134 replies to this topic

[Mike K.]

Yes, that is indeed the case. It’s not a job for a slouch.

[spanky123]

Most MLAs and MPs are lightweights whose only two jobs are to occupy a seat in our parliamentary system (to vote in support of the leader) and to occasionally stand in front of a camera or reporter and mouth the words that the communications department has given them.

 

If they were a reasonably competent leader or manager in any meaningful field, they could get paid far more for much less effort and grief.

 

Having said that, I am sure that any MLA or MP gets 100+ emails and requests a day from people who think that their MLA or MP has some real power or influence. If the MLA/MP is lucky and has capable office staff then they may be able to handle a good chunk of those requests on his/her behalf. Otherwise, it is more photos on Instagram or Twitter to make it look like you are connecting.

[Mike K.]

They can connect you to decision makers and are a much more meaningful conduit to ministers, if they feel your request has merit.

It also helps to have an MLA in your riding who is of the party in power, but not always.

So the proverbial question is, which MLA will be willing to stick their neck out for you? One that is part of the party in power, or not?

[spanky123]

^ I think that the merit argument is largely influenced by the leanings of the MLA or MP.

 

I would think that if you approached Ms. Lore with a concern that some teaching at school was saddening your transitioning child then it would be acted upon pronto. If you wanted to know why BC Landlord Tenancy rules do not apply to UVIC residences (even though the residences were paid for by BC taxpayers) then I am sure you would hear nothing but crickets!

[Mike K.]

Hmmm.

I guess you’d have to speak to the MLA who presides over the riding at UVic for that issue. You might get some traction there.

[Nparker]

I have messaged "my" MP, Laurel "CoV council was just a stepping stone" Collins several times and all I got in return was a generic non-response.

[Matt R.]

What does grace lore do all day exactly?

[dasmo]

Avoid her constituents

[Awaiting Juno]

Lore's been promoted to Minister for Children...

[Mike K.]

Is there a strong candidate in the background from the BCUP? That’s quite an announcement. It’s a tough file.

Here’s more from the Province:

Premier David Eby has appointed Grace Lore as Minister of Children and Family Development, and Mitzi Dean as Minister of State for Child Care.

“I am immensely grateful to Grace, Mitzi and Andrew for taking on these new roles,” said Premier Eby. “Child care is extremely important to families, it is a significant benefit to businesses, and it is quite simply critical to our entire province. Minister Dean will be a tireless champion for B.C.’s first new major social program in a generation. We have made considerable progress on the very difficult files within the ministry of children and family development, and I know that Minister Lore’s experience and passion will benefit young people and families.”

Premier Eby has also named Andrew Mercier as Minister of State for Sustainable Forestry Innovation to support the important work of Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests, to ensure that British Columbia is building a truly sustainable forestry industry.

“Minister Mercier will be a key partner in government to help address the urgent demand for timber supply from industry, while working to ensure that wood products are value added to help create and protect jobs in the forestry sector,” said Premier Eby. “Our entire cabinet has one clear goal – to make life better for people in B.C., and the changes announced today will help us do just that.”

Premier Eby has also appointed MLA George Chow as the Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials, building on recently passed legislation from the ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, which removes barriers for internationally trained professionals to work in British Columbia.

[Nparker]

It's a tough file, but no one has to actually achieve any success on it.

[spanky123]

Lore's been promoted to Minister for Children...

 

Selection by elimination?! Can't see anyone actually wanting the job.

[spanky123]

Is there a strong candidate in the background from the BCUP? That’s white an announcement. It’s a tough file.

 

It is a tough file because NDP policy has made it unnecessarily so.

 

The reality is that the people who need the most support are from the disabled and low income groups, neither of which are known for their activism or voting impact. Heck they are too busy trying to survive.

 

As a result, that gives the NDP a license to screw them over by underfunding programs and making people fight with each other for scarce services.

 

That isn't going to change because Grace is in charge. Seems to me that he one skill has been to parrot whatever Eby says flawlessly. 

[dasmo]

It’s challenging because people are more aware of SOGI in the school curriculum and are taking offence to their children being taught about sexual preference in kindergarten. And that there is no such thing as gender. It’s causing conflict at the schools. I have a good friend who is in the school system and has to deal with this now. It’s a mess. On one side they aren’t doing enough for trans children, on the other side they are promoting **rnography to children. Neither is quite true of course but they get no support for this outfall from ten years of SOGI. People are actually protesting at his school all the time. Shoot, he told me about a 13 year old girl who identifies as a boy on a beach field trip taking their top off. Every teacher was paralyzed. On the one hand they will be accused of being pedophiles. On the other, transphobic. It’s a tough portfolio alright. Do you think she will improve this situation?

[Nparker]

Did shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic keep it from sinking?