Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Speaking to municipal leaders at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention, Conservative Leader John Rustad laid out three clear commitments a Conservative government would deliver to local governments: restoring property rights and predictability, dismantling Metro Vancouver’s unaccountable bureaucracy, and establishing a $1 billion infrastructure fund. “We’ve seen and heard your concerns,” Rustad told delegates. “About property rights and predictability for housing. About accountability and transparency. And about the need for real investment in core infrastructure. A Conservative government will deliver on all three.” Rustad said the NDP’s Heritage Conservation Act amendments, DRIPA, and the Cowichan decision have created chaos and uncertainty for municipalities and builders, stalling housing projects across the province. “Certainty builds housing. Uncertainty kills it,” Rustad said.  “We will repeal the HCA amendments, repeal DRIPA, and refer the Cowichan decision to the Supr...

Conservative Caucus of BC MLAs say the destruction of CrossRoads Brewing is a tragic example of repeat offenders devastating communities, small businesses, and local economies. “This wasn’t just a fire, it was the loss of a community hub, dozens of jobs, and years of investment,” said Rosalyn Bird, MLA for Prince George–Valemount and Critic for Citizens’ Services.  “The accused has made at least 19 court appearances since 2021, and was even convicted of sexual assault back in 2009. Small businesses are telling me they’re ready to shut down and leave Prince George because crime is out of control. That is a tragedy for families, workers, and our economy.” Bird added: “CrossRoads was exactly the kind of business BC needs more of - building community, creating jobs, and drawing people downtown. Just last Thursday, we heard directly from Craft Brewers and distilleries in Prince George about how rising taxes are making it harder to hire and keep staff, and that evening Prince George MLAs...

... Anybody who has followed court proceedings for violent, chronic offenders knows the usual lines of defence. He was Metis and suffered due to colonialism. He was an addict. He had a rough upbringing. Blah blah blah. You know what? I couldn’t care less. When it comes to sentencing for criminals, the only thing that should be taken into consideration is public safety. How the criminal got there in the first place is irrelevant. Wheeler is clearly so dangerous he should never be free again yet he will be and he will re-offend ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Following daily pressure from the Conservative Caucus of BC, the government announced that they are allocating funding for new policing technology and increased patrols to address crime in BC’s downtown centres. However, the NDP government will only be providing up to $5 million across the entire province – an insufficient amount to address the open drug use, theft, robbery, property damage, public indecency, and wielding of weapons now seen on the streets in nearly every city and town in B.C. “ The only short-term bed-based detox centre in Williams Lake has been defunded and is about to close down, while the NDP has added exactly zero net new treatment beds in this city” ~~ Lorne Doerkson “This is a drop of water in the ocean when we look at our needs province-wide. Williams Lake alone needs $5 million,” said Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale and Critic for Solicitor General and Public Safety. “While any investment in policing is positive, this is far too small ...