In that definition I do not see the words ‘Business” … “Unions” … or “Political Parties”

Have we handicapped ourselves?

Have we handicapped ourselves?? Have we ourselves allowed the door to begin closing on government that is open and accountable to each of us?

The most common definition of “Democracy” is … government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.

In that definition I do not see the words ‘Business” … “Unions” … or “Political Parties”

I recent years however I think I can safely say that the majority of people in this province do not feel that we as a collective group of people, or as individuals, have “power vested in us” … nor do we feel that the power of government is being “directed by us”.

So if indeed that is true, then who are the people we elect and send to the legislature in Victoria accountable, or responsible, to?  Let’s take a quick little pop quiz to see who you think who the “supreme power” is vested in:

Who do you feel that BC’s MLA’s are accountable to:
(__) Business (__) Unions    (__) the political party they represent   (__) You

Who do you feel that BC’s MLA’s should be accountable to:

(__) Business (__) Unions    (__) the political party they represent   (__) You

Who do you feel that BC’s MLA’s are responsible to:

(__) Business (__) Unions    (__) the political party they represent   (__) You

Who do you feel that BC’s MLA’s should be responsible to:

(__) Business (__) Unions    (__) the political party they represent   (__) You

Who do you feel individual MLA’s represent:
(__) Business (__) Unions    (__) the political party they represent   (__) You

Who do you feel individual MLA’s should represent:

(__) Business (__) Unions    (__) the political party they represent   (__) You

Given the definition of “Democracy” that I began this with, all six of these questions should have been answered with “YOU” – I’m guessing however that only every second one was.  That is wrong – plain and simple – and it is one of the biggest reasons for voter apathy that continues to rise in election after election.

That however is NOT the only problem.

In recent years we’ve had ever increasing salaries and benefits to the management and bureaucracy of government --- to the crown corporations of government --- and to the agencies of government.

We have had quasi government crown corporations, like BC Hydro and BC Ferries, which have been a constant and ever increasing drain on taxpayer’s dollars. Yet until just recently they felt comfortable in paying themselves NOT ONLY big fat salaries … but big fat bonuses as well.

Here's the million (or billion dollar) question, "Have we allowed them to do that?" --- and yes, I said 'we'.

We have allowed it by electing people that say what we want to hear … by electing people that are not accountable to us … by not being a part of the political process … by not being educated in the platforms and policies of the various parties.

If we want better government, then we need to first be accountable and responsible to ourselves in making sure we elect people that have a commitment to that same thing.

I am a supporter, and member of, the BC Conservative Party – I say that right up front in my blog. I am a member and supporter because I see John Cummins and the BC Conservatives as the political party best able to deliver on having representatives (MLA’s) that are accountable and responsible to the people who have elected them. 

I don’t see enough in the BC Liberal Party … or the New Democratic Party … that gives me the same confidence. But don’t take my word for it; check them out.  See if they things they say, and do, match up with the following policies and principle of BC Conservatives:

The BC Conservative Party is based on the principle that the Party must be totally accountable to its members, and when forming the government, to all the people of the Province.

The Party also believes that all individuals and organizations, including public servants at all levels, must be held equally accountable for the management of monies and the delivery of services whether it be in education, health care, electrical power, or any other service provided by government.

… a BC Conservative government will be dedicated to ensuring expected standards are well defined, delivery performance is regularly monitored and tested, and those responsible for delivery are held accountable.

… a belief in managing the government to the highest standards of integrity and transparency and British Columbians are entitled to full knowledge of  services rendered and their costs.

… 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.

… a belief that Members of the Legislative Assembly are primarily responsible  to represent the interests of their Constituents

… ensure that all Crown Corporations, and other organizations owned,  controlled or supported by the Government of British Columbia will ultimately  report to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

… enact legislation relating to political donations to registered British  Columbia political parties, limiting such donations to those received only from  individuals and banning donations from corporations, unions and all other similar  entities

… every tax dollar collected from British Columbians is  received in trust. Further, recognize this trust must be managed and accounted for according to the highest standards of integrity and transparency. The peoples scrutiny of all spending decisions should be encouraged and welcomed

… the existing framework of Public Sector accountability and financial reporting legislation be reviewed and amended to strengthen accountability, transparency, and  citizen engagement and consultation.

I started off today asking if we have we handicapped ourselves … and if we have allowed the door to begin closing on government that is open and accountable to each of us?

If you are wondering where you should place your support, then I would like to encourage you to check out what the other parties stand for … see how their policies and principles fit with having government that is open and accountable.

I feel fairly confident you will find, as I did, one party that stand ahead of the others..

I’m Alan Forseth in Kamloops … and these are the thoughts of one conservative.