There
are some important similarities and differences between
the State
of the Union address by the President of the United
States, and a "Throne Speech" in a parliamentary
democracy. The President of the United States delivers the
State of the Union address each year at this time to indicate
the direction of his administration, but his "administration"
cannot necessarily deliver on its vision. His party is not
only opposed by Democrats but he lacks internal party discipline
that is frequently taken for granted in parliamentary systems.
A Throne Speech for a majority parliamentary government
indicates what that government intends to do, and is capable
of doing. Of course, for minority governments there is little
difference between a Throne Speech and a State of the Union
Address, but for majority governments it is the difference
between control and influence.
On February
14th the Lieutenant Governor will read the Campbell government's
Throne Speech. A mini-session, with a Speech from the Throne
and a budget update, was held in the fall; the February
effort will be the real kickoff of his second term. The
September
12, 2005, mini-Throne Speech concentrated on the government's
"five
great goals", as did the February
8th, 2005, Speech. By contrast, the February 10, 2004,
Speech had a theme of "bringing out the best"
and mentioned "2010" 20 times, compared to once
in the September 2005 Speech.
A lot
has changed since May 2005 when Campbell was given his second
mandate. His government no longer enjoys a 77 to 2 majority
and can't ignore the Official Opposition. Construction prices
are soaring resulting in a questionable budget for the 2010
games, and the liability for provincial taxpayers is growing.
We have a new federal government which could create some
uncertainities, and the Campbell government is promising
billions for transportation spending. Negotiations with
over 200,000 public sector employees is overshadowing everything.
If it articulates a new theme, different from its "five
great goals", it will be open to attack for abandoning
its vision. Its goals are long term, but public attention
is frequently focused on problems that require solution
in the short term. Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer suggested
that the government might use the Throne Speech to announce
a fast track for shorter wait lists as has been done in
Alberta. The "great goals", listed below, are
worthwhile, but thousands of people who are suffering while
on waiting lists want to know what the government is going
to do for them in the next few months. The Throne Speech
for the second term of a majority Campbell government had
better provide some answers.
The
"Five Great Goals" are:
1. To make B.C. the best educated, most literate jurisdiction
on the continent.
2. To lead the way in North America in healthy living and
physical fitness.
3. To build the best system of support in Canada for persons
with disabilities, special needs, children at risk and seniors.
4. To lead the world in sustainable environmental management,
with the best air and water quality, and the best fisheries
management, bar none.
5. To create more jobs per capita than anywhere else in
Canada.
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