Measuring Campbell's Vision

Two years ago BC was in the midst of an election campaign whose outcome was all but certain. Gordon Campbell holds up his party's election platform, the New Era Document, at every opportunity, and even government documents now make reference to it. NED contains almost 200 promises, all premised on a 10 point "vision". Under the heading "A New Era of Leadership" the platform said "The plan in this booklet lays out a vision for a brighter future that is realistic, affordable and measurable." At the mid-term anniversary, it is useful to measure the Campbell government's performance on its 10 point "vision".

Vision 1: "A top-notch education system for students of all ages."

Record: Under the Campbell government BC has higher tuition fees for college and university students, larger class sizes for K-12, and the highest number of school closures in BC history.

Vision 2: "High-quality public health care services that meet all patients' needs where they live and when they need it."

Record: Waiting lists are up 20% since the election, and infant mortality is also up 20% - from 150 deaths in 2000 to 177 in 2002!

Vision 3: "A thriving private sector economy that creates high-paying job opportunities."

Record: Provincial economic summaries from the major banks rank BC last in economic growth, and last to middling on other indicators such as job creation, retail sales and manufacturing shipments.

Vision 4: "Safer streets and schools in every community."

Record: The "service plans" for both the Solicitor General and the Attorney General show that crime reduction is not mentioned as a goal and crime rates are not used as measures (a change from the former government's performance plan).

Vision 5: "Better services for children, families & First Nations."

Record: The budget for the Ministry of Children and Family Development is slated for a 21% cut between 2002-03 ($1.587 billion) and 2004-05 ($1.283 billion).

Vision 6: "The fastest growing technology industry in Canada."

Record: According to BC Stats "In 2001, constant dollar GDP generated by the high technology sector was $3.3 billion, down 4.0% from 2000. The national decline was 1.2%."

Vision 7: "A leading edge forest industry that is globally recognized for its productivity and environmental stewardship."

Record: The Minister of Forests forecast that the softwood dispute would be resolved by Christmas - two Christmases have since come and gone with no resolution to the dispute. Government acknowledged that its changes will reduce employment in the forest industry. Environmentalists are concerned about changes to the Forest Practices Code.

Vision 8: "Greater equity and equality for British Columbia in Canada."

Record: It is true that BC is now receiving the largest equalization payments in its history.

Vision 9: "The most open, accountable and democratic government in Canada."

Record: The Campbell government denied the existence of an Official Opposition - unprecedented in a parliamentary democracy. Budgets have been cut for the Ombudsman and for the Freedom of Information and Privacy Commissioner. One officer of the legislature, the Children's Commissioner, has been eliminated.

Vision 10: "Responsible, accountable management of your public resources and tax dollars."

Record: Tax cuts have been shown not to pay for themselves so government has increased the sales tax, increased MSP premiums, increased the gas tax, increased user fees for parks, increased fees for drivers licenses and cut services throughout government. It has refused to release the background documents for its "core review".

Measuring Campbell's "vision" may be more difficult than standing on one leg in Maui, but the results are just as disappointing.