Thoughts on BC Politics and More

In a media release earlier today from former BC Green Party leader Andrew Weaver, he announced he will leave the BC Green Caucus and sit in the legislature as an independent, effective Monday, January 20. “ Over the last few months I’ve spent a good deal of time thinking about how best to balance my commitments under the Confidence and Supply Agreement (CASA), my desire to see the BC Green Party grow its political presence in British Columbia and increasing health demands affecting my family ”, Weaver said.  “ After careful consideration I feel it is best for all parties if I continue my legislative work as an independent member, prior to the beginning of the spring legislative session .” Weaver went on to say, “ As the leadership race unfolds, I believe that it is important for the BC Green Party to develop a new vision and voice independent from mine. My presence in the BC Green caucus could hinder that independence ”. “ Sitting as an independe...

From the cancellation of the Northern Gateway project … to banning tanker traffic on BC’s north coast ... to roadblocks effectively tying up the Trans Mountain pipeline in endless court action and ever-changing rules … to the killing of the Energy East project – the resource industry has faced never ending challenges that have killed important projects for our province – and for our country. Here’s just a brief refresher for you to check out. Oil Tanker Ban of BC’s North Coast : CBC (Nov 2015) "This ban ends the Northern Gateway pipeline proposal," said Karen Mahon, from ForestEthics. "Without tankers, crude oil has no place to go, that means no pipelines, no oil trains moving tar sands to the northern BC coast." Northern Gateway Pipeline : National Post (Jan 2016) … alliance of First Nations is celebrating a British Columbia Supreme Court ruling that it says could set back the Northern Gateway pipeline by years and throw a ...

... or maybe I should have titled today's post, “ So … whose interests will the BC NDP government of John Horgan be representing ?” According to a government media release today, the government of BC has … filed its registration as an intervener to ensure that British Columbians’ interests are represented in the National Energy Board’s (NEB) reconsideration of aspects of its recommendation report on the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project . The release goes on to say that according to George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, “ BC is concerned that the 22-week time-frame is insufficient to accommodate a thorough review , appropriate cross-examination and the time needed by Indigenous groups to fully participate ,” said Heyman. Get ready for it … be warned in advance … because you may explode upon hearing why the government feels the 22-week time-frame is not enough.  It’s because the Horgan government feels the ne...