I want to talk about a subject that the NDP continuously harps about and that is fall sittings being cancelled by the big, bad BC Liberal Government
Between 1991-2001, under the BC NDP, fall sittings never occurred, that I can remember anyways, sittings occurred on a moments' notice and Special Warrants for the provincial budget was common place. Tell me...do you think it is appropriate to have a 20 member cabinet approve expenditures of $30 billion dollars without Legislature approval? I think not
Once again, Carole James during the Premier's Estimates debates asked the Premier if a fall sitting would occur.
The Premier's response: Those are discussions that occur between House Leaders', as it should be
For the NDP to be the saviours' on democracy and whether or not the House sits and when is truly breathtaking and really rich on their part
Look...The NDP are not the government...the BC Liberal Party is. They have the most seats in the House. I don't believe that recalling the House for the sake of debate isn't good use of taxpayers' money. The House should/must sit if there are bills to be debated/approved or even taxpayer expenditures to be approved or even native treaties to be approved. But if there isn't any government work to be completed, then why bother have a fall sitting if the government has no business to propose to the House
It just goes to show you that Carole James is all talk - no action. For her to say that she wants to change the political system in Victoria and then whine/cry about no fall session shows the NDP hasn't learned anything since leaving office in 2001
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Highlights of WL City Council Meeting - May 29th, 2007
Delegations:
1) Donna Sellers from the Northern Shuswap Treaty Society gave Council a brief update on the Treaty Society's activities.
2) Andre Chevigny from Pioneer Family Partnership gave Council an introduction to their application for a Re-Zoning for property they own on South Lakeside Drive. The 1st phase will include the building of a Wal-Mart along with 2-3 other "big box" stores with the names to be revealed over the next 6 months. Council gave 1st reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2021 and when the appropriate studies are completed (Geotech, Infrastructure, Traffic), then the entire application will be referred to the Advisory Planning Commission for its' comments/recommendations. This should occur sometime in late July/early August
Other Business:
1) Council gave 3 readings to the Revitalization Tax Exemption Program Bylaw No. 2013 which will allow for tax deferrals for any developer who completes a building project inside of the Tax Exemption Zone, which is primarily inside of the downtown zone
2) Council gave approval for a cowboy statue to be placed at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Oliver Street, by the old Petro-Canada gas station. The project will be completed and 100% funded by the local Communities in Bloom Committee
3) Councillors Rathor, Barr and Wolbers in his capacity as CRD Chair will be attending the FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) in Calgary to be held at the end of this week. I look forward for these Councillors to bring back best practices that could possibly be used in the City of Williams Lake
1) Donna Sellers from the Northern Shuswap Treaty Society gave Council a brief update on the Treaty Society's activities.
2) Andre Chevigny from Pioneer Family Partnership gave Council an introduction to their application for a Re-Zoning for property they own on South Lakeside Drive. The 1st phase will include the building of a Wal-Mart along with 2-3 other "big box" stores with the names to be revealed over the next 6 months. Council gave 1st reading to Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2021 and when the appropriate studies are completed (Geotech, Infrastructure, Traffic), then the entire application will be referred to the Advisory Planning Commission for its' comments/recommendations. This should occur sometime in late July/early August
Other Business:
1) Council gave 3 readings to the Revitalization Tax Exemption Program Bylaw No. 2013 which will allow for tax deferrals for any developer who completes a building project inside of the Tax Exemption Zone, which is primarily inside of the downtown zone
2) Council gave approval for a cowboy statue to be placed at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Oliver Street, by the old Petro-Canada gas station. The project will be completed and 100% funded by the local Communities in Bloom Committee
3) Councillors Rathor, Barr and Wolbers in his capacity as CRD Chair will be attending the FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) in Calgary to be held at the end of this week. I look forward for these Councillors to bring back best practices that could possibly be used in the City of Williams Lake
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Are Carole James days numbered as BC NDP Leader?
Folks:
Here's an article by Michael Smyth, Vancouver Province's Political Reporter in the May 24th, 2007 edition of the Vancouver Province:
The New Democrats keep falling in the opinion polls, no matter how hard they try. But there's one issue NDP Leader Carole James could have used to nail Premier Gordon Campbell to the wall and close the gap.
Consider this scenario:
After a public backlash kills a proposed 15-per-cent pay raise for MLAs, Campbell appoints an independent panel to come up with a new package. Shockingly, the panel recommends a minimum 29-per-cent MLA raise (54-per-cent for Campbell) and a gold-plated pension plan than could turn MLAs into millionaires after just a few terms in office
An indignant James announces the insane package is too rich and the New Democrats will refuse to accept it. Campbell says the Libs will take it, anyway.
James' position looks even more solid when one of the panelists says she thought the package was over the top, too, and complains the other two changed the final recommendations while she was out of the country!
All of the above stuff really did happen. Now here's the alternative time line:
With the panelists publicly squabbling, James calls a news conference.
"This is exactly what I was talking about," she rails. "The process was fatally flawed from the start. It's time for the premier to reject this obscene cash grab."
But Campbell and the Liberals vote to take the money. The NDP stick to their guns and vote no.
"It's a dark day for B.C. taxpayers," James says.
One week later, all 33 NDP MLAs -- trailed by a pack of TV cameras -- march to the Speaker's office and officially hand in their written notices opting out of the pay-and-pension package.
"I challenge the Liberals to do the same," says James, who promises to cancel the $100-million pay-and-pension booty haul if the NDP wins the next election.
That election may be two years away, but the New Democrats launch a pre-emptive advertising campaign against the Liberals' "highway robbery" of taxpayers.
"Give the money back!" scream the full-page newspaper ads that appear around the province.
By the time the 2009 election rolls around, public opinion on the issue has swung badly against Campbell -- and James delivers the coup de grace during the televised leaders' debate.
After Campbell's stale cheap shot about money wasted on the NDP's fast ferries more than a decade ago, James fires back: "At least I didn't pick the pockets of taxpayers with that pay-and-pension cash grab. Give the money back, Mr. Campbell."
What a moment. What an election it would have been.
Instead, James and the New Democrats flip-flopped and took the gold-plated pension, robbing themselves of a golden political opportunity.
How sad for her: She really could have been somebody.
She coulda been a contender.
I definitely agree with Mr. Smyth's conclusion... :)
If the NDP had Mr. Smyth as one of their advisors...I would agree that the BC Liberals' could have been in political trouble on this issue but because he isn't, I believe the BC Liberals' could easily become the 1st political party in this province's history to receive 3 consecutive majority governments
Here's an article by Michael Smyth, Vancouver Province's Political Reporter in the May 24th, 2007 edition of the Vancouver Province:
The New Democrats keep falling in the opinion polls, no matter how hard they try. But there's one issue NDP Leader Carole James could have used to nail Premier Gordon Campbell to the wall and close the gap.
Consider this scenario:
After a public backlash kills a proposed 15-per-cent pay raise for MLAs, Campbell appoints an independent panel to come up with a new package. Shockingly, the panel recommends a minimum 29-per-cent MLA raise (54-per-cent for Campbell) and a gold-plated pension plan than could turn MLAs into millionaires after just a few terms in office
An indignant James announces the insane package is too rich and the New Democrats will refuse to accept it. Campbell says the Libs will take it, anyway.
James' position looks even more solid when one of the panelists says she thought the package was over the top, too, and complains the other two changed the final recommendations while she was out of the country!
All of the above stuff really did happen. Now here's the alternative time line:
With the panelists publicly squabbling, James calls a news conference.
"This is exactly what I was talking about," she rails. "The process was fatally flawed from the start. It's time for the premier to reject this obscene cash grab."
But Campbell and the Liberals vote to take the money. The NDP stick to their guns and vote no.
"It's a dark day for B.C. taxpayers," James says.
One week later, all 33 NDP MLAs -- trailed by a pack of TV cameras -- march to the Speaker's office and officially hand in their written notices opting out of the pay-and-pension package.
"I challenge the Liberals to do the same," says James, who promises to cancel the $100-million pay-and-pension booty haul if the NDP wins the next election.
That election may be two years away, but the New Democrats launch a pre-emptive advertising campaign against the Liberals' "highway robbery" of taxpayers.
"Give the money back!" scream the full-page newspaper ads that appear around the province.
By the time the 2009 election rolls around, public opinion on the issue has swung badly against Campbell -- and James delivers the coup de grace during the televised leaders' debate.
After Campbell's stale cheap shot about money wasted on the NDP's fast ferries more than a decade ago, James fires back: "At least I didn't pick the pockets of taxpayers with that pay-and-pension cash grab. Give the money back, Mr. Campbell."
What a moment. What an election it would have been.
Instead, James and the New Democrats flip-flopped and took the gold-plated pension, robbing themselves of a golden political opportunity.
How sad for her: She really could have been somebody.
She coulda been a contender.
