New Brunswick '10: The Results

The black cats have seized control in New Brunswick after an election many thought would be close, resulted in a strong majority government for the now former opposition party.

The Progressive Conservatives in a near repeat of the 1999 election have 42 seats of the 55 in the Legislature with the opposition Liberals at 13 seats. The NDP, Green Party, and People's Alliance all failed to win a seat. The black cats managed to get 49% of the vote, while the Liberals captured their lowest result ever of 34%, the NDP at 10%, the Greens at 5%, and the PANB and independents at 1% each.

From the beginning it appears that this government was doomed to failure. The 2006 election gave more votes to the PCs then the Liberals. Even before they took office, the Liberals were already leading without the confidence of the people. Although things calmed, and polling numbers hit up to the 60's for them, and the former Premier, Bernard Lord resigned. Things were going well until someone mentioned the elephant in the room, the debt. The debt had grown at an ever increasing rate even during times of economic prosperity. Mr. Alward attacked the hell out of this, and then the NB Power-Hydro-Quebec deal came about. While it could have tackled the debt, it proved to be very unpopular due to a loss of sovereignty. This was the nail in the coffin for Shawn Graham and many of his ministers as well.

The campaign was marked with a shit-load (actual unit of measurement) of promises from both sides. Fiscally incompetent pledges were made by most parties (read: Progressive Conservatives, Liberals and the Greens) that involved spending more money and taxing less during a time of economic despair. I'm not a fan of fiscal austerity and I'm confident that the people of New Brunswick aren't either, but I don't think they want a bigger debt either. This was the primary issue of the campaign, and during my occasional visits to the PC Party's website before the election, that was the primary concern, so it is natural that they would address this quite head-on. It appears to have been much more resonating to the people then a promise of 60,000 something laptops from the Liberals for students.

Each party has its own set of problems to face in the not so distant future. How will a thirteen member opposition caucus attack the government with the former Premier still in the wings? I smell a resignation from the Liberal leader soon. The NDP while increasing its vote count still has yet to hold a seat since 2004, which effectively silences the party in the Legislature. The Green Party did not achieve the national standard for the federal party, and they too will need to find candidates in every riding if they wish to be viewed as a major party by 2014. Finally, the People's Alliance is now in a crucial state, will it grow and prosper from possible PC Party fallacies, or will it demise like so many other fringe parties?

The PC Party is now faced with the immensely difficult task of governing. Reducing government size, cutting taxes, and somehow eradicating at least part of the debt are priorities for the Alward government. While their numbers seem to be incorrect to achieve this, I do wish them the best with addressing these problems, and the many more that are sure to come about in the next four years.

This marks another victory for the black cats, and while I'm saddened by the NDP's results, I feel humbled that nearly 40,000 took the stand for the middle class, and voted for a positive future for the province. While today is a defeat, I know the people of New Brunswick are smart, capable individuals, and they too will one day realize that there is no difference between red and blue. One day they too will elect a government that offers social democratic solutions to the problems New Brunswick faces today in order to solve the challenges of tomorrow.

Mouseland

A young Kiefer Sutherland using 1990's graphics along with the help of the UFCW transforms Tommy Douglas' epic fable into visual images for all to enjoy. The people of British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Yukon have seen the positive results of a government comprised of the middle class. Will the people of New Brunswick be next? We can only hope so...

Silence

It's been a while since I've heard of the "accomplishments" from Langford City Council. In fact, I can't remember the last update to the people. There was one during the civic campaign in November 2008, and even then all it contained was a small card that listed the current councillors. Surely they must have accomplished something in the near two years since their current mandate... right?

Other elected officials send out newsletters or updates about what they have done and what they are fighting for. It's great; too many citizens are disengaged with the democratic process and are unaware of the achievements or lack thereof from our Member of Parliament and/or Member of the Legislative Assembly. Is it so much to ask that councillors state what they have done during their three year mandates as well?

I can understand the cost might be a deterrent especially if in paper, but that's where the beauty of an electronic version comes in. It doesn't even need to be that often, perhaps once every season, or if they were that lazy, biannually. I don't want a novella; I just want to know what you've done, what you're doing, and why you're doing this. Considering that we haven't heard from them since 2005 about their individual accomplishments, I don't think this is an unreasonable offer. Besides at the end of the day, our taxes are paying for their salary.

So come on Denise, Winnie, Lanny, Matt, and Roger, what progress have you as individuals done for Langford, and what battles are still yet to be fought?

It's True...

For the past few months I've heard rumours that the NDP secretly supports the introduction of the harmonized sales tax in BC. It's comments like these that cause ex-Liberals to consider voting for the Conservatives. While these voters are simply looking for an escape goat to avoid voting for the social democratic party, it's still quite puzzling how they came to this conclusion.

Back in July 2009 when the HST was first announced by the Liberals, we were the first ones to cry foul and state our opposition to the move. We held press conferences, organized protests and even spread the battle to cyberspace. There with us was former Socred Premier Bill Vander Zalm leading the former Liberal camp against the government. We set aside our differences in the fight for one common goal, to end the harmonized sales tax in our province.

Nearly every day in the Legislature, at least one member of the opposition stood up and questioned the government about its intentions with the tax. All 35 members of the BC NDP voted against Bill 9 which introduced the tax, and during the initiative led by Vander Zalm, the NDP provided the largest amount of volunteers against the tax. Today we are still opposed to the move.

