Thoughts on BC Politics and More

A poll recently conducted by Research Co. has revealed that a majority of British Columbians prefer political parties that give members the freedom to vote individually. Far fewer expressed support for the idea that members should vote the same as others in their party, regardless of their constituents desires. Of the 802 adults surveyed between March 3 and 5, a full three quarters leaned towards preferring parties where "all members are allowed to vote freely" ... CLICK HERE for the full story

This morning, as I begin filling out what was simply a thought starter for todays “20 for 2020” commentary, it is snowing heavily in Kamloops; close, but not quite, a blizzard. That means I’m snowed in this morning, so at least I’ll have more time for commentary number twelve in our series. Let’s start out by asking ... have you ever uttered the following, or something similar – or heard others doing the same? “ This is the way we feel on the matter and our MLA is voting the exact opposite ” ... “ Our MLA is just doing what he is told to by his party ” ... “ Why don’t our MLA’s consider our thoughts on this situation? ” ... and on an on the list can go. The reason for this is, in many instances, because there is a lack of accountability ... and often times it is entirely true that an MLA will vote according to directives from the party he or she represents.  Having a difference of opinion, as long as it is kept within caucus can be tolerated, but not voting accordin...

As we move closer to election day, beware the backups  Shachi Kurl ~~ Ottawa Citizen ~~ June 7, 2019 OK, can we talk about backups? Everyone’s got them: your backup vacation home checker, in case your first choice has a record of drowning house plants. Your backup babysitter when brother-in-law wants a night off. Your backup dogwalker when Fido has trust issues with the designated primary. Your backup date to that wedding at the cottage later this summer, just in case your current, nascent romance doesn’t quite last that long. In an online, app-based world when our relational and consumer choices are endless and never quite locked in, to be a backup is an important position. In party politics, it could be everything. It was indeed everything to Justin Trudeau and the federal Liberals in the summer of 2015. The leader who began the campaign season in third place slowly, winsomely crept to power as the backup ... CLICK HERE to read the full st...