I definitely agree with Mr. Smyth's conclusion... :)
If the NDP had Mr. Smyth as one of their advisors...I would agree that the BC Liberals' could have been in political trouble on this issue but because he isn't, I believe the BC Liberals' could easily become the 1st political party in this province's history to receive 3 consecutive majority governments
Future NDP Leaders'
Based on the comments I received on my last blog about the NDP response to the MLA's new pay and pension package, I want to talk about individuals whom might replace Carole James, should the NDP decide to either replace prior to or after the 2009 Provincial General Election
In no particular order:
1) Bob Simpson - Presently the NDP MLA for Cariboo-North and also the NDP's Critic for the Ministry of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for Housing
2) Mike Farnworth - Presently the NDP MLA for Port Coquitlam - Burke Mountain, also the Opposition House Leader and the NDP Critic for the Solicitor-General
3) Derek Corrigan - Presently the Mayor of Burnaby. At present, he's against the Gateway Project although he supported it when the NDP were in power during the '90's. I understand, through other blogs, that he coveys Ms. James job badly
And those are the ones I know of for sure, there are probably a handful of other NDP MLA's inside Ms. James's caucus that would like to see Ms. James replaced prior to the '09 Provincial Election to help improve the NDP Poll Numbers. As they say, we'll see what happens.
But I predict if Ms. James isn't replaced prior to the 2009 Provincial Election, the Liberals will keep all of their present 46 seats and are likely to gain as many as 5-7 extra seats. Of course, all of this will depend on what the Electoral Boundary Commission recommends to the Speaker on how many extra seats be added to the present 79 seats in the Legislative Assembly
In no particular order:
1) Bob Simpson - Presently the NDP MLA for Cariboo-North and also the NDP's Critic for the Ministry of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for Housing
2) Mike Farnworth - Presently the NDP MLA for Port Coquitlam - Burke Mountain, also the Opposition House Leader and the NDP Critic for the Solicitor-General
3) Derek Corrigan - Presently the Mayor of Burnaby. At present, he's against the Gateway Project although he supported it when the NDP were in power during the '90's. I understand, through other blogs, that he coveys Ms. James job badly
And those are the ones I know of for sure, there are probably a handful of other NDP MLA's inside Ms. James's caucus that would like to see Ms. James replaced prior to the '09 Provincial Election to help improve the NDP Poll Numbers. As they say, we'll see what happens.
But I predict if Ms. James isn't replaced prior to the 2009 Provincial Election, the Liberals will keep all of their present 46 seats and are likely to gain as many as 5-7 extra seats. Of course, all of this will depend on what the Electoral Boundary Commission recommends to the Speaker on how many extra seats be added to the present 79 seats in the Legislative Assembly
Sunday, May 20, 2007
The BC-NDP on the new MLA Pay Package
This editorial was run in several Black Press newspapers:
You get what you pay for and that's why members of the legislature (MLA’s) deserve their proposed raises.
An independent panel has researched the issue and decided our MLAs deserve raises totalling 29 per cent. That same panel also figures premier Gordon Campbell should get a pay boost of about 53 per cent.
Politicians, especially those in opposition, are quick to pounce on an easy score if it means they score political points with the electorate.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that Carole James, the NDP opposition leader, is on record as saying the raises are “too rich,” and her people will refuse to accept higher wages.
James is merely playing politics, which is, after all, her real job. James pulled a fast one on the Liberals a couple of years ago when first she supported the proposed raises, then turned around and made everyone else look like greedy money grubbers by flatly opposing the proposed increases.
The Opposition will certainly take the money; the NDP just has to find a way to rationalize their acceptance of it.
Numbers are pretty slippery when dealing with percentages, so let’s get real. Just what does an MLA make in B.C. these days? The answer is $76,100. That’s your basic backbencher whose most important job is to put his hand up when called upon in the legislature.
If you are a cabinet member, your salary goes up to $115,100. If you happen to be the premier, you can expect to make $121,100 per year.
Do you really want a guy making say 80 grand a year leading the province?
OK, let’s say Premier Campbell gets his raise and goes up to $186,000 a year. Is that not a reasonable wage to pay a guy to run the entire province?
Would it not be ridiculous to pay the premier roughly the same as what the average school superintendent gets right now? Well, that’s what’s happening.
It would not be out of line, in our view, to go even further and pay the premier $200,000 a year. That’s fair, especially when the guy who runs the entire country, the Prime Minister, gets only $300,000 a year.
And while we’re at it, let’s give our MLAs a solid pension plan. Hey, if you want great candidates to run for office, you better have some carrots to dangle in front of them. If you want to offer minimum wage, then expect Homer and Gomer to line up for those jobs.
With respect to the above, I agree with it completely however 2 things stand out with respect to the NDP's position on the new MLA pay package:
1) They (NDP Opposition) completely flip-flopped on this issue despite assurances by Carole James to the contrary. Harry Lali (NDP MLA for Yale-Lillioet) is already on public record supporting both the new MLA wage and benefit package. For her to turn it down and then meet with her caucus and then say we'll vote against the package but if it passes, we'll donate the extra pay above the $78,000 that MLA's make to charity and also accept the new pension plan is absolutely at the height of hypocrisy. I predict that if the NDP poll numbers hold and the BC Liberals win the '09 Provincial Election - Carole James is finished as NDP Leader
2) The NDP are already asking for suggestions from constituents about where to donate the difference between the MLA's present pay and the new MLA pay to charity. Question: Don't the NDP know already where they (NDP MLA's) want to donate the money. Carole James has already indicated that she'll donate the money to the Mary Manning Centre in Victoria and what's worse, NDP MLA's can even get a tax deduction for this donation to charity.
The NDP stance on the new MLA's pay package was despicable to say the least. If you publicly oppose the new pay package, then vote against it and opt-out of it if you don't like it. Mike DeJong (Government House Leader/Minister of Aboriginal Relations) said it best about Carole James's stance on the new MLA's pay package:
"Talk about leading your members into the Valley of Death"
At this point, it appears the NDP aren't ready to govern the province again and I personally hope that they never run this province again but more importantly it appears at this point that they are destined to sit in Opposition benches after the 2009 Election
You get what you pay for and that's why members of the legislature (MLA’s) deserve their proposed raises.
An independent panel has researched the issue and decided our MLAs deserve raises totalling 29 per cent. That same panel also figures premier Gordon Campbell should get a pay boost of about 53 per cent.
Politicians, especially those in opposition, are quick to pounce on an easy score if it means they score political points with the electorate.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that Carole James, the NDP opposition leader, is on record as saying the raises are “too rich,” and her people will refuse to accept higher wages.
James is merely playing politics, which is, after all, her real job. James pulled a fast one on the Liberals a couple of years ago when first she supported the proposed raises, then turned around and made everyone else look like greedy money grubbers by flatly opposing the proposed increases.
The Opposition will certainly take the money; the NDP just has to find a way to rationalize their acceptance of it.
Numbers are pretty slippery when dealing with percentages, so let’s get real. Just what does an MLA make in B.C. these days? The answer is $76,100. That’s your basic backbencher whose most important job is to put his hand up when called upon in the legislature.
If you are a cabinet member, your salary goes up to $115,100. If you happen to be the premier, you can expect to make $121,100 per year.
Do you really want a guy making say 80 grand a year leading the province?
OK, let’s say Premier Campbell gets his raise and goes up to $186,000 a year. Is that not a reasonable wage to pay a guy to run the entire province?
Would it not be ridiculous to pay the premier roughly the same as what the average school superintendent gets right now? Well, that’s what’s happening.
It would not be out of line, in our view, to go even further and pay the premier $200,000 a year. That’s fair, especially when the guy who runs the entire country, the Prime Minister, gets only $300,000 a year.
And while we’re at it, let’s give our MLAs a solid pension plan. Hey, if you want great candidates to run for office, you better have some carrots to dangle in front of them. If you want to offer minimum wage, then expect Homer and Gomer to line up for those jobs.
With respect to the above, I agree with it completely however 2 things stand out with respect to the NDP's position on the new MLA pay package:
1) They (NDP Opposition) completely flip-flopped on this issue despite assurances by Carole James to the contrary. Harry Lali (NDP MLA for Yale-Lillioet) is already on public record supporting both the new MLA wage and benefit package. For her to turn it down and then meet with her caucus and then say we'll vote against the package but if it passes, we'll donate the extra pay above the $78,000 that MLA's make to charity and also accept the new pension plan is absolutely at the height of hypocrisy. I predict that if the NDP poll numbers hold and the BC Liberals win the '09 Provincial Election - Carole James is finished as NDP Leader
2) The NDP are already asking for suggestions from constituents about where to donate the difference between the MLA's present pay and the new MLA pay to charity. Question: Don't the NDP know already where they (NDP MLA's) want to donate the money. Carole James has already indicated that she'll donate the money to the Mary Manning Centre in Victoria and what's worse, NDP MLA's can even get a tax deduction for this donation to charity.
