This week in BC Politics

It's Easter weekend and I'm sure folks will be busy with family and friends enjoying warm Spring weather – and Easter Celebrations.

Still however I suspect a few folks may wish to catch up on a few of the stories this week in BC politics ... and maybe check out a flashback or two as well. If you are one, the read on ...

Flashbacks: This week in B.C. political history - The Globe and Mail

15 years ago (April 17-23 /96) B.C. politicians resist Liberal HST push

25 years ago (April 17-23 /86) Judges question legality of new prostitution law

Jody Paterson: Grab the chance to change BC politics

Times Colonist April 22, 2011 ... These are glorious days for British Columbian's who enjoy politics. I'm not one of them, but I admit to being just a little excited to see some life coming back to the BC political scene...

Fringe politics are for fringe parties – not a movement for the majority



- Jack Wiesgerber -
Former BC Reform
Party Leader & MLA



Anyone remember who spoke those words – and when?? 

They were spoken by Jack Wiesgerber on June 10^th, 1995 in Kamloops, and I was there.  He was then leader of the BC Reform Party, and those words are just as true today, as they were back then.

Not much later (1996) another BC politician, Gordon Campbell, spoke for the BC Liberal Party uttering the words “We must have the courage to change the way government is run”.

He spoke of having a, ‘common sense government’, but after a decade of government by the BC Liberal Party are we any closer to having common sense government?

Having a say on major decisions is of no value ... if we do not have the facts

You will not find much disagreement amongst British Columbians’ that the most important functions of government are to provide quality affordable health care -– an opportunity for young people to get a good education -– an environment in the community where people can feel safe –- clean air and fresh water -- social programs for those in society who are in true need of assistance – and a tax system that is fair and affordable.

There will be disagreement across party lines, and even between friends, on how to best accomplish these goals, however I am sure that all would agree these things should be a top priority.

If that is the case, then why do we seem to have so much difficulty achieving those goals? 

In the words of John Cummins … or … “You’ll find that I’m not really a trained seal”

In just a few short weeks John Cummins will become the leader of the BC Conservative Party.  Some people may still wonder who and what he is about – and his thoughts on what a real government that is accountable to the voters should look like.  So for those still wondering, here is John Cummins … in his own words.

“No one can beat the Liberals when it comes to arrogance,”

“The best way to get things done is to listen to what the voters are saying, to stand up for what you believe in, and never back down on something you know is right,”

These are interesting days here in BC

CBC News had story regarding new NDP leader Adrian Dix.  The following are a few clips from that story.  You can also click HERE for the full story.

"You bet we're going to holding them to account. That's our job as opposition," said Dix.

Dix wasted no time in attacking Clark, who he says made life worse for British Columbian children while she was minister in the children and families and education portfolios.

But he said he thinks it is important that HST referendum go ahead before any general election is called.

During his leadership campaign Dix promised to roll back corporate tax cuts, to restore a minimum tax on banks and to increase support for students and seniors, if elected.

"You're going to see a positive campaign that's going to get people who didn't vote in the last election to vote. I think that's how you do it," he said.

In 22 elections the NDP has only won three times (1972, 1991, and 1996) with leaders most would consider to be moderates.

Adrian Dix -- NDP Leader

Adrian Dix grew up in Vancouver, one of three children to parents who ran a small business. He graduated from the University of British Columbia, and is married to writer and arts advocate Renée Saklikar.

Before being elected as an MLA in 2005, Adrian Dix spent 5 years as the BC Yukon Branch Executive Director of Canadian Parents for French, and also served as the Chief of Staff to former NDP Premier Glenn Clark from 1996 to 1999.

In 2005, he was was elected as the MLA for Vancouver Kingsway. In the six years since then he has been the Opposition Caucus Deputy House Leader, and served as Opposition Critic for Health. Adrian has extensive experience as a non-profit director, education community leader, government strategist and media commentator.

DIX wins NDP leadership race

Adrian Dix wins B.C. NDP leadership, becomes the province's opposition leader

Click HERE for full more