Yes, I am disappointed in the results of Tuesday night; but are my thoughts sour grapes? I hope not!

I'm back ... after a two and a half month long absence to take on the role of Campaign Manager for Peter Sharp, and BC Conservatives in Kamloops South Thompson. 

I'll start off my first Conservative Thoughts blog post saying I have wrestled with the material for this first one back, as some will say this is sour grapes.  That is NOT my intent however. 

This is just a personal observation, after having previously run as a candidate in a provincial election in 1996 --- and now 17 years later being just as intensely involved. 

People then (1996) indicated that a large concern they had was for government to be more open and accountable to them -- they were also concerned about rising debt -- and respect / integrity by elected representatives to the people of BC.  The turnout of registered voters was 71.5% of the population. 

In 2001 that dropped to 70.95 ... in 2005 it dropped again to 62.36 ... and in 2009 a huge drop to 55.14% again of registered voters occurred.

Tuesdays turnout apparently was 52% but that was likely of those estimated to be eligible to vote -- not of those who were registered.  I think is probably safe to assume that there was no change in voting patterns.  

Given this, I would like you to consider the opening comments of a Royal Commission study of Voter Turnout in Canada (Bakvis, 1991: xvii): 

The act of voting in an election is perhaps the single most important form of political participation in modern democracies. It remains the most direct means available to citizens of signaling their interests and preferences to government and of controlling those who seek to govern them. 

The extent to which citizens exercise this most fundamental right can be seen as an indicator of the health of democracy. 

A low level of voter turnout can be taken as indicative of political alienation among a good proportion of the populace; as a consequence, elected leaders may not be seen as fully legitimate.  

A lack of confidence when manifested through low voter turnout may also affect the legitimacy of basic political institutions. Conversely, high voter turnout can be construed as evidence of both a high level of commitment to the political order and existence of a citizenry interested in the welfare of their nation. 

*** I have added the BOLD font

So now back to the wrestling I have been going through with my thoughts and observations from this campaign, and others, including the one I participated in as a candidate in 1996. 

TAKING A BREAK ... for next 10 weeks

Greetings friends ...

I just wanted to let you know that with the BC Provincial Election just 10 weeks away, and the active role I am taking in the Kamloops South Thompson election campaign, I will be signing off for the next 2 and a half months.

As I am sure you are all well aware, I am very much involved with the BC Conservative Party.  This means I am joining to be taking an active role, as part of the team, putting in everything we can to see Peter Sharp elected.

Thanks for being part of the Conservative Thoughts journey -- I'll be back right after the May Provincial General Election.

Meantime, if you are a small 'c' conservative, I hope you will consider lending a hand in our campaign to elect Peter Sharp as our BC Conservative MLA for Kamloops South Thompson.  

We can use every person that has election experience -- those with office and management experience -- and those that can and will offer to take on a task they feel they can handle.

To find out more about Peter Sharps, campaign, please CLICK HERE.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops ... inviting you to not only follow the campaign ... but to be a part of it by joining the campaign team. 

PETER SHARP: BC Conservatives release "Spending Smarter" policy paper

"Change for the better, with how the Legislative Assembly operates, will only begin when individual MLA's can once again have greater say in the role of government."

BC Conservative Party candidate Peter Sharp

So said BC Conservative Kamloops South Thompson candidate Peter Sharp, after reviewing the parties just released position paper, "Spending Smarter".  

"For all intensive purposes, it honestly seems that our BC Liberal government has abdicated its' role in ensuring taxpayer financial resources are wisely spent."

"While the government would like us to believe this recently introduced budget is balanced, most are understandably suspicious." 

Highlights of the "Spending Smarter" policy paper include specifics on how Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA's) can once again ensure taxpayers get full value for their money.  These will include: 

1) Allowance for a thorough look at the financial outlays of government before they are made. 

2) The creation of a Legislative Budget Office, with the role of providing independent analysis for MLA's, helping them with complex financial and economic data. 

3) An improvement to how the Fall sitting of the Legislature functions.  Rather than a focus on passing or amending legislation, the Legislature will instead have opportunity to review the expenditure of taxpayer resources by the government, Crown corporations, as well as schools, universities, colleges and hospitals.

"Ongoing deficits, and ever increasing debt, is a financial plague that must end.  Our Spending Smarter position paper will be the start of making that actually happen", concluded Sharp.

NOTE:
The BC Conservative Party "Spending Smarter" policy paper is available to review at: http://www.bcconservative.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Spending-Smarter.pdf

Kamloops South BC Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger is, "Way over the line" with comments regarding the BC Conservatives.

