Feb 24, 2002

Leaders Needed

Leaders look for ways to bring people together. BC has a government that is bent on drawing lines and picking fights. Not one labour leader has been appointed to any board, commission or committee. That stands in sharp contrast to the past ten years when all sectors of society were invited to reflect the face of BC in the appointments of government. One of the most powerful cabinet ministers, Gary Collins, demonstrated the aggressive, polarizing approach of the Campbell government by appearing before the Vancouver Board of Trade and saying "Fidel Castro is no longer in power in BC." Extreme rhetoric like that is irresponsible!

Premier Campbell has set an example for his ministers by attacking public sector workers at every opportunity. As thousands of protesters gather in Victoria to voice their concerns over the rapid pace of destruction in the New Era, the Premier has claimed they are nothing more than overpaid disgruntled public sector workers. A leader might have said that he understands their concerns and wants to find ways to work and consult with all British Columbians.

Campbell's caucus would be well advised to spend more time in their constituencies hearing from as broad a cross section of people as possible. Chambers of Commerce have a place, but so do municipal councils, church and community leaders, not to mention the ordinary folks who voted for the current government. The list of government cuts is truly shocking. MLAs need to hear what their constituents really think about those cuts. They need to start acting like leaders.