1977 replies to this topic

[gstc84]

Just saw on Twitter that the mayor of Tofino, Josie Osborne, is running for the NDP nomination in Alberni-Pacific Rim. She’ll take a leave of absence once the election is called and then resign if she wins.

Edited by gstc84, 15 September 2020 - 10:20 PM.

[John M.]

Just saw on Twitter that the mayor of Tofino, Josie Osborne, is running for the NDP nomination in Alberto-Pacific Rim. She’ll take a leave of absence once the election is called and then resign if she wins.

I've worked with her before. She'd be a good, moderate voice in government. I always assumed she was more of a federal Liberal, or a Green.

[VIResident]

"........open letter to the Lieutenant Governor"

 

First, you may want to advise Mr. Horgan of the fixed election date that he and his Government and the Legislature have set by law to take place “on the third Saturday in October in the fourth calendar year following the general voting day for the most recently held general election.” While your office is not constitutionally bound by s. 23 of the Constitution Act, respect for the rule of law is a cardinal principle of our democracy, of which you are one of the most important safeguards.

 

 

Second, you may want to remind the Premier of the signed personal commitment he made in the CASA: “The Leader of the New Democrats will not request a dissolution of the Legislature during the term of this agreement, except following the defeat of a motion of confidence.” Reneging on that signature would be inconsistent with the norm of good faith that underlies our democracy.

 

 

https://www.timescol...rnor-1.24203801

Edited by VIResident, 16 September 2020 - 05:50 AM.

[Mike K.]

I honestly don’t think the NDP are going to have as clear a path to victory as it might appear.

The majority of British Columbians support the pipelines, support Site C, despise how ride sharing was rolled out, dislike the changes brought about by ICBC and the effects of real-estate taxes are having on communities that didn’t choose to be popular places to live, but ended up that way, and now are facing economic uncertainties. Meanwhile some hotbeds of non-resident owners weren’t affected, like the Finance Minister’s vacation home on the Gulf Islands or the former Green Party leader’s vacation home in Qualicum. Go figure.

Bonnie Henry aside, has BC actually done a good job under COVID? It seems we got lucky more than anything, and now the cracks are appearing as the return to school is a hot mess, the CERB (federal, I know) is causing huge economic problems for employers, and contradictory regulations are pitting people against each other as liquor stores got free reign and restaurants got wholesale liquor discounts as seniors died of malpractice in seniors homes, while their families could not be at their bedside.

[VIResident]

I honestly don’t think the NDP are going to have as clear a path to victory as it might appear.

The majority of British Columbians support the pipelines, support Site C, despise how ride sharing was rolled out, dislike the changes brought about by ICBC and the effects of real-estate taxes are having on communities that didn’t choose to be popular places to live, but ended up that way, and now are facing economic uncertainties. Meanwhile some hotbeds of non-resident owners weren’t affected, like the Finance Minister’s vacation home on the Gulf Islands or the former Green Party leader’s vacation home in Qualicum. Go figure.

Bonnie Henry aside, has BC actually done a good job under COVID? It seems we got lucky more than anything, and now the cracks are appearing as the return to school is a hot mess, the CERB (federal, I know) is causing huge economic problems for employers, and contradictory regulations are pitting people against each other as liquor stores got free reign and restaurants got wholesale liquor discounts as seniors died of malpractice in seniors homes, while their families could not be at their bedside.

 

One hundred percent agree Mike, pile in the punishment for calling an election at this time - that one act alone will cost the NDP huge, possibly the election. Lets not forget the in-action; community charter, municipalities gone-wild etc. etc. etc.

Edited by VIResident, 16 September 2020 - 06:19 AM.

[Mike K.]

We also have somewhat of a skewed perception of the NDP’s performance as we’ve been relatively fortunate on the south Island (highway 14 upgrades, a study of Malahat alternatives, the Leigh Road TCH improvements, first provincial office on the West Shore, a Premiere who understands south Island politics, etc), but the rest of the province is not necessarily thrilled with the way the term has panned out, certainly not the resource and industry sectors of our economy.

