I now more clearly understand why Christy Clark cancelled the scheduled fall session of the legislature. But I do not understand why my Green MLA, Andrew Weaver, voted confidence in the bogus Liberal budget.
The huge policy and economic mismanagement of B.C. Hydro, and the massive cost implications for British Columbians, had been made readily apparent by NDP energy critic John Horgan. The B.C. Ferries fiasco has been well documented by Ferries critic Claire Trevena. Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA Carole James has clearly illuminated the shameful fact – and harmful consequences – that B.C. leads in Canada’s child poverty rate.
Unaffordable housing and hydro rates, and growing poverty of the unemployed and the working poor, are a toxic socio-economic cocktail that have profound implications for our children and grandchildren.
B.C. is the only major province without a comprehensive anti-poverty strategy, unlike Newfoundland and Labrador. The successful national housing scheme of the mid-90s was gutted by the federal Liberals and never fully replaced by the B.C. Liberal government.
Why Weaver voted to approve the Liberal budget, when 70 per cent of his constituents voted against the Liberals – the Green book says they will reflect the views of their constituents – is a mystery. Thank goodness we have a vigilant NDP caucus that will hold the Liberals’ feet to the fire and continue to expose their deceit and economic incompetence.
Ron Faris
Saanich