The title of Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General doesn't begin to capture the wide range of responsibilities held by Rich Coleman in the Campbell cabinet. In addition to being responsible for the police and corrections, Coleman's reach includes gambling, drunk driving, the Superintendent of motor vehicles, ICBC, liquor licensing, landlords and tenants, consumer protection, film classification, the provincial emergency program, the coroner's service, including responsibility for review of child and youth deaths, and victim assistance. With the departure of Gary Collins, Christy Clark and Geoff Plant, Coleman is arguably the most powerful member of Campbell's cabinet. How has he been able to juggle so many hot potatoes without getting burnt? It is certainly not because there has been a lack of controversy.

A review of how Coleman has handled question period provides some insight into his successful grip on power. Using his large frame, booming voice and assertive style, he forcefully answered questions while hiding behind the independence of statutory officers. For example, on February 21st, newly elected MLA Jagrup Brar asked Coleman to call for an inquiry into the tragic death of Baljit Bains, who died following questionable treatment at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Coleman invited the member to read the Coroner's Act and concluded by saying: "…the coroner responsible for the file will make the decision whether there should be an inquiry or an inquest. Not until such time and at no time will I interfere with that investigation." Further questions were directed to the Minister of Health.

The Campbell government fired the independent officers of the legislature who used to investigate the deaths of children. During the last week the legislature sat, the former officers released a letter they had sent to the Premier regarding the accountability of government for the deaths of children. The Minister of Children and Family Development hid behind the Children and Youth Officer, Jane Morley, and answered all questions by reading her letter in which she expressed confidence in social workers and said: "The letter to the Premier laments the end of a number of accountability mechanisms that previously resided with the organizations that the former officials led. Each one of the mechanisms listed remains within the authority of an independent statutory officer (the Ombudsman, the Chief Coroner and the Child and Youth Officer). The public need not be concerned on that front." The Catch-22 is that Morley does not have the authority to investigate deaths, the coroner does. If a question is put to the Solicitor General regarding a coroner's investigation, Coleman will answer as he did with respect to the Surrey Hospital; read the Act, the coroner is independent. In other words, there is no political accountability and the public is kept in the dark.

When the Liberals were in opposition they took every opportunity to criticize the expansion of gambling, but in government they doubled it. Coleman's response, as given in the legislature on February 15th, was: "There were 22 casinos allowed when we became government. There are 18 today." Anyone who has visited the massive Reno style casinos, which operate 24-7, that have opened under the Campbell government know that a campaign promise has been broken. Coleman's response, when pushed, is to hide behind the "independent" BC Lotteries Corporation, and to say that they are free to expand to the extent the market allows. The third parties, municipalities and community advocates, who would never have let the NDP get away with such weak answers, have been strangely silent as of late.

The public consultation period for a review of drunk driving ended on August 31, 2003. On October 10, 2004, when speaking on Bill 66, Joy MacPhail challenged Coleman over concerns raised by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) over a report which "… showed that only 11 percent of hospitalized drivers whose blood showed they were legally impaired were later convicted of drunk driving offences. Of a total of 1,697 drivers who were hospitalized, 619 were impaired, with an average blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit." Instead of dealing with the unsatisfactory Criminal Code conviction rate, the Campbell government increased alternatives under the Motor Vehicle Act. When asked about drunk driving, Coleman now cites statistics on the number of 24 hour suspensions. A cynic might think their initiatives were primarily related to reducing court costs, but what can you do in a province where the popularity of the Premier increased after his drunk driving episode?

A review of Coleman's record in legislative debate shows that he is well versed on his files. At least part of the answer to how he has been able to juggle so many hot potatoes without getting burnt has to be the size of the opposition. It takes a lot of research and work to be an effective critic of a Ministry that is as large as the Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General. On May 17th voters will determine whether the NDP should be given a chance at government or whether they should form a larger opposition. One way or the other, more New Democrats will contribute to better government.