With the Greens now firmly in what-are-they-thinking territory as moderate Weaver steps aside, the moderate Green support is going to wane. And I would not discount Stew Young’s potential for dropping his seat as mayor of Langford to go after Garrison.

[gstc84]

I know the reliability of polling is always questionable lately, but the NDP has like a 25 point lead in BC right now. Some of that is undoubtedly a COVID bump which could easily evaporate, but I think they’re right to feel confident.

Pipelines and Site C are still proceeding, and ride sharing is only an issue in urban centres where the NDP will likely clean up anyway. They’re a lock across most of the island and much of Metro Van. They don’t need more than a few pockets of support or a small boost across the rest of the province to be in majority territory.

People might be annoyed if an election is called, but I doubt Wilkinson’s ability to capitalize on that. Horgan has charisma and likability in spades which will be his greatest advantage when the campaign kicks up.

[Mike K.]

I would attribute that lead to zero politicking since COVID. All we’ve heard from the other parties is the Greens have chosen a predictable leader.

Once the campaign starts up expect the old wounds to resurface and the true state of the economy to become a major headline grabber as the opposition begins to look behind the curtain and expose what’s really going on.

This could turn really ugly for the NDP, really fast, especially if COVID cases spike and people become worried about the practicality of an election in such a time. All the Liberals would have to do is posit that the NDP is willing to put the whole province at risk to attempt more political power after losing the last election, forming a weak alliance with the Greens, then reneging on their promise to not call an election prior to the scheduled election in the fall of 2021.

[RFS]

People voted for the liberals because they worried the socialists would get in and destroy province. Then Horgan surprised everyone by being relatively moderate and competent. So now people are happy to give them another term. Its entirely anecdotal but I'm convinced no one actually liked the liberals or christy clark, it was always a 'not the socialists' vote

[John M.]

Rumours are swirling that Murray Rankin will contest the NDP nomination in Oak Bay-Gordon Head. 

[John M.]

Rumours are swirling that Murray Rankin will contest the NDP nomination in Oak Bay-Gordon Head. 

With Finn Donnelly actively running in Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, Jinny Sims in Surrey-Panorama, Nathan Cullen potentially running in either Stikine or Skeena, and Wayne Steski rumored to be running in Columbia River-Revelstoke, that's what, five former NDP MPs running provincially? 

[Awaiting Juno]

The Liberals need to stake out a convincing alternative platform that demonstrates that they are competent and would be able to give British Columbians a better, more livable, province.  There are wedge issues - ICBC going no fault is big, think WCB on wheels, even a moderate walk back on that combined with opening up competition in that market would be helpful.  Even being able to opt out of the no-fault scheme would be helpful for many, as there are people who are going to be really badly served under the new approach, people who are really risk adverse and vulnerable to the kind of damage a life changing injury would have on them.

 

Public safety, mental health, addictions and homelessness.  The province needs to be bold on restructuring how the needs of those with severe mental health and addictions and those experiencing homelessness are met.  There needs to be an audit of the sector, and ultimately the patchwork quilt of service providers needs to be ended.  This needs to be handled like the health and education systems - in a way that is comprehensive and measured.  We need to move away from housing only, and harm reduction only - and we need all four pillars to combat the damage an out of control drug problem is having on our province.

 

Municipal dysfunction - add recall legislation for Municipal politicians, have municipal elections coincide with provincial elections and make the amalgamation process easier for citizens to commence.

 

Lastly climate change.  More taxes without a convincing strategy to shift to lower carbon alternatives is just going to be seen as a cash grab - what concrete actions are going to be taken to mitigate our environmental impacts.

 

I'm not sure an election will be as good to Horgan as Horgan hopes it will be.  There's a lot wrong right now, particularly in the cities struggling with the brunt of homelessness.

[lanforod]

The Liberals have their head stuck in the sand. They've done nothing. They won't win an election that way. Horgan in a landslide, for better or worse. Which is why he may well call this sooner rather than wait for that fixed date.

[Sparky]

Clowns to the left of me,
Jokers to the right, here I am,
Stuck in the middle with you

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=ln7Vn_WKkWU

[Mike K.]