The NDP stance on the new MLA's pay package was despicable to say the least. If you publicly oppose the new pay package, then vote against it and opt-out of it if you don't like it. Mike DeJong (Government House Leader/Minister of Aboriginal Relations) said it best about Carole James's stance on the new MLA's pay package:
"Talk about leading your members into the Valley of Death"
At this point, it appears the NDP aren't ready to govern the province again and I personally hope that they never run this province again but more importantly it appears at this point that they are destined to sit in Opposition benches after the 2009 Election
Friday, May 18, 2007
Government of BC's Credit Rating Upgraded
British Columbia’s credit rating was upgraded today by Standard & Poor’s to AAA, putting the province on par with Alberta and the government of Canada which both are rated AAA.
The agency cited strong budgetary performances, strong management culture and improved transparency for planning and reporting in its decision to bump up its rating for B.C. It also noted that B.C.’s net tax-supported debt as a share of gross domestic product will continue to gradually decline, according to a press release from B.C.’s finance minister."Achieving the best possible rating from S&P is excellent news," B.C. Finance Minister Carol Taylor said in the release. "It confirms that our fiscal and economic policies are working and tells potential investors that British Columbia is a great place to invest."
The S&P upgrade brings to seven the number of credit rating upgrades the province has received since November, 2004. Earlier this month, Dominion Bond Rating Service upgraded the province to AA (high). Last October, Moody’s Investor Services upgrades B.C.’s credit rating to Aaa.
The agency cited strong budgetary performances, strong management culture and improved transparency for planning and reporting in its decision to bump up its rating for B.C. It also noted that B.C.’s net tax-supported debt as a share of gross domestic product will continue to gradually decline, according to a press release from B.C.’s finance minister."Achieving the best possible rating from S&P is excellent news," B.C. Finance Minister Carol Taylor said in the release. "It confirms that our fiscal and economic policies are working and tells potential investors that British Columbia is a great place to invest."
The S&P upgrade brings to seven the number of credit rating upgrades the province has received since November, 2004. Earlier this month, Dominion Bond Rating Service upgraded the province to AA (high). Last October, Moody’s Investor Services upgrades B.C.’s credit rating to Aaa.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
WL City Council Meeting Highlights - May 15th, 2007
1) Delegations
a) Bill Derbyshire / Gurbax Saini from the Crematorium Society presented a cheque of $5,900 to Council as it was money left over from the fundraising for the Crematorium that has occurred over the last number of years. On motion of Councillor Rathor, Council supported his motion to deposit the money into a reserve account to be used only in case the running of the crematorium runs into a deficit position
b) Winnifred Gooding - President of the local O.A.P.O (Branch #93) re: Home Support Campaign
Council endorsed a resolution by the local O.A.P.O Branch asking that further cutbacks to Home Support cease and that Home Support be restored to 1994 levels. Councillors Rathor/French asked Ms. Gooding to send the Resolution directly from the local O.A.P.O Branch in order to send a message to the Provincial Government that everyone is concerned about Home Care Support Levels
c) Sheila Mortensen - Local Commander from the Cariboo Power & Sail Squadron
Ms. Mortensen requested a Proclamation declaring the week of May 19th - May 26th in the City of Williams Lake as Safe Boating Awareness Week
Council agreed with Ms. Mortensen's request
2) Council / Staff Reports'
i) 2006 Audited Financial Statements
Council approved the Statements. Councillor Barr commented that the City's Financial Position is one of strength. The City's Equity increased by $5,000,000 while debt increased by $500,000
ii) Re-Zoning Application for Hamel Road - Applicant: Tyler Boucher
Council gave 1st Reading Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2019 to allow for re-zoning from Acreage Reserve (A-1 Zone) to Single Family Residential (R-1 Zone) + Low Density Multi-Family Residential (R-3 Zone). This application has now been referred to the City's Advisory Planning Commission for their comments/recommendations. The site in question is up the street from the Laughing Loon
iii) Annual WL Stampede Proclamation
Council unanimously gave approval for this proclamation and also give permission to City Staff to enter the City's Float in the annual Stampede Parade to be held at the end of June. I personally would encourage everyone to please take in all the events happening during the WL Stampede occuring between June 25 - July 2, 2007
Mayor S.D. Nelson also announced at the end of the meeting that an annoucement on a future retail store was immaninent in the next 2 weeks. It was also revealed the developer in question will be in Williams Lake in the next 1-2 week to work on the application in order to make this announcement at the May 29th, 2007 Council Meeting
a) Bill Derbyshire / Gurbax Saini from the Crematorium Society presented a cheque of $5,900 to Council as it was money left over from the fundraising for the Crematorium that has occurred over the last number of years. On motion of Councillor Rathor, Council supported his motion to deposit the money into a reserve account to be used only in case the running of the crematorium runs into a deficit position
b) Winnifred Gooding - President of the local O.A.P.O (Branch #93) re: Home Support Campaign
Council endorsed a resolution by the local O.A.P.O Branch asking that further cutbacks to Home Support cease and that Home Support be restored to 1994 levels. Councillors Rathor/French asked Ms. Gooding to send the Resolution directly from the local O.A.P.O Branch in order to send a message to the Provincial Government that everyone is concerned about Home Care Support Levels
c) Sheila Mortensen - Local Commander from the Cariboo Power & Sail Squadron
Ms. Mortensen requested a Proclamation declaring the week of May 19th - May 26th in the City of Williams Lake as Safe Boating Awareness Week
Council agreed with Ms. Mortensen's request
2) Council / Staff Reports'
i) 2006 Audited Financial Statements
Council approved the Statements. Councillor Barr commented that the City's Financial Position is one of strength. The City's Equity increased by $5,000,000 while debt increased by $500,000
ii) Re-Zoning Application for Hamel Road - Applicant: Tyler Boucher
Council gave 1st Reading Zoning Amendment Bylaw #2019 to allow for re-zoning from Acreage Reserve (A-1 Zone) to Single Family Residential (R-1 Zone) + Low Density Multi-Family Residential (R-3 Zone). This application has now been referred to the City's Advisory Planning Commission for their comments/recommendations. The site in question is up the street from the Laughing Loon
iii) Annual WL Stampede Proclamation
Council unanimously gave approval for this proclamation and also give permission to City Staff to enter the City's Float in the annual Stampede Parade to be held at the end of June. I personally would encourage everyone to please take in all the events happening during the WL Stampede occuring between June 25 - July 2, 2007
Mayor S.D. Nelson also announced at the end of the meeting that an annoucement on a future retail store was immaninent in the next 2 weeks. It was also revealed the developer in question will be in Williams Lake in the next 1-2 week to work on the application in order to make this announcement at the May 29th, 2007 Council Meeting
NCMA Conference - Day 2 on Friday, May 4th, 2007
NCMA Conference - Day 2 of 3:
7:00 - 8:00am - Breakfast by local Rotary group - consisted of eggs, pancakes, bacon, etc
8:00 - 9:10am - Official Opening of NCMA Conference
Opening Statements by Mayor Scott Nelson (City of Williams Lake) / Jon Wolbers (CRD Chair)
Also Bob Simpson (NDP MLA - Cariboo-North) made opening remarks as well as discussing the role of local governments in relation to serving the public. He also noted that politicians don't get nearly the respect and appreciation from the public that they deserve
During the day, discussion pursued in the Gibraltar Room over 2007 NCMA Resolutions by NCMA Delegates.
At 9:55am, Dr. Don Cozzetto (President - University of Northern BC) gave a speech to NCMA Delegates about some of the work that UNBC was doing to promote post-secondary education in Northern BC Communities including TeleEducation in smaller, remote communities and work on the Northern Medical Trust which allows medical professionals to upgrade their medical training in the North without leaving the region again. The Trust has some $6,000,000 in its' account, which was its' goal for next year. Councillor Ron Paull (City of Quesnel) informed NCMA Delegates that their next goal for the Northern Medical Trust is to push the amount of money inside the Trust to beyond $6,000,000
I unfortunately didn't get a chance to attend Day 3 which occurred on Saturday, May 4th, 2007. However, I can say that I did thoroughly enjoy my time at NCMA and if given the opportunity, I would gladly attend another NCMA Conference once again.
Next year are local government elections and perhaps if I am elected in November of 2008, 1 of the conferences as a elected Councillor that I want to attend is the 2009 NCMA Conference, wherever it is located
7:00 - 8:00am - Breakfast by local Rotary group - consisted of eggs, pancakes, bacon, etc
8:00 - 9:10am - Official Opening of NCMA Conference
Opening Statements by Mayor Scott Nelson (City of Williams Lake) / Jon Wolbers (CRD Chair)
Also Bob Simpson (NDP MLA - Cariboo-North) made opening remarks as well as discussing the role of local governments in relation to serving the public. He also noted that politicians don't get nearly the respect and appreciation from the public that they deserve
During the day, discussion pursued in the Gibraltar Room over 2007 NCMA Resolutions by NCMA Delegates.
