kamloops North Thomspon BC Conservatives

Meeting at the McLure Restaurant on Saturday afternoon (December 11^th), an interim board of directors was chosen to lead the BC Conservatives in the riding of Kamloops North Thompson.

Regional Director Alan Forseth commented, “With members stretching across this vast riding from Blue River right through to Kamloops, we’re delighted our board has the same kind of representation.”

Serving as the ridings first President will be Carl Hagen of Kamloops, while Vice President Ron Anderson and Secretary Don Corser both hale from Clearwater.  Rounding out the board will be Treasurer Garvin Wallace of Kamloops, and Director at Large Beth Ofukany also of Kamloops.