The Liberals have their head stuck in the sand. They've done nothing. They won't win an election that way. Horgan in a landslide, for better or worse. Which is why he may well call this sooner rather than wait for that fixed date.

 

There's not much for them to do during a state of emergency. They'd look like obstructionists if they got in the way of the government trying to figure out an unprecedented situation while the population was facing uncertainty.

 

But just wait for the election to be called. The knives will come out in relation to a variety of issues that have BC'ers concerned outside fo the whole COVID saga.

[TwilightZoneVictoria]

Heard Stephanie Papik has endorsements from Ryan Painter and Shamarke Dubow now. And Murray Rankin is throwing his hat in for Oak Bay. This sounds serious.

[TwilightZoneVictoria]

Whoa. Did this ever get answered?

 

https://www.leg.bc.c...nsard-n324.html

 

GOVERNMENT STAFF INVOLVEMENT IN PROTESTS

M. de Jong: There is a group of people out front of the building, and they are carrying signs that say things like: “Shut down the government.” Last night apparently, a minister of the Crown thought it would be a good idea to bring some of those folks in. It created chaos. It led to arrests, and we have some questions about the judgment that was displayed around that. That would have been my question, but I am obliged now to confront the Solicitor General with some information.

Stephanie Papik is listed by OIC as having worked in the Premier’s office as the director of priorities and account­abilities between September 2017 and October 2018. To be sure, she is not listed as employed there now.

Her name is listed on the Google spreadsheet used by blockade organizers to bring supplies to the occupants on the front steps of the Legislature. She appears on social media to have posted a series of messages, including the following, earlier in February. “Please come out tonight and help keep the visibility of Indigenous youth to protect them from the Victoria police department.”

[10:40 a.m.] 

Now the incredible part — and it is incredible, so incredible that I hope that the Solicitor General can stand up and say it’s not true. Stephanie Papik is listed today on the government directory as the director of strategic integration of Indigenous knowledge within the Ministry of Public Safety.

Can the minister stand up and assure the House that the Stephanie Papik that is calling for protection from the police isn’t the same individual who is the director of strategic integration within his ministry?

Hon. M. Farnworth: I will take the question on notice and come back with the information for the member.

[rmpeers]

Whoa. Did this ever get answered?

https://www.leg.bc.c...nsard-n324.html

GOVERNMENT STAFF

INVOLVEMENT IN PROTESTS

M. de Jong: There is a group of people out front of the building, and they are carrying signs that say things like: “Shut down the government.” Last night apparently, a minister of the Crown thought it would be a good idea to bring some of those folks in. It created chaos. It led to arrests, and we have some questions about the judgment that was displayed around that. That would have been my question, but I am obliged now to confront the Solicitor General with some information.
Stephanie Papik is listed by OIC as having worked in the Premier’s office as the director of priorities and account­abilities between September 2017 and October 2018. To be sure, she is not listed as employed there now.
Her name is listed on the Google spreadsheet used by blockade organizers to bring supplies to the occupants on the front steps of the Legislature. She appears on social media to have posted a series of messages, including the following, earlier in February. “Please come out tonight and help keep the visibility of Indigenous youth to protect them from the Victoria police department.”

[10:40 a.m.]

Now the incredible part — and it is incredible, so incredible that I hope that the Solicitor General can stand up and say it’s not true. Stephanie Papik is listed today on the government directory as the director of strategic integration of Indigenous knowledge within the Ministry of Public Safety.
Can the minister stand up and assure the House that the Stephanie Papik that is calling for protection from the police isn’t the same individual who is the director of strategic integration within his ministry?
Hon. M. Farnworth: I will take the question on notice and come back with the information for the member.

Another anti-cop candidate... no wonder Dubow is endorsing her. Hilarious.

[Mike K.]

Good catch, Twilight.

[Mike K.]

So you see, once this sort of information starts to surface when the election is finally called it’s not going to be an easy road to victory for Horgan. The NDP is facing an existential crisis with traditional party brass have little to no strategic symbiosis with some of the younger more radical players who are emerging from positions much further to the left than Horgan or Rankin.