At 9:55am, Dr. Don Cozzetto (President - University of Northern BC) gave a speech to NCMA Delegates about some of the work that UNBC was doing to promote post-secondary education in Northern BC Communities including TeleEducation in smaller, remote communities and work on the Northern Medical Trust which allows medical professionals to upgrade their medical training in the North without leaving the region again. The Trust has some $6,000,000 in its' account, which was its' goal for next year. Councillor Ron Paull (City of Quesnel) informed NCMA Delegates that their next goal for the Northern Medical Trust is to push the amount of money inside the Trust to beyond $6,000,000
I unfortunately didn't get a chance to attend Day 3 which occurred on Saturday, May 4th, 2007. However, I can say that I did thoroughly enjoy my time at NCMA and if given the opportunity, I would gladly attend another NCMA Conference once again.
Next year are local government elections and perhaps if I am elected in November of 2008, 1 of the conferences as a elected Councillor that I want to attend is the 2009 NCMA Conference, wherever it is located
Thursday, May 3, 2007
NCMA Conference - 1st Full Day
Hello all...
Here's what happened during the 1st full day of the NCMA Conference in Williams Lake:
7-8:30am - Breakfast for all delegates, which including pancakes, bacon, etc
8:30am - 9:30am - I attended a session on the Ommenica Beetle Action Coalition and what they are doing to diversify their local economy after the impact of the Mountain Pine Beetle has come and gone. The Ommenica Beetle Action Coalition covers an area both North and North west/east of Prince George. I also attended a session discussing the opportunities resulting out of the 2010 Olympics including work on-going with the Spirit of BC Committees' throughout the Province
9:45 -10:30am - The Premier gave a speech to the NCMA delegates present. The theme of his speech was Change. He talked about the need to have compact communities, the need to take advantage of programs such as LocalMotion, Spirit Square and Towns for Tomorrow to improve the quality of life for residents' who reside in small towns in the NCMA region. He also thanked those in attendance for serving their residents' with valour to ensure a high quality of life for the constituents' that they serve. All-in-all, a 5-Star speech, I think. The Premier received a standing ovation at the end of his speech
1:30 - 2:00pm - I attended an another workshop called "Climate Change & Energy - Planning Opportunities for Local Governments" which was presented by Michael Wilson. He talked about initiatives that local governments could do to lessen their impact on the environment, which is on the minds of everyone these days. Mr. Wilson suggested things like have LEED standards in OCP's (Official Community Plan) including increasing density in neighborhoods - term for having more people into a smaller area. Also, developing a local energy plan to stop the leakage of "energy dollars" from leaving their communities. For example, Quesnel lost $15,000,000 (15 Million Dollars) due to the lack of local energy options for Quesnel residents. He also talked about Revelstoke's heat distribution system which helps save money for the local forest industry in running the local Kilns (where they dry the "rough" lumber). Williams Lake is looking into this right now. The study is been referred to City Staff for development/analysis and then it will come back to WL Council for further consideration. Ken Day from the UBC Research Forest Office made a proposal to WL Council a number of weeks ago using steam escaping from the Co-Gen Plant (EPCOR Plant) to "fund" geo-thermal projects to provide heat to buildings/kilns, etc
2:00pm - 2:20pm - The Hon. Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services also spoke to NCMA Delegates talked a little bit more on what the Premier discussed earlier in the day. She also told delegates that more money was on the way for Regional Districts in terms of their unconditional grants that they receive each year. Also, she revealed that municipalities would receive significantly more money from Victoria, in terms of the traffic fine revenue. As you may remember, the Premier told UBCM Delegates that Victoria will return 100% of traffic fine revenue to municipalities to be used for crime reduction strategies provided that each municipality provided a report detailing how the money was used. For example, the money can't be used for general projects (i.e.: sidewalks, roads, etc). At the end of her speech, as was the case for the Premier, she received a standing ovation from NCMA Delegates present.
3:15pm - 3:30pm - The Leader of Her Majesty Loyal Official Opposition and the Leader of the BC New Democrats, Carole James gave a speech to about 60 NCMA Delegates present. I must say that I was disappointed on the content of her speech, which was partisan in nature. She essentially "slammed" the BC Liberals of cost overruns at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre Expansion Projects, no plan for the Mountain Pine Beetle, purported "dirty tricks" occurring inside the Premier's Office, and that Victoria doesn't care about the concerns about local municipal leaders. I must say I was most disappointed about the content of the speech. As I said, it was partisan in nature and the Premier/Minister of Community Services' Speeches weren't partisan in nature and dealt only with local government concerns/programs, which as it should be as this is a local government conference. There is a time/place to be partisan and this conference wasn't it as there are mayors/councillors'/RD (Regional District) Directors'/Chairs who support the NDP and those who suppport the BC Liberals. Which is probably why she didn't receive a standing ovation at the end of Ms. James's speech.
Later on in the day, I had an opportunity to have a private dinner with the Hon. Ida Chong (Minister of Community Services) with a few others and we all talked about how to ensure we have a BC Liberal MLA in Cariboo South in 2009 and other political happenings' of the day
I will report more tomorrow as it is Day 2 of the NCMA Conference
Here's what happened during the 1st full day of the NCMA Conference in Williams Lake:
7-8:30am - Breakfast for all delegates, which including pancakes, bacon, etc
8:30am - 9:30am - I attended a session on the Ommenica Beetle Action Coalition and what they are doing to diversify their local economy after the impact of the Mountain Pine Beetle has come and gone. The Ommenica Beetle Action Coalition covers an area both North and North west/east of Prince George. I also attended a session discussing the opportunities resulting out of the 2010 Olympics including work on-going with the Spirit of BC Committees' throughout the Province
9:45 -10:30am - The Premier gave a speech to the NCMA delegates present. The theme of his speech was Change. He talked about the need to have compact communities, the need to take advantage of programs such as LocalMotion, Spirit Square and Towns for Tomorrow to improve the quality of life for residents' who reside in small towns in the NCMA region. He also thanked those in attendance for serving their residents' with valour to ensure a high quality of life for the constituents' that they serve. All-in-all, a 5-Star speech, I think. The Premier received a standing ovation at the end of his speech
1:30 - 2:00pm - I attended an another workshop called "Climate Change & Energy - Planning Opportunities for Local Governments" which was presented by Michael Wilson. He talked about initiatives that local governments could do to lessen their impact on the environment, which is on the minds of everyone these days. Mr. Wilson suggested things like have LEED standards in OCP's (Official Community Plan) including increasing density in neighborhoods - term for having more people into a smaller area. Also, developing a local energy plan to stop the leakage of "energy dollars" from leaving their communities. For example, Quesnel lost $15,000,000 (15 Million Dollars) due to the lack of local energy options for Quesnel residents. He also talked about Revelstoke's heat distribution system which helps save money for the local forest industry in running the local Kilns (where they dry the "rough" lumber). Williams Lake is looking into this right now. The study is been referred to City Staff for development/analysis and then it will come back to WL Council for further consideration. Ken Day from the UBC Research Forest Office made a proposal to WL Council a number of weeks ago using steam escaping from the Co-Gen Plant (EPCOR Plant) to "fund" geo-thermal projects to provide heat to buildings/kilns, etc
2:00pm - 2:20pm - The Hon. Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services also spoke to NCMA Delegates talked a little bit more on what the Premier discussed earlier in the day. She also told delegates that more money was on the way for Regional Districts in terms of their unconditional grants that they receive each year. Also, she revealed that municipalities would receive significantly more money from Victoria, in terms of the traffic fine revenue. As you may remember, the Premier told UBCM Delegates that Victoria will return 100% of traffic fine revenue to municipalities to be used for crime reduction strategies provided that each municipality provided a report detailing how the money was used. For example, the money can't be used for general projects (i.e.: sidewalks, roads, etc). At the end of her speech, as was the case for the Premier, she received a standing ovation from NCMA Delegates present.
3:15pm - 3:30pm - The Leader of Her Majesty Loyal Official Opposition and the Leader of the BC New Democrats, Carole James gave a speech to about 60 NCMA Delegates present. I must say that I was disappointed on the content of her speech, which was partisan in nature. She essentially "slammed" the BC Liberals of cost overruns at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre Expansion Projects, no plan for the Mountain Pine Beetle, purported "dirty tricks" occurring inside the Premier's Office, and that Victoria doesn't care about the concerns about local municipal leaders. I must say I was most disappointed about the content of the speech. As I said, it was partisan in nature and the Premier/Minister of Community Services' Speeches weren't partisan in nature and dealt only with local government concerns/programs, which as it should be as this is a local government conference. There is a time/place to be partisan and this conference wasn't it as there are mayors/councillors'/RD (Regional District) Directors'/Chairs who support the NDP and those who suppport the BC Liberals. Which is probably why she didn't receive a standing ovation at the end of Ms. James's speech.