But the main point these conspirators point to is a lack of a point addressing the HST in the official platform. It's true; there is no point about the HST in the platform simply because it hasn't been updated since early 2009 for the election. The next policy review (which I hope to attend) isn't going to be until 2011. Will it be introduced there? It's possible, but with the way things are going the government won't even be standing by the end of the new year.

The evidence is stacked against the Conservatives: the BC NDP has opposed the HST since day one. But if they want to play hard ball, I'll play hard ball. Did you know that the Conservative platform in 2009 indicated their intention to harmonize the provincial sales tax with the federal Goods & Services Tax if elected?

The Conservatives should take a page from the Liberals: the people don't like to be lied to.

Happy Times

Like the cleaning of a house, the story of the sales tax from hell never ends.

Today, the Legislative Committee reviewing the first successful citizen-led initiative in Canadian history voted for a provincial wide referendum on the issue to be held on September 24th, 2011. The motion was passed after the NDP's proposal for a free vote in the Legislature was defeated. Sad faces be had by all in the fight against the tax.

The referendum is expected to cost about $30 million. However, as the BC NDP and Bill Vander Zalm made the point, the success of the initiative already showed clear opposition to the tax, so to use taxpayers money on a non-binding vote, a year from now is not only a waste of time, but money and resources. This is a ridiculous stall tactic that has nearly unachievable goals for it to be successful (50% of registered voters must vote against the HST) that could easily be disregarded by the Premier himself.

We all know why they're doing this: by September 2011, we all will most likely have given up on the fight against the tax. At least, that's what the Liberals can hope for... as Bill Vander Zalm and former proponent now opponent of the HST Chris Delaney stated in their storming off from the committee, recall is still a possibility. I never thought a two-syllable word like that could bring so much hope to so many. Recall is our last change for the removal of these slime balls we call BC Liberals from elected office, and it can't come fast enough...

Really?

The Long Gun Registry saves lives all across this country for only a cost of between $1.1 million and $3.6 million per year. That's pretty damn impressive considering its effectiveness. Unfortunately, all is not calm in the land of fire arm restrictions, as the debate has opened up once again since its inception in the 1990's.

It all started like this: a backbencher (read: non-cabinet minister member of the governing party caucus) introduced a bill that would abolish the Long Gun Registry. As per tradition, private members bills like this are never whipped votes. Thus, free votes are had by all and the voting intentions are determined solely by the Members personal beliefs and not their party's beliefs. Most Conservatives are voting in favour of its abolition, while Michael Ignatieff is whipping his caucus into voting against it. The Bloc I believe is also generally against the abolition, while the NDP has taken the high road.

Jack Layton, being the wise man that he is, understands the advantages and disadvantages of the programme (yes, I'm British) especially for those living in rural areas. There are numerous dangers out in the Great White North, and safety is the number one concern for every family here. Regardless of your location in the country, hunting should always be a viable option for recreational purposes granted it is performed in a sustainable manner. Getting the materials necessary for hunting shouldn't be incredibly difficult for a citizen without a criminal history. Among other things, the NDP plan also protects Aboriginal treaty rights, eliminates charges to register, protects gun owners' privacy, and allows municipalities to determine the future of hand guns.

Shame on the Conservatives for once again opening up another divisive issue as they have done so many times before. Shame on the Liberals too, and in particular Ignatieff for attempting to polarize this issue beyond what is necessary. I'm amazed that this is still an issue for Canada in 2010, but perhaps what's even more puzzling is the claim that this is the single most important issue affecting out great nation today. I guess they're right to say that: it's not like the economy or the environment are concerns at all for Canadians.

Same-Sex Marriage

I can hear the Conservatives groaning from here. Once again as I said with my "Abortion" blog post, if the issue in question is one to make your blood boil you are welcome to comment but please don't tell me that I am doomed to an eternity in the Lake of Fire, or that I am an awful person. Thank you in advance!

The issue of modern same-sex marriages is quite new on the scene. The first nation to allow them, the Netherlands, has performed and recognized same-sex marriages since April 2001. Since then Belgium, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, and most recently Argentina along with Canada in 2005 have also jumped on the bandwagon. I guess we know what the progressive nations of the world are.

Same-sex marriage extends the rights of marriage to homosexual couples. This ensures equality among both the homosexual and heterosexual community. I have no problem what so ever with two consenting adults making an informed decision concerning the person they love.

Unsurprisingly, the issue of same-sex marriage has caused plenty of controversy. Critics often point to three attacks. In some nations, the word "marriage" is defined in its constitution. Most of these nations also claim to be secular, they're wrong. A true secular state keeps religion and the government separate, and defining marriage tramples all over that. Next, critics point out that along with marriage comes parenting rights, and because of non-existent reports, homosexuals are worse parents that heterosexuals. Study after study has proven that you do not need straight parents to raise a successful individual into society, you need loving parents. Finally, civil unions are thrown out as a possibility for a supplement of marriage. Unfortunately, civil unions because of a loss of association, many rights are lost when a party to a civil union rather than a marriage.

Often religion is thrown into this debate, but while keeping with my tradition of remaining silent on religion, I must say that things can be interpreted incorrectly. Above all else, we are not on this planet to judge others for actions they cannot control, and we never will be.

Slowly the nations of this world are embracing equal rights for homosexuals. However, we still have a long way to go. Africa and the Middle East are the biggest offenders as they still consider homosexual intercourse a criminal act. It's time for the world to accept the reality, and allow homosexuals to marry.