Late yesterday afternoon, Kamloops South Thompson BC Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger, launched a verbal attack on BC Conservatives.

The following is a media release, sent out by BC Conservative candidate Peter Sharp, in reponse:

KAMLOOPS: Yesterday, BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins called on Premier Christy Clark to suspend Pat Bell, the controversial Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, from the Executive Council.

Peter Sharp in media scrum, following election as the
Kamloops South Thompson BC Conserrvative candidate

"We asked this because there have been allegations made in public, and through a CBC news report that he was involved in “breached protocols, broken promises and misrepresentation” with regards to the proposed Wood Innovation and Design Centre in Prince George", stated Kamloops South Thompson BC Conservative Party candidate Peter Sharp.

Sharp continued, "At no time did we state that he 'was' involved, only that allegations have been made, that should be examined and looked in to."

BC Conservatives, and all residents of the Kamloops area, should have real concern with the response of current Kamloops South Thompson MLA, and former Cabinet Minister, Kevin Krueger.

Sharp went on to say, "His comments are completely unacceptable behavior for an MLA!  He went way over the line with his caustic comments aimed at all members of our party -- not just the leadership."

"In fact, using an official government MLA email account, to hurl these insults at people who are some of his constituents, could be looked at as further arrogance by a party already being questioned by the electorate for it's integrity and accountability."

"If there is any silver lining to this whole situation, it is only that with the retirement of MLA Krueger, the people of our province will no longer be subjected to this kind of bullying.", Sharp concluded.

CONTACT:
Peter Sharp, candidate

BC Conservative Party

Kamloops South Thompson

 

 

The following is a full & complete copy of the email sent by Kevin Krueger:

From: Krueger.MLA, Kevin <Kevin.Krueger.MLA@leg.bc.ca <mailto:Kevin.Krueger.MLA@leg.bc.ca> >
Date: Tue, Feb 26, 2013 at 4:01 PM
Subject: The Honourable Pat Bell

To: "conservatives@bcconservative.ca" <conservatives@bcconservative.ca>, "Krueger.MLA, Kevin" <Kevin.Krueger.MLA@leg.bc.ca <mailto:Kevin.Krueger.MLA@leg.bc.ca> >


Attention: B.C. Cons:

Mr. Cummins, and everybody involved in this news release, are "Unmitigated" MORONS to have published such crap as this.

Pat Bell is beloved in Prince George, for good reason. There is not ONE of you scum worthy to tie his shoes - nor tall enough.

You have just blown whatever support you might have hoped to muster in Prince George, and many other places.

What idiots you are.
Kevin Krueger, MLA

 

Original media release from the BC Conservative Party:

Suspend Bell and expand investigation, Cummins

LANGLEY, BC, FEB. 26, 2013 – John Cummins, leader of the BC Conservatives, today called on Premier Christy Clark to suspend Pat Bell, the controversial Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, from the Executive Council.

The call follows reports by CBC News alleging that Bell, the MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie, was involved in “breached protocols, broken promises and misrepresentation” with regards to the proposed Wood Innovation and Design Centre in Prince George.

Cummins also said that the Premier should expand the mandate of Jane Shackell, Q.C., the “fairness advisor” retained to oversee the bid process for the Wood Centre, so she can investigate the CBC News allegations.

“Pat Bell has been involved in one controversy after another under the current Premier,” said Cummins. “From botching a deal for the BC Place Stadium naming rights, to wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on television advertisements extolling his failed Jobs Plan, to inappropriately sending confidential emails to a lobbyist, to the Wood Centre in Prince George, he’s been an unmitigated disaster.”

The CBC News reports were based on allegations by two Prince George-area business men who claim they were not short-listed for the Wood Centre project, despite earlier discussions with Bell and other BC Liberal government representatives.


UPDATE:While not an apology, I'm glad to Kamloops South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger indicating that perhaps he had a poor choice of words in his attack on the BC Conservatives 
http://www.cknw.com/news/vancouver/story.aspx/story.aspx?ID=1899792

Can things really be much different here in Kamloops with the Interior Health Authority? I would think not

Today we have a feature commentary from, Kamloops South Thompson BC Conservative candidate, Peter Sharp:

I came across a story today that should give at least a few British Columbian's, many of whom are desperately looking to find a family Doctor, a bit of hope. 

The news story indicated that BC has recruited a record number of doctors in 2012.  I am pleased to see this, but also find it a shame however; that we can't work harder to find ways to train more of our own BC young people. 

Just the other day, in a government release, the BC Liberals also informed us that:
The government of British Columbia and the BC Medical Association are partnering to improve primary care services and ensure all B.C. citizens who want a family doctor are able to access one by 2015.  