Later on in the day, I had an opportunity to have a private dinner with the Hon. Ida Chong (Minister of Community Services) with a few others and we all talked about how to ensure we have a BC Liberal MLA in Cariboo South in 2009 and other political happenings' of the day
I will report more tomorrow as it is Day 2 of the NCMA Conference
NCMA Convention - 1st Night
Hello all:
Wednesday evening at 7:30pm was the Welcoming Reception for all delegates attending the NCMA Convention here in Williams Lake. I had the opportunity to see some old friends including Councillor Mary Sjostrom from Quesnel, many of the Council members here in Williams Lake including Mayor Nelson, Councillor Jon Wolbers (including his "other" role as CRD Chair), Councillor Paul French, Councillor SPS Rathor, CRD Communications Manager Shelly Burich, the Mayor of Mackenzie and the owner of the Laughing Loon.
Tomorrow (Thursday), the Premier - Hon. Gordon Campbell, the Minister of Community Services - Hon. Ida Chong and the Leader of the Official Opposition/BC NDP Leader Carole James will all be speaking to NCMA delegates. It will interesting to see what each have to say to those in attendance. There are also numerous workshops for delegates to attend. I plan to take in 1 or 2 workshops myself in addition to listening to Premier Campbell, Minister Chong and Ms. James
I'll let you know tomorrow evening what each had to say to delegates present.
Wednesday evening at 7:30pm was the Welcoming Reception for all delegates attending the NCMA Convention here in Williams Lake. I had the opportunity to see some old friends including Councillor Mary Sjostrom from Quesnel, many of the Council members here in Williams Lake including Mayor Nelson, Councillor Jon Wolbers (including his "other" role as CRD Chair), Councillor Paul French, Councillor SPS Rathor, CRD Communications Manager Shelly Burich, the Mayor of Mackenzie and the owner of the Laughing Loon.
Tomorrow (Thursday), the Premier - Hon. Gordon Campbell, the Minister of Community Services - Hon. Ida Chong and the Leader of the Official Opposition/BC NDP Leader Carole James will all be speaking to NCMA delegates. It will interesting to see what each have to say to those in attendance. There are also numerous workshops for delegates to attend. I plan to take in 1 or 2 workshops myself in addition to listening to Premier Campbell, Minister Chong and Ms. James
I'll let you know tomorrow evening what each had to say to delegates present.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
MLA's Pay
This afternoon, the Commission looking at MLA's Pay reported to the Speaker.
They recommended the following:
1) MLA's Base Pay
That it be increased from $78,000 per year to $98,000 per year which would be retroactive to April 1st, 2007
2) Pension Plan
The Commission recommended a Pension Plan for MLA's be restored
3) Premier's Pay
The Commission recommended that the Premier's Pay be increased to $186,000 per year from $121,000 per year
4) Other Pay
The Commission also recommended that the Leader of the Opposition's Pay be increased to $147,000 per year. As well, they recommended that other parliamentary position's pay be increased (i.e: Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Party Whip, etc)
I think given the work that our MLA's do in Victoria, advocating on our behalf, the pay increase recommended by the commission is fair
You can read the Commission's Full Report here: http://www.leg.bc.ca/bcmlacomp/index.htm
What do you think??
They recommended the following:
1) MLA's Base Pay
That it be increased from $78,000 per year to $98,000 per year which would be retroactive to April 1st, 2007
2) Pension Plan
The Commission recommended a Pension Plan for MLA's be restored
3) Premier's Pay
The Commission recommended that the Premier's Pay be increased to $186,000 per year from $121,000 per year
4) Other Pay
The Commission also recommended that the Leader of the Opposition's Pay be increased to $147,000 per year. As well, they recommended that other parliamentary position's pay be increased (i.e: Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Party Whip, etc)
I think given the work that our MLA's do in Victoria, advocating on our behalf, the pay increase recommended by the commission is fair
You can read the Commission's Full Report here: http://www.leg.bc.ca/bcmlacomp/index.htm
What do you think??
Sunday, April 29, 2007
NCMA Conference - May 2nd to 5th, 2007
Hello all:
I have received a complimentary VIP pass to the NCMA Conference in Williams Lake between May 2nd to May 5th, 2007. I will report on the proceedings of what happened on each day and my experiences during this very important conference for local gov't officials. The Premier will give a speech to NCMA delegates, which includes Mayors, Councillors, Regional District Directors' / Chairs'. Also, the Minister of Community Services (Hon. Ida Chong), and the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Official Opposition, Ms. Carole James (BC NDP Leader) will give a speech to NCMA Delegates. NDP MLA for Cariboo-North, Mr. Bob Simpson, will speak to delegates at the official opening of the NCMA AGM on Thursday, May 3rd.
I have received a complimentary VIP pass to the NCMA Conference in Williams Lake between May 2nd to May 5th, 2007. I will report on the proceedings of what happened on each day and my experiences during this very important conference for local gov't officials. The Premier will give a speech to NCMA delegates, which includes Mayors, Councillors, Regional District Directors' / Chairs'. Also, the Minister of Community Services (Hon. Ida Chong), and the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Official Opposition, Ms. Carole James (BC NDP Leader) will give a speech to NCMA Delegates. NDP MLA for Cariboo-North, Mr. Bob Simpson, will speak to delegates at the official opening of the NCMA AGM on Thursday, May 3rd.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Poplar Glade Elementary Destroyed by Fire
Folks:
As you may have heard, Poplar Glade Elementary was totally destroyed by fire. The cause for the fire is suspected to be electrical in nature. There will be no classes, obviously, at Poplar Glade Elementary tomorrow, however School District #27 Staff will be meeting tonight and Friday to devise a plan to disperse the kids from this school to other elementary schools in the City of Williams Lake. I hope that this plan, in whatever form it comes in, is the least disruptive to the kids so they can finish out this school year.
I'm told that parents should stay tuned to your local radio for further updates on this matter.
As you may have heard, Poplar Glade Elementary was totally destroyed by fire. The cause for the fire is suspected to be electrical in nature. There will be no classes, obviously, at Poplar Glade Elementary tomorrow, however School District #27 Staff will be meeting tonight and Friday to devise a plan to disperse the kids from this school to other elementary schools in the City of Williams Lake. I hope that this plan, in whatever form it comes in, is the least disruptive to the kids so they can finish out this school year.
I'm told that parents should stay tuned to your local radio for further updates on this matter.
Here's a link showing some of the Poplar Glade Elementary Fire:
Campus 2020
Folks:
Here is the link to the Campus 2020 Website.
http://www.campus2020.ca/en/home
As you will recall, Geoff Plant (Former BC Attorney-General) went around the province seeking input as to how we, as a society, can increase participation rates at post-secondary institutions
Here is the link to the Campus 2020 Website.
http://www.campus2020.ca/en/home
As you will recall, Geoff Plant (Former BC Attorney-General) went around the province seeking input as to how we, as a society, can increase participation rates at post-secondary institutions
Thursday, April 12, 2007
NDP and the Mininum Wage
Today, the NDP followed up on a call by the BC Fed of Labour to raise the minimum wage to $10.00 per hour but the NDP went a step further and called on the Provincial Government to lower the Small Business Tax Rate from 4.5% to 3.5% plus link the minimum wage to incremental increases so businesses can plan for future incremental increases in the minimum wage. They have also put a poster on their website that can be printed to allow people to support the NDP minimum wage call
While I don't object to the lowering of the Small Business Rate from 4.5% to 3.5% and I believe that it would be good for small businesses generally, I still object to the raising of the minimum wage as it will be definitely would be a "job killer" and for the NDP to suggest that there is no link between a higher minimum wage and higher unemployment numbers is a bit of a falsehood. One only has to look back to the '90's when the NDP were in power and look to other jurisdictions who raised the minimum wage in one shot and look at their unemployment numbers.
Raising the minimum wage won't help those living in the GVRD as rising living costs are an indication of market forces at work in the real estate field and there is not much the provincial government can do to lower those costs, save issuing the home owners' grant that they give out each year.
BC Finance Minister Carole Taylor this afternoon suggested that raising the minimum wage would be a "disincentive" to invest in BC. I tend to agree with her
What do you think?
While I don't object to the lowering of the Small Business Rate from 4.5% to 3.5% and I believe that it would be good for small businesses generally, I still object to the raising of the minimum wage as it will be definitely would be a "job killer" and for the NDP to suggest that there is no link between a higher minimum wage and higher unemployment numbers is a bit of a falsehood. One only has to look back to the '90's when the NDP were in power and look to other jurisdictions who raised the minimum wage in one shot and look at their unemployment numbers.
Raising the minimum wage won't help those living in the GVRD as rising living costs are an indication of market forces at work in the real estate field and there is not much the provincial government can do to lower those costs, save issuing the home owners' grant that they give out each year.
