Liberal fast track to holidays leaves opposition angered

The NDP opposition in Victoria are calling into question the Liberal's dedication to democracy after the government rammed through a number of contentious bills prior to the four month vacation session that all MLA's are now on.

As we outlined last week on Podunk, the Liberal government didn't waste any time in shutting down the debate on the key issues that they wanted addressed before the beach and cabins beckon.

Calling the Liberals arrogant, draconian and out of touch, North Coast MLA Gary Coons outlined his many concerns with the Liberal agenda and how it is impacting on ordinary British Columbians.

The post session, post mortem was provided in Wednesday's Daily News.

MLA feels muzzled by lack of debate
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Pages one and three

The passing of an unprecedented number of bills through the legislature last week has politicians and labour leaders calling foul on the provincial government for their alleged disregard for due process.

The spring session of the legislature was wrapped up Thursday with the passing of bills including TILMA legislation, the fuel tax and election gag law, none of which included debate time. The NDP was limited to procedural maneuvers only as the party tried to slow the bills' progress.
North Coast MLA Gary Coons said a government has never before "rammed through" so many bills without debate, including bills to raise taxes and "implement draconian election legislation," and he claims the move highlights the arrogance of an "out-of-touch government."

"This session the government showed once again that they can't be trusted on the issues that matter to ordinary British Columbians," said Coons.

"Gordon Campbell showed that he doesn't care what they think. He doesn't care what they need. It's his way or no way."

The bills passed last week include Bill 20, the Oil and Gas Activities Act, Bill 21, the Medicare Protection Amendment Act, Bill 24, E-Health or Personal Health and Information Access and Protection of Privacy Act, Bill 37, the Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Amendment Act, Bill 37, The Carbon Tax Act, and Bill 42, the Election Amendment Act. The total time taken to pass all of the bills into law was a little more than an hour.

"The B.C. Liberals took no action to address the forest industry crisis, to end hallway medicine or to make life more affordable for families trying to make ends meet," said Coons.

"Instead, the Campbell government forced through a new fuel tax, implemented a gag law on free speech and ignored calls to keep their health care promises.

"They don't want scrutiny of anything they're doing and they'd rather do it behind closed doors, in secret, and that's what we're seeing from this premier."

Bill 42, the Election Amendment Act has been particularly controversial because it greatly expands the definition of third-party advertising, introduces spending limits, and significantly extends the period during which advertising rules are in place. At the same time, the legislation does not put restrictions on donations to political parties or government advertising leading into an election, and introduces blackouts of advertising by third parties in the 60 days before an election.

"Teachers have had a proud history of standing up for our students," said Joanna Larson, president of the Prince Rupert District Teachers' Union. "This bill attempts to silence all of us who speak out on behalf of patients, our communities, the environment, the homeless, and our students. It is an insult to the democratic process in our province."

The BCTF and the Prince Rupert District Teachers' Union does not belong to, nor contribute to, any political party. Teachers however have undertaken to help educate the public about the needs of their students and to elect municipal and provincial politicians throughout the province who commit to making education a priority.

"Of course, we devote some of our dues to elections," said Larson.

"This is perfectly understandable since elected officials are the ones with the power to influence the conditions for our students, for their families, and for our communities. They decide whether to close a school or keep it open. They decide to provide support for students with special learning needs or instead spend tax dollars on huge megaprojects like a retractable roof for BC Place."

The BCTF is currently exploring its legal options with respect to Bill 42 and will likely challenge the constitutionality of the legislation in court.