Here are the first two features they called attention to:
1) Funding to enable family physicians to consult with patients by telephone
2) Incentives for physicians to take more patients with complex conditions, such as cancer, onto their caseloads.  

Now I don't know about you, but I'm not so sure that we want to have doctors diagnosing patient medical concerns by telephone -- something tells me we could be opening ourselves up for some kind of multi-million dollar lawsuit if a serious misdiagnosis were to occur. 

Doctors to diagnose over the telephone, while patients
self-diagnose over the internet for lack of family doctors

And ... if doctors are already carrying more patients than they wish to have, which is greatly increasing their stress and burn-out level, what kind of 'incentives' can we possibly provide that would have them take on more patients? 

I have to say that everything I see, read, and hear, tells me the whole system appears to be getting worse, and not better.  And it's not just doctors (and others in the healthcare system) saying the problem is patient loads that are too high, and not enough family doctors.  Spending is being badly misdirected as well.  

Some Doctors involved in direct medical care in BC are saying; "Hundreds of millions of tax dollars are being wasted every year oninefficiencies and mismanagement".   

In this same story we read:
Mike McLoughlin, a Kelowna businessman whose wife is a family doctor at a walk-in clinic, said patients often needlessly repeat medical tests when they're referred to a local hospital.

"The information sharing is so poor that patients undergo the same tests twice," said McLoughlin, who's running in the May election for the B.C. Conservatives after getting fed up watching waste in the system.  

 

The story "Wasted Tax Dollars: B.C. health spending under fire", by Michael Smyth, informs us that:  

... in the Fraser Health Authority alone, the number of non-union staff making over $150,000 a year has increased 22 per cent since the 2009 election. 

... and those making between $125,000 and $150,000 is up 35 per cent, and those making between $100,000 and $125,000 is up 39 per cent. 

 

Can things really be much different here in Kamloops with the Interior Health Authority?  I would think not -- and it IS NOT. 

PETER SHARP: "This begins Day #1 as the BC Conservative candidate for Kamloops South Thompson"

Last night BC Conservatives, in Kamloops South Thompson, elected Peter Sharp to represent them in this Mays Provincial General Election.

Those of you in other areas of the province, or who may have been unable to attend last night meeting, missed a great meeting, and hearing the words of Peter. 

He has given me permission to print them for you and they follow.  First though, I thought I would share with you what he had to say online this morning:



Step one in seeking the nomination -- filling out the BC
Conservative Party nomination forms (42 pages!)

"This begins Day #1 as the BC Conservative candidate for Kamloops South Thompson. And it begins with news from a new Ipsos Reid poll that shows 24% of voters are now less likely to vote for the BC Liberals following release of the new budget. BONUS!"

Now, here is Peter's speech from last night.

Good evening fellow Conservatives, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen, and fellow nominee candidate Maria Dobi ...

 

My name is Peter Sharp and tonight I hope to become your candidate, for the BC Conservative Party, in our Kamloops South Thompson Riding.  Then with your support, encouragement, and assistance -- to become your MLA following the May General Election. 

 

About a month ago, BC Liberal MLA Terry Lake was quoted as saying:  “What we do see, as we get closer to election, is that people are understanding what the BC Conservatives are all about….”

 

My hope is that the Voters of our great province do indeed come to understand what we, as BC Conservatives are all about and what we believe in ... and what we hope to bring to the political stage in British Columbia.

 

Terry Lake tossed a generalized statement out -- one, which implied there is something to fear from the BC Conservatives.   He knows that his implied statement is completely without truth ... and the backroom manipulators of the BC Liberal Party know that as well.

 

In fact ... because WE BELIEVE IN BC ... and the people of BC ... I am proud to say that our beliefs, principles and policies differ greatly from the BC Liberal Party.

 

WE - as BC Conservatives - believe in clearly defined public policies and programs that are affordable, effective, and accountable to each one of you here tonight.  And I too believe that each and every British Columbian is entitled to full knowledge of all services government provides ... AND what they cost.

 

After all ... how else can we know if we are getting good value?

 

WE -- as BC Conservatives --  believe that our provincial government must operate with the highest standards of integrity and transparency.  And we as BC Conservatives also believe that governments at all levels -- including at the municipal level -- are responsible to serve and respect all individuals and their families. 

 

Peter Sharp speaking with members of
the media at the announcement he would
seek the Kamloops South nomination

As an elected councillor with the City of Kamloops, I have firsthand experience in knowing why our elected representatives should first and foremost represent your interests.

 

As a retired RCMP officer with 30 years of experience, I too believe in the BC Conservative Party's policy of law and order that focuses on the rights of victims ... and the protection of the public.