BC Finance Minister Carole Taylor this afternoon suggested that raising the minimum wage would be a "disincentive" to invest in BC. I tend to agree with her
What do you think?
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
WL Council Meeting Highlights - April 3rd, 2007
At Tonight's WL Council Meeting:
1) Dr. Charles Jago - Fraser Basin Council
Dr. Jago gave an overview of the work of the Fraser Basin Council and congratulated WL Council on their environmental initiatives.
2) BC Hydro Spring Update 2007
Bob Gammer from BC Hydro gave an overview of their plans for 2007 including buying more energy from IPP's, looking at the "Site C" in the Peace Country and more conservation measures
3) 2007 Budget
Council gave three (3) readings to the Budget Bylaw (Bylaw #2016, 2007) tonight which includes a 3.98% tax increase. An open house on the budget will be held on April 11, 2007 (Wednesday) in Council Chambers
4) Muncipal Security Issuing Resolutions - Fire Hall + River Valley Storm Sewer Outfall Projects
Council agreed to send the Resolutions to the CRD for the borrowing of $8,000,000 from the MFA's (Muncipal Finance Authority) Fall Issue of Debentures over a 20 year period
5) Airfield Lighting Control Panel & Power Cable at WL Airport
Council agreed to enter into an contribution agreement with the Federal Government for this project. The Federal Government is providing $204,731 for this endeavour
1) Dr. Charles Jago - Fraser Basin Council
Dr. Jago gave an overview of the work of the Fraser Basin Council and congratulated WL Council on their environmental initiatives.
2) BC Hydro Spring Update 2007
Bob Gammer from BC Hydro gave an overview of their plans for 2007 including buying more energy from IPP's, looking at the "Site C" in the Peace Country and more conservation measures
3) 2007 Budget
Council gave three (3) readings to the Budget Bylaw (Bylaw #2016, 2007) tonight which includes a 3.98% tax increase. An open house on the budget will be held on April 11, 2007 (Wednesday) in Council Chambers
4) Muncipal Security Issuing Resolutions - Fire Hall + River Valley Storm Sewer Outfall Projects
Council agreed to send the Resolutions to the CRD for the borrowing of $8,000,000 from the MFA's (Muncipal Finance Authority) Fall Issue of Debentures over a 20 year period
5) Airfield Lighting Control Panel & Power Cable at WL Airport
Council agreed to enter into an contribution agreement with the Federal Government for this project. The Federal Government is providing $204,731 for this endeavour
Meeting of the BC Liberal - Cariboo South Women's Association
Folks:
I'm told that there will be a lunch meeting of the BC Liberal - Cariboo South Women's Association on April 24th, 2007 at Crazy Joe's (Restaurant by the Intersection of 3rd Avenue and Oliver Street)
If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy Hartshorne, Co-Chair by email at dhartshorne@gmail.com
I'm told that there will be a lunch meeting of the BC Liberal - Cariboo South Women's Association on April 24th, 2007 at Crazy Joe's (Restaurant by the Intersection of 3rd Avenue and Oliver Street)
If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy Hartshorne, Co-Chair by email at dhartshorne@gmail.com
Thursday, March 29, 2007
NDP + BC Rail Investment Partnership Deal with CN Rail
Yesterday, Leonard Krog, MLA for Nanaimo and the NDP Critic for the Attorney-General tabled the following 70 Written Questions to the Attorney-General on the Order Paper of the Legislative Assembly:
Mr. Krog to ask the Hon. Attorney General the following questions pertaining to the BC Rail deal:--
1. Will the government hold a public inquiry into the sell-off of BC Rail as soon as the criminal proceedings conclude so that B.C. taxpayers can finally get the answers they deserve?
2. When did the government first learn that the BC Rail deal was the target of an in-depth RCMP investigation?
3. When will the government release all documents -- including documents which may not be directly linked to the charges -- that relate to government policies or decisions regarding BC Rail?
4. Has the investigation into the sale of BC Rail uncovered evidence that other government policies or decisions may have been illegally or inappropriately affected? If yes, will the government release all such documents -- including documents which may not be directly related to the charges?
5. Did the BC Rail Steering Committee discuss the potential for the BC Rail deal to collapse if only one bidder remained in the bidding process?
6. Will the government release all minutes for meetings of the BC Rail Steering Committee?
7. Will the government release all documents produced for the BC Rail Steering Committee?
8. Did members of the Steering Committee or other members of the government caucus meet with or communicate with any of the proponents or their representatives during the process to sell BC Rail?
9. Did the Premier or any of his staff meet with or communicate with any of the proponents or their representatives during the process to sell BC Rail?
10. Can the government explain why then-Solicitor General Rich Coleman briefed the Premier before the search warrants were executed?
11. Can the government explain why then-Solicitor General Rich Coleman briefed the Premier's Chief of Staff Martyn Brown immediately after the warrants were executed and before alerting the public?
12. Why was Martyn Brown given the go-ahead to fire Dave Basi immediately, prior to any charges being laid?
13. How can the government defend the propriety of the Solicitor General's actions against the charge that in briefing the Premier and his top political staffer, this government put its political interests ahead of the public interest?
14. Why was provincial government staff allowed to organize for the federal Liberals in the Legislature using taxpayer resources?
15. What steps did the Premier take to ensure that the BC Liberal Party did not benefit from illegal activities by staff?
16. Will the government release the tapes and/or transcripts of phone conversations between the Premier and government ministers that were gathered during the criminal investigation into the sale of BC Rail?
17. Given the government's own forecasts for significant coal mining activity, why were projections based on coal export growth deliberately left out of revenue calculations for the BC Rail line?
18. Did the government consider cancelling the sale of the BC Rail freight division?
19. Will the government release any and all correspondence with the RCMP and BC Rail about rescinding the sale of the BC Rail freight division?
20. If the government considered cancelling the sale of the BC Rail freight division, was compensation considered for any proponents?
21. What discussions took place concerning the issue of whether CN Rail had paid too much or too little for the BC Rail freight division?
22. What was the estimated value of former BC Rail assets in 2003, before they were sold? What is the estimated value of those former BC Rails assets now?
23. Did CP Rail express concerns about the clear breach of fairness in the process to sell BC Rail prior to their letter of Nov. 21, 2003?
24. Did the government -- including any and all government ministers, the BC Rail steering committee, the government caucus and/or its advisors or technical specialists -- ever discuss the consequences of OmniTRAX dropping out of the bidding process prior to or following the withdrawal of CP Rail?
25. Did the government consider the potential consequences of a small number of proponents or a single proponent during the sale of BC Rail for its goal of "maximizing value to the province"?
26. Did the government consider the potential negative political ramifications of a small number of proponents or a single proponent during the sale of BC Rail?
27. What was discussed at the Dec. 12, 2003, meeting held at Vancouver restaurant Villa del Lupo between the Minister of Finance and senior executives from OmniTRAX, the second-place finisher in the bidding process for the government-owned BC Rail?
28. Will the government ensure that tapes and transcripts resulting from the surveillance of the Minister of Finance's meeting with OmniTRAX officials are made public?
29. Did the Minister of Finance meet with other proponents during the transaction process?
30. Was it the Minister of Finance who ordered confidential government information to be leaked to a lobby firm representing OmniTRAX?
31. If it was not the Minister of Finance who ordered confidential government information to be leaked to a lobby firm representing OmniTRAX, was the Premier's Office or any other government official responsible for this order?
32. Will the government release the "meeting minutes, presentations and other documents" referred to in the Charles River Associates report on the BC Rail bidding process?
33. Did Charles River Associates review meetings, conversations or communications outside the official process -- particularly those including ministers and ministerial aides -- in their analysis of the fairness of the BC Rail transaction process?
34. Will the government release all documents including emails, reports, interview transcripts relating to the two information leaks referenced in the Charles River Associates report?
35. Can the government provide concrete evidence for their claim that the information leaks referenced in the Charles River Associates report did not materially affect the sale of BC Rail?
36. Will the government provide the full list of files and issues in the purview of or involving David Basi, Aneal Basi and Bob Virk between June 2001 and December 2003?
37. Did the government order an internal investigation into every file that Mr. Basi touched while he worked as a top political aide to the Minister of Finance -- and if not, why not?
38. Did the government order an internal investigation into every file that Mr. Virk touched while he worked as a top political aide to the Minister of Transportation -- and if not, why not?
39. Will the government provide an explanation as to why Dave Basi was fired immediately -- prior to any charges -- while Bob Virk was only suspended?
40. Can the government provide assurances and evidence of the statement made by the then-Finance Minister in December 2003 that Dave Basi "was not involved in the budget process, never has been" and "was not involved in the drafting of legislation or policy development."
41. Will the government conduct a review of every decision made to remove land from the ALR while Mr. Basi worked in the Campbell administration?
42. Will the government provide a full enumeration of all government activities and files that involved Dave Basi and/or Bob Virk and the principals and staff of Pilothouse Public Affairs?
