Thoughts on BC Politics and More

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...

Following the recommendations of an expert panel the BC NDP government is updating the labour relations code. The B.C. Green Caucus appreciates the work of the panel and supports their recommendations. In my second reading debate, I highlight the B.C. Green Caucus effort to address the issue of the historical pendulum swings in labour relations in British Columbia. The panel was clear that policy lurch is not in the interest of employers or employees. They stated emphatically in the executive summary that policy driven by the ideology of the political party in power hurts business competitiveness and upsets balance, certainty and predictability. In addition, I spend a majority of my time in this debate discussing the changing nature of work and remuneration in the 21st century. This goes hand-in-hand with the issue of policy lurch highlighted above. We cannot adequately address these modern problems with solutions from the last century. It's time for us to have a...

Judge made law ... I cringe whenever I hear the term. In one role or another I have been involved in contract law for over half my life.  Our constitution is a contract between governments we created, and the people. Like any other contract, it is open to interpretation, which is exacerbated by its age – the language in use 150 years ago is not the language we are familiar with today.  Many issues we face today did not exist when the BNA Act was written. The term “judge made law” is popular but based on misinformation. The role of the courts is to interpret the laws of the land as best as they can.  Very often laws are unclear. That leads to variations in interpretation.  When judges strike down a law as unconstitutional, in whole or in part (usually the latter) the result is not ‘judge made law’.  The decision of a court is open to appeal and a decision can be overturned at a higher level. Governments have the option to appeal....

Dad’s advice on conflicts of interest I approached the civic election in the fall of 1986 with some purpose and determination.   I really had a sense that this was something I could do well so although a victory was not at all certain, I was thinking through the logistics that would flow from a win.   How would I manage family, work and a public life; what business and social organizations would I resign from; and how would we resolve the potential conflict of interest.   While my focus was to be elected Alderman, I needed to address the fact that Saanich was one of our family tire business’ biggest customers. In 1986 the legislation was not as clear as it is now regarding how a Council member could be a supplier to the local government where they were elected – or even if they could.   Most relied on case law to define ‘the rules’ rather than legislation.   I approached our family lawyer who gave a verbal opinion which amounted to ‘don’t wor...

Liberals set to amend solitary confinement rules in wake of dual court calls for action Amanda Connolly ~~ National Online Journalist / Global News ~~ October 15, 2018 Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Ralph Goodale, is the MP for the Regina- Wascana riding The federal Liberals are set to introduce a new bill tackling the issue of administrative segregation, more commonly known as solitary confinement.   A bill was put on the notice paper on Oct. 11, which is how the government gives notice that it intends to table legislation in the House of Commons… … i t is not clear at this time what new limits or bans the new bill could put in place on the use of solitary confinement. The federal government introduced a bill in June 2017 … however, that bill never made it past first reading and has wallowed in legislative purgatory ever since… a series of legal challenges that came after it have resulted in court rul...