A government isn’t open and accountable by saying they are … they are open and accountable through their actions

Have you ever heard of the Labour, Citizen’s Services and Open Government Ministry?  I doubt many have --- it is a rather weird and bizarre grouping to put together don’t you think?

Regardless, it’s the Open Government portion of the name that interests me, and if you go to the Ministry’s website, you’ll find the following:

Information Access Operations service mandate is:

“To lead and deliver optimal services on behalf of the Province of British Columbia, in fulfilling the obligations under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA); the Document Disposal Act (DDA) and the Core Policy and Procedures Manual (CPPM) Chapter 12 for the management of records within the provincial government’s control and/or custody. The IAO is committed to fostering strong, meaningful relationships and offering innovative services to its beneficiaries while exemplifying transparency and accountability”.

I added the underlining to the above quote from their website, including the last four words … “exemplifying transparency and accountability’

Isn’t it rather curious for Christy Clark’s BC Liberals to use that selection of words, to talk about being ‘open’ … ‘transparent’ … and ‘accountable’? 

Perhaps, more accurately, words to describe how this government operates should instead by … Hypocrisy … Insincerity … Disingenuous … and Misleading come to mind.

This is not the individual back-bench MLA’s who are part of Christy Clark’s government … NO … this is the Cabinet Ministers, the Premiers Office … and the Premier herself who dictate this is how our provincial government operates.

Harsh words, perhaps, but fitting I believe.

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.

Put those ideas forward John ... but be prepared to fully back them up ... because that is what we are asking to see happen!

It has been said that the only political poll that counts is the one that takes place on election day – I agree.  That said however, when two polls come out the same week, showing the political party you support is increasing, well you have to like that.

I recent years the BC Conservative Party has been found lumped in with a group called “Others” -- not so any more!  In the last week or so two polls have come out that show the BC Conservatives gaining in popular support.

In the poll taken by Ipsos Reid they show the party at 10%, while the one by the Mustel Group poll had the BC Conservatives at 18%! These results have to be encouraging for John Cummins who will soon become leader of the party – they show BC voters are responding in a positive way to a message of change, government accountability, and electing a government that puts

folks ahead of the special interests.

The Ipsos Reid poll, which can be found HERE, shows that compared to the May 2009 election, voter support for the BC Liberals is down 5 points from 46% ... and the NDP are down 3 points from 42%.  (NOTE ... both of these polls have of course been conducted since the Liberals and New Democrats elected new leaders.)