43. Is the government aware of any other potential or ongoing investigations that involve Basi, Virk, or Pilothouse and any other minister, ministry or public body -- and if so, what are they?
44. Will the government provide a full enumeration of the roles played in this investigation -- or any other related investigation -- by Mark Marissen, husband of then Deputy Premier Christy Clark, and Bruce Clark, the brother of the then-Deputy Premier?
45. What materials did the Special Prosecutor withhold from the defence that were the subject of the February 27, 2007 defence application?
46. Will the government provide a full enumeration of all government activities associated with Pilothouse Public Affairs?
47. Will the government provide a full enumeration of all government activities associated with K&E Public Affairs?
48. Why did the government allow Erik Bornman of Pilothouse Public Affairs to continue his lobbying activities after he had informed Bill Berardino that he had bribed Dave Basi?
49. Why did the government allow Brian Kieran of Pilothouse Public Affairs to continue his lobbying activities after he had informed the RCMP that he had tried to bribe Dave Basi?
50. Can the government assure British Columbians that lobbyists Erik Bornman and Brian Kieran no longer have access to senior government staff?
51. Why did the BC Liberal Party continue to accept money in 2004 from lobbyists named in the original warrants, long after the raids on the Legislature?
52. Why won't the BC Liberal government allow an all-party review of the Lobbyists Registration Act in order to have greater accountability over who is influencing government and how?
53. When did the Attorney General and Premier first become aware that the lead RCMP inspector was the brother-in-law of Kelly Reichart, Executive Director of the BC Liberal Party?
54. How did Kelly Reichert learn that Erik Bornman had been granted immunity in exchange for providing information about David Basi and Bob Virk?
55. When did the Attorney General and Premier first become aware that information related to the investigation was leaked to Kelly Reichart and was subsequently leaked by Mr. Reichart to principals in the investigation?
56. Does the Attorney General agree that the actions of Mr. Reichart risked compromising the investigation?
57. Why does Mr. Reichart continue to serve as the Executive Director of the BC Liberal Party?
58. Given that one of the government's objectives for the BC Rail transaction was "ensuring integrated North American access to preferred markets and carriers for interline rail shipments", why would the government attempt to sell the Roberts Bank Spur line separately, following the withdrawal of CP Rail?
59. Is it true that in November 2003, Dave Basi advised OmniTRAX that the then-Minister of Finance had authorized a consolation prize for OmniTRAX in exchange for that company staying in the bidding process?
60. Was this consolation prize the BC Rail spur line?
61. How much was the consolation prize valued at?
62. Was OmniTRAX offered any Delta ALR lands for expansion of the port as part of this consolation prize?
63. If it were not for the alleged criminal actions of high-ranking aides, would the government have proceeded with the sale of the BC Rail spur line?
64. Does $900,000 represent the total cost to taxpayers of cancelling the sale of the spur line, or did the final tab come in even higher than that? What was the final tab?
65. What was the estimated value of the spur line in 2004, when the sale was put on hold?
66. What was the estimated value of the spur line when the sale was totally cancelled in February 2006?
67. What is the estimated value of the spur line now?
68. Why won't the government exercise its rights under article 10.2 of the Revitalization Agreement to inspect all of CN's maintenance records for the former BC Rail line?
69. When will the government investigate the rash of tragic derailments since 2004 in order to shed light on this safety scandal?
70. Why has the government refused to provide evidence for its claim that the government discussed safety and maintenance with the proponents during the negotiations to sell BC Rail?
We have a rule in the British Commonwealth's Parliaments and that is when there is a case before the courts, the Crown doesn't answer any question(s) relative to that case. It is commonly referred to as sub judice. This is one principle that the NDP doesn't want to understand. But then again, anything that isn't owned by the Crown is a bad thing according to the NDP. Look at BC Rail / BC Ferries for example. If the NDP had any sort of brains, they would wait until all court actions relative to BC Rail are completed, then by all means, ask all the questions about the BC Rail Partnership Deal that you want. But the sub judice rule is clear: If there is a case before the Courts, it is inapproriate to ask anything that relates to that case during Oral Questions and hopefully House Speaker Bill Barisoff will apply this rule to Mr. Krog's 70 Written Questions, as posted on the Order Paper of the Legislative Assembly
Mr. Krog to ask the Hon. Attorney General the following questions pertaining to the BC Rail deal:--
1. Will the government hold a public inquiry into the sell-off of BC Rail as soon as the criminal proceedings conclude so that B.C. taxpayers can finally get the answers they deserve?
2. When did the government first learn that the BC Rail deal was the target of an in-depth RCMP investigation?
3. When will the government release all documents -- including documents which may not be directly linked to the charges -- that relate to government policies or decisions regarding BC Rail?
4. Has the investigation into the sale of BC Rail uncovered evidence that other government policies or decisions may have been illegally or inappropriately affected? If yes, will the government release all such documents -- including documents which may not be directly related to the charges?
5. Did the BC Rail Steering Committee discuss the potential for the BC Rail deal to collapse if only one bidder remained in the bidding process?
6. Will the government release all minutes for meetings of the BC Rail Steering Committee?
7. Will the government release all documents produced for the BC Rail Steering Committee?
8. Did members of the Steering Committee or other members of the government caucus meet with or communicate with any of the proponents or their representatives during the process to sell BC Rail?
9. Did the Premier or any of his staff meet with or communicate with any of the proponents or their representatives during the process to sell BC Rail?
10. Can the government explain why then-Solicitor General Rich Coleman briefed the Premier before the search warrants were executed?
11. Can the government explain why then-Solicitor General Rich Coleman briefed the Premier's Chief of Staff Martyn Brown immediately after the warrants were executed and before alerting the public?
12. Why was Martyn Brown given the go-ahead to fire Dave Basi immediately, prior to any charges being laid?
13. How can the government defend the propriety of the Solicitor General's actions against the charge that in briefing the Premier and his top political staffer, this government put its political interests ahead of the public interest?
14. Why was provincial government staff allowed to organize for the federal Liberals in the Legislature using taxpayer resources?
15. What steps did the Premier take to ensure that the BC Liberal Party did not benefit from illegal activities by staff?
16. Will the government release the tapes and/or transcripts of phone conversations between the Premier and government ministers that were gathered during the criminal investigation into the sale of BC Rail?
17. Given the government's own forecasts for significant coal mining activity, why were projections based on coal export growth deliberately left out of revenue calculations for the BC Rail line?
18. Did the government consider cancelling the sale of the BC Rail freight division?
19. Will the government release any and all correspondence with the RCMP and BC Rail about rescinding the sale of the BC Rail freight division?
20. If the government considered cancelling the sale of the BC Rail freight division, was compensation considered for any proponents?
21. What discussions took place concerning the issue of whether CN Rail had paid too much or too little for the BC Rail freight division?
22. What was the estimated value of former BC Rail assets in 2003, before they were sold? What is the estimated value of those former BC Rails assets now?
23. Did CP Rail express concerns about the clear breach of fairness in the process to sell BC Rail prior to their letter of Nov. 21, 2003?
24. Did the government -- including any and all government ministers, the BC Rail steering committee, the government caucus and/or its advisors or technical specialists -- ever discuss the consequences of OmniTRAX dropping out of the bidding process prior to or following the withdrawal of CP Rail?
25. Did the government consider the potential consequences of a small number of proponents or a single proponent during the sale of BC Rail for its goal of "maximizing value to the province"?
26. Did the government consider the potential negative political ramifications of a small number of proponents or a single proponent during the sale of BC Rail?
27. What was discussed at the Dec. 12, 2003, meeting held at Vancouver restaurant Villa del Lupo between the Minister of Finance and senior executives from OmniTRAX, the second-place finisher in the bidding process for the government-owned BC Rail?
28. Will the government ensure that tapes and transcripts resulting from the surveillance of the Minister of Finance's meeting with OmniTRAX officials are made public?
29. Did the Minister of Finance meet with other proponents during the transaction process?
30. Was it the Minister of Finance who ordered confidential government information to be leaked to a lobby firm representing OmniTRAX?
31. If it was not the Minister of Finance who ordered confidential government information to be leaked to a lobby firm representing OmniTRAX, was the Premier's Office or any other government official responsible for this order?
32. Will the government release the "meeting minutes, presentations and other documents" referred to in the Charles River Associates report on the BC Rail bidding process?
33. Did Charles River Associates review meetings, conversations or communications outside the official process -- particularly those including ministers and ministerial aides -- in their analysis of the fairness of the BC Rail transaction process?
34. Will the government release all documents including emails, reports, interview transcripts relating to the two information leaks referenced in the Charles River Associates report?
35. Can the government provide concrete evidence for their claim that the information leaks referenced in the Charles River Associates report did not materially affect the sale of BC Rail?