 

We as BC Conservatives have our feet planted in reality.  We need to have smaller government ... we need to encourage new enterprise.  Leadership at all levels (from teachers in the classroom -- to elected officials in Victoria) MUST encourage our youth ... parents ...  employees in the workplace ... and business leaders to dream big dreams.  We need to once again strive towards excellence and prosperity. 

 

These are not just motherhood statements ... these are statements that I too -- WITH YOU -- believe in.

 

If I have the opportunity to be your elected representative for the BC Conservative Party…. I will hold my party accountable to create an environment where good government and prosperity can be achieved.

Polls -- Support --- Nominating Candidates -- and YOU

In spending some time online this morning looking over news stories, and comments from political commentators, I came across two things of note:

1) The new EKOS Politics / iPolitics.ca poll shows the strongest age demographic, with support for the BC Conservatives, is the "Family Raising" age bracket of 25 to 44 ... with those who are retired (65+) being the next strongest age demo. 

The poll also shows that timing is now crucial.  It indicated support is increasing again, and has gone from 11.4% late last year, to now stand at 14.6%. This is the 3rd poll, in two weeks, where I have seen showing support growing once again

2) Another reason why small 'c' conservatives can - and should - support the BC Conservative Party is found in a blog post from political commentator BC Iconoclast. 

This morning part of his post stated; "The media story is that she (Allison Redford) pulled off a dramatic change of fortune for her party. If she can do it, so can Christy Clark is the argument. I do not think this example applies in BC for a number of reasons ..."

His opinion piece is short and to the point, and so I would certainly like to encourage you to read it (http://bciconcoclast.blogspot.ca/2013/02/cold-christy-clark-pull-of-win-like.html)

Right now we need every member and every supporter to lend a hand, in whatever way they are able (including simply offering encouragement), so that we go into the 30 day campaign period strong! 

Volunteer to help -- make a donation to the campaign -- get your friends and neighbors to think about supporting and voting for us.  The bottom line is we simply need you to do whatever you can.

For those of you who are BC Conservative Party members, in the Kamloops South Thompson riding, this is what you need to know is most important. 

Right now we need you to beb there at the nomination meeting (Thursday February 21st) to cast a vote for the candidate you believe will best represent us here in the Kamloops South Thompson riding. 

Again the meeting is at 7pm at the Old Yacht Club on River Street. Come hear what your nominee candidates (Maria Dobi and Peter Sharp) have to say ... ask them your questions. 

If you require a ride to attend, just call and we'll be happy to get you there.  IF you are unable to attend, please call or email so we can get a Mail-In ballot to you.

We are BC Conservatives ... We Believe in BC!


FOLLOW-UP:
Since posting this earlier, I received a comment by email that I thought I would share and pass along to you:

Alan, that's my story.  I am in that age bracket and many of my friends are worried about our future in BC.  Low paying jobs, high cost of living and a government that spends taxpayer money like it was from their parents trust fund.  I even hear stories that people don't want to have kids because they won't be able to afford it. 

I wasn't drawn to the party because it was an OWG club.  I was drawn to it because of the principles the party stood for.  I think this is what we need to push out everytime we hear of the OWG criticism.

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!

Tell the BC Liberal's, and the New Democrats, enough is enough!

Today we have a guest commentary from BC Conservative Party member, and Kamloops South nominee candidate, Peter Sharp:

One of the stories in today's edition of the Kamloops Daily News had the following headline; "MLA expense reports lack detail, taxpayers’ federation says -- 'It’s a virtually worthless document'

Expense reports showing how much B.C.’s provincial politicians spend on travel are worthless, a director of the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation says.

“It’s flawed in many ways,” Jordan Bateman said Friday.



BC Conservative Party nominee
candidate Peter Sharp

The reports don’t include a breakdown of ministers’ expenses, doesn’t give context on the number of trips they actually took or where they went, nor does it include who travels with them, although MLAs are allowed to take someone on 12 trips a year.

“It’s a virtually worthless document,” he said.



While the BC Liberal government crows about what a wonderful job they are doing with our economy -- the BC Taxpayers says BC Liberals and NDP MLA's are being completely unaccountable with our tax dollars. 

This is just ONE of the reasons why I have chosen to seek the nomination to run as the BC Conservative candidate in Kamloops South Thompson. Here are the FIRST two things the party I support believes in:

The BC Conservative Party is founded on and will be guided in its policy formation by the following principles:

1) A belief in clearly defined public policies and programs that are affordable and effective and for which delivery is accountable to all the people of British Columbia.

2) 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.


We have endured two decades of NDP and BC Liberal governments. 

