November 19, 2002

Two Campbells

Mayor-elect Larry Campbell is already providing a sharp contrast to the style of Premier Gordon Campbell. Monday's Vancouver Sun (p. A2) carried a headline about Larry Campbell reaching out to the Asian community where people are concerned about the four pillars approach to drug abuse. The Mayor-elect frequently referred to the two NPA members of his new council and the important experience that Sam Sullivan brings to council. When Gordon Campbell was elected he immediately denied the existence of the Official Opposition and went on what appeared to be a campaign of revenge. When Larry Campbell was elected he immediately extended his hand to his opponents and starting working to make everyone feel included.

The Vancouver Sun's election coverage quoted New Westminster school trustee Mike Ewen as saying "We don't need to be pontificated to, we don't need more press releases. We need someone who will roll up their sleeves and join us, work with us." That statement accurately captures the attitude problem that plagues the Gordon Campbell government. Instead of trying to develop a broad middle ground, and work with the community, the provincial government is imposing an agenda that bears little or no relation to its election promises. Education Minister Christy Clark had the opportunity to say that she looked forward to working with trustees. Instead of taking that opportunity, Christy Clark referred to the elections as the end of the "silly season". In case the Minister "did not meet expectations" on her reading comprehension, the dictionary says "pontificate" means "to speak about something in a knowing and self-important way, especially when not qualified to do so". Isn't it amazing how close a dictionary can come to describing this Minister's behaviour?

When Gordon Campbell was Leader of the Official Opposition, he strongly objected to bringing the Nisga'a Treaty to a vote even though it received over 100 hours of debate. On Monday, November 18th, Premier Campbell's government introduced three more Bills in the legislature even though fewer than 8 sitting days remain until the fall sitting adjourns. One of the new Bills guts portions of the Forest Practices Code before any company signs on to the new, unproven "results based code". That is the kind of legislation that requires time for public scrutiny.

The most significant event in Monday afternoon's sitting of the legislature is what did not happen. The House Leader, Gary Collins, did not rise and provide notification that all of the government's Bills are before the House. In other words, more legislation - possibly legislation breaking up BC Hydro - may yet be introduced. Even with the 8 Bills currently before the House, Premier Gordon Campbell is abusing the legislative process by unreasonably limiting time for public scrutiny and debate, and then using closure to force the votes. That demonstrates arrogance and abuse of power.