36. Will the government provide the full list of files and issues in the purview of or involving David Basi, Aneal Basi and Bob Virk between June 2001 and December 2003?
37. Did the government order an internal investigation into every file that Mr. Basi touched while he worked as a top political aide to the Minister of Finance -- and if not, why not?
38. Did the government order an internal investigation into every file that Mr. Virk touched while he worked as a top political aide to the Minister of Transportation -- and if not, why not?
39. Will the government provide an explanation as to why Dave Basi was fired immediately -- prior to any charges -- while Bob Virk was only suspended?
40. Can the government provide assurances and evidence of the statement made by the then-Finance Minister in December 2003 that Dave Basi "was not involved in the budget process, never has been" and "was not involved in the drafting of legislation or policy development."
41. Will the government conduct a review of every decision made to remove land from the ALR while Mr. Basi worked in the Campbell administration?
42. Will the government provide a full enumeration of all government activities and files that involved Dave Basi and/or Bob Virk and the principals and staff of Pilothouse Public Affairs?
43. Is the government aware of any other potential or ongoing investigations that involve Basi, Virk, or Pilothouse and any other minister, ministry or public body -- and if so, what are they?
44. Will the government provide a full enumeration of the roles played in this investigation -- or any other related investigation -- by Mark Marissen, husband of then Deputy Premier Christy Clark, and Bruce Clark, the brother of the then-Deputy Premier?
45. What materials did the Special Prosecutor withhold from the defence that were the subject of the February 27, 2007 defence application?
46. Will the government provide a full enumeration of all government activities associated with Pilothouse Public Affairs?
47. Will the government provide a full enumeration of all government activities associated with K&E Public Affairs?
48. Why did the government allow Erik Bornman of Pilothouse Public Affairs to continue his lobbying activities after he had informed Bill Berardino that he had bribed Dave Basi?
49. Why did the government allow Brian Kieran of Pilothouse Public Affairs to continue his lobbying activities after he had informed the RCMP that he had tried to bribe Dave Basi?
50. Can the government assure British Columbians that lobbyists Erik Bornman and Brian Kieran no longer have access to senior government staff?
51. Why did the BC Liberal Party continue to accept money in 2004 from lobbyists named in the original warrants, long after the raids on the Legislature?
52. Why won't the BC Liberal government allow an all-party review of the Lobbyists Registration Act in order to have greater accountability over who is influencing government and how?
53. When did the Attorney General and Premier first become aware that the lead RCMP inspector was the brother-in-law of Kelly Reichart, Executive Director of the BC Liberal Party?
54. How did Kelly Reichert learn that Erik Bornman had been granted immunity in exchange for providing information about David Basi and Bob Virk?
55. When did the Attorney General and Premier first become aware that information related to the investigation was leaked to Kelly Reichart and was subsequently leaked by Mr. Reichart to principals in the investigation?
56. Does the Attorney General agree that the actions of Mr. Reichart risked compromising the investigation?
57. Why does Mr. Reichart continue to serve as the Executive Director of the BC Liberal Party?
58. Given that one of the government's objectives for the BC Rail transaction was "ensuring integrated North American access to preferred markets and carriers for interline rail shipments", why would the government attempt to sell the Roberts Bank Spur line separately, following the withdrawal of CP Rail?
59. Is it true that in November 2003, Dave Basi advised OmniTRAX that the then-Minister of Finance had authorized a consolation prize for OmniTRAX in exchange for that company staying in the bidding process?
60. Was this consolation prize the BC Rail spur line?
61. How much was the consolation prize valued at?
62. Was OmniTRAX offered any Delta ALR lands for expansion of the port as part of this consolation prize?
63. If it were not for the alleged criminal actions of high-ranking aides, would the government have proceeded with the sale of the BC Rail spur line?
64. Does $900,000 represent the total cost to taxpayers of cancelling the sale of the spur line, or did the final tab come in even higher than that? What was the final tab?
65. What was the estimated value of the spur line in 2004, when the sale was put on hold?
66. What was the estimated value of the spur line when the sale was totally cancelled in February 2006?
67. What is the estimated value of the spur line now?
68. Why won't the government exercise its rights under article 10.2 of the Revitalization Agreement to inspect all of CN's maintenance records for the former BC Rail line?
69. When will the government investigate the rash of tragic derailments since 2004 in order to shed light on this safety scandal?
70. Why has the government refused to provide evidence for its claim that the government discussed safety and maintenance with the proponents during the negotiations to sell BC Rail?
We have a rule in the British Commonwealth's Parliaments and that is when there is a case before the courts, the Crown doesn't answer any question(s) relative to that case. It is commonly referred to as sub judice. This is one principle that the NDP doesn't want to understand. But then again, anything that isn't owned by the Crown is a bad thing according to the NDP. Look at BC Rail / BC Ferries for example. If the NDP had any sort of brains, they would wait until all court actions relative to BC Rail are completed, then by all means, ask all the questions about the BC Rail Partnership Deal that you want. But the sub judice rule is clear: If there is a case before the Courts, it is inapproriate to ask anything that relates to that case during Oral Questions and hopefully House Speaker Bill Barisoff will apply this rule to Mr. Krog's 70 Written Questions, as posted on the Order Paper of the Legislative Assembly
New Teacher Registry Legislation
On Tuesday, March 27th, Shirley Bond (Minister of Education and Deputy Premier) introduced legislation to amend the School Act, Independent School Act and the Teaching Profession Act to require the BC College of Teachers' to publicly report the name of any teacher who is disciplined for misconduct involving sexual, emotional or physical abuse
The BCTF has already come out and condemned the legislation as an attack on teachers and the creation of more bureaucracy. Why is the BCTF against the public knowing what teacher is guilty of professional conduct involving sexual, emotional or physical abuse?? That is the right of parents to know that so they feel 100% sure that their kids are safe at school.
I applaud the provincial government for this kind of legislation and is long overdue. It will also make sure that school districts hire teachers' that are free of any kind of misconduct that is harmful to kids
But, then again, the BCTF is against anything the provincial government does. Whether the party in power was NDP or BC Liberal. Nothing is good enough for the BCTF
The BCTF has already come out and condemned the legislation as an attack on teachers and the creation of more bureaucracy. Why is the BCTF against the public knowing what teacher is guilty of professional conduct involving sexual, emotional or physical abuse?? That is the right of parents to know that so they feel 100% sure that their kids are safe at school.
I applaud the provincial government for this kind of legislation and is long overdue. It will also make sure that school districts hire teachers' that are free of any kind of misconduct that is harmful to kids
But, then again, the BCTF is against anything the provincial government does. Whether the party in power was NDP or BC Liberal. Nothing is good enough for the BCTF
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
WL Council Commitee of the Whole Session
At tonight's Council "Committee of the Whole" Session, the following was discussed:
1) 2007-2011 5 Year Financial Plan
Council give Staff authorization to bring forward at the April 3, 2007 City Council Meeting the 5 year Financial Plan Bylaw for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reading. Also, Council has asked Staff to look into topping up the Equipment Reserve Fund, as well as looking into accelerating paving projects for 2008
2) City of Quesnel invite to all Muncipal Councils' in Cariboo regarding the CRD Relationship
Council agreed to meet with Quesnel Council regarding the relationship between muncipalities and the CRD in April. It was noted that Quesnel Council met here once so it was time to return the favour. It was also noted that it would be a good sharing experience with Quesnel in terms of how Williams Lake's working relationship with the CRD Board is working out.
3) Letter from CRD Chair re: Mountain Cariboo Recovery Strategy
This item was deferred to the next meeting as Councillor Paul French has received some information relative to this subject, so he will work with City Staff to put a report together for the Committee of the Whole consideration in 2 weeks
4) Proposed new Corporate Logo
This item was deferred for 2 weeks as the Administrator is away and it will be considered at the next Committee of the Whole meeting on April 10, 2007
1) 2007-2011 5 Year Financial Plan
Council give Staff authorization to bring forward at the April 3, 2007 City Council Meeting the 5 year Financial Plan Bylaw for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Reading. Also, Council has asked Staff to look into topping up the Equipment Reserve Fund, as well as looking into accelerating paving projects for 2008
2) City of Quesnel invite to all Muncipal Councils' in Cariboo regarding the CRD Relationship
Council agreed to meet with Quesnel Council regarding the relationship between muncipalities and the CRD in April. It was noted that Quesnel Council met here once so it was time to return the favour. It was also noted that it would be a good sharing experience with Quesnel in terms of how Williams Lake's working relationship with the CRD Board is working out.
3) Letter from CRD Chair re: Mountain Cariboo Recovery Strategy
This item was deferred to the next meeting as Councillor Paul French has received some information relative to this subject, so he will work with City Staff to put a report together for the Committee of the Whole consideration in 2 weeks
4) Proposed new Corporate Logo
This item was deferred for 2 weeks as the Administrator is away and it will be considered at the next Committee of the Whole meeting on April 10, 2007
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