PLATO: “In a city of good men, people would probably vie with each other in order not to rule.”

PLATO: "In a city of good men, people would
probably vie with each other not to rule"

It's interesting to see the top search that are directing traffic to the Conservative Thoughts blog.  Four of them of course are on the latest trouble for the BC Liberals with FosterGate  and Auditor General John Doyle in the news -- and the one of direct interest to people here in Kamloops with Peter Sharp seeking BC Conservative nomination in the South Thompson riding.

#5  eric foster
#4  BC Liberals
#3  auditor general 2013 john doyle
#2  peter sharp kamloops

and the #1 search phrase is; eric foster constituency assistant

In the case of BC Liberal Vernon - Monashee MLA Eric Foster, his participation, and role in John Doyle not being renewed for another term in his role as Auditor General, is going to be in the news for some time.

Today, BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins had more to ask about the situation.  Here is just part of a news release from the BC Conservative Party today:

Why did renovations in 2009 to BC Liberal MLA Eric Foster's Vernon constituency office cost B.C. taxpayers almost half the assessed value of the land and building combined? John Cummins, leader of the BC Conservatives, asked today.

Cummins also questioned whether Foster knew that the building was owned by the family of a long-time BC Liberal financial donor -- and political appointee to the Agricultural Land Commission.

"We all know of Mr. Foster's recent bad judgement when he continued as chair of the special legislative committee which terminated the appointment of John Doyle as Auditor General, after Mr. Doyle had critically examined renovation expenses at Mr. Foster's constituency office," said Cummins.

A Globe and Mail story on Monday included this quote; it seems a fitting way to wrap this up today.  This story ended with:
Plato had it right: He said that the greatest punishment for being unwilling to rule is being ruled by someone worse than oneself. This is what makes people of good character step forward. “In a city of good men,” Plato mused, people would “probably vie with each other in order not to rule.”

I'm Alan Forseth ... in Kamloops

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:

PETER SHARP; I am not running to become the candidate for the BC Conservative Party in Kamloops South Thompson for a lark -- I am running because I believe I can win."

Former Kamloops City Councilor Peter Sharp; now
seeking BC Conservative nomination in Kamloops South

Today we have another guest piece ... this time from Peter Sharp, who is seeking the BC Conservative party nomination for Kamloops South Thompson.

In BC's  39th provincial general election, three and a half years ago, a shockingly large number of registered voters decided not to go to the polls. 

Right here in the Kamloops South Thompson riding there were 40,200 registered voters -- however only 23,400 actually did cast a ballot.   

And across the province?  Well in 2005 the BC Liberals received 807,000 votes ... that fell to 750,000 in the last election held in 2009.  A similar pattern shows for the NDP who received 730,000 in 2005 ... but only 690,000 in 2009.   

Voter apathy continues to grow, and I can see only one reason for that; a increasing belief that government no longer responds to the real needs of its citizens, and that elected officials are only out for themselves.  

Over the past 20 years, British Columbian's have witnessed both NDP and BC Liberal governments mismanaging our finances.  

We need a change!  We need commons sense, integrity and accountability in government.

I support party Leader John Cummins, and  the common sense, people oriented, ideals of the BC Conservative Party.  I also believe that we can once again make our province a place where individuals, and families, can grow and prosper.

“To build the proposed Trades and Technology Center will require a budget of $7.4 million … an amount equal to today’s interest payment on BC’s debt”

The following is a media release that went out today (September 26) from the Kamloops South Thompson Constituency Association, of the BC Conservative Party:

In the Service Plan for 2012 – 2015, former Education Minister George Abbot stated that; “The world has changed significantly since our education system was designed and while we continue to have a very strong system, we must make bold changes to support our teachers and ensure that every student receives an education that reflects their unique needs, interests and passions."

Despite these words, the NorKam Trades and Technology Centre, which will nurture and develop science and technology in the Kamloops area, and provide skills for workers that are needed in tech trades, remains little more than a dream.  It sits awaiting approval from the Liberal government.

Earlier this Summer Kamloops Liberal MLA Terry Lake indicated this project was his #1 priority, and that it was a priority for the government as well.

“How many times will we be hearing Terry Lake, and the Liberal government of Christy Clark repeat those words?” asked Peter Sharp, Vice-President of the BC Conservative Party’s Kamloops South Thompson South Thompson Constituency Association.

“All across the province new classrooms and schools are being built in Revelstoke, Surrey, Williams Lake, Langley, Fort St. John, Port Alberni, Burnaby, Victoria, Kitsilano, and Chilliwack.  Missing from that list however, is the city of Kamloops.”