The Orange Wave

Unprecedented. Phenomenal. Amazing. There are plenty of words you can use to describe the massive surge of support for the NDP since this election began. In British Columbia, we are at 39% support, the prairies have us gaining 2% since the 2008 election. Ontario has us at 27%, while the Atlantic is up 22% to 46% support. Finally, Quebec the lovely province that it is, now boasts the NDP as their first party with 45%, a swing of 33% since the last election.

Overall, these numbers mean good things for the party, social democracy and Canada. Really good things in fact. In fact you could go on to say these polls are unprecedented, phenomenal or amazing. We might as well call those the words of the day. Now, as lovely as votes are, the true measure of importance in our political system is seats. The new seat projections for the NDP are fucking beautiful. As high as 100 seats could be captured by the NDP, most of which falling victim to the Orange Wave in Quebec. It appears we could win a majority of all seats in Quebec, or in our best case scenario, strip the Bloc Quebecois of its party status in the House of Commons. All very good things.

100 seats would easily mean we are the Official Opposition for the first time in Canadian history. MPs from all across Canada: the east, the west, the north, young, and old, all fighting for a prosperous and green Canada where no one is left behind. What a wonderful world we live in. We may not form the government this time around, but with the way things are going, the next election doesn't seem so far off. After all, the Official Opposition is considered the government in waiting...

Campaign Update #4 - EJDF

We are in the home stretch Canada! All of the big signs in Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca are up, and the final preparations for Election Day are beginning. If you want to help, please don't hesitate to call the campaign. Seriously, we need your help. Don't let anyone tell you that this riding won't be close, or for that matter that we won't win. We can do this; we just have to work together.

At first, I must admit, this campaign was quite lackluster. I was hoping for some NDP gains, but it was viewed mostly as a battle between a Conservative minority or majority. Then Quebec woke up and smelt the coffee, and everything changed. Now I am looking forward to Monday night to the prospect of the NDP making significant gains especially in Quebec. Maybe Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca will fall under the Orange Wave as well.

It is inspiring to see so many Canadians embracing social democracy all across this great nation. If we can continue to build on that momentum and deliver it on Monday, we just might see Mr. Jack Layton in the Prime Minister's Office.

Fiscal Prudency

The largest problem for nearly every government past, present or future is finances. It's tough enough to balance the family budget, let alone the governments. It's difficult finding a balance between taxation, social services and the always fluctuating market that is the economy. By diverting funds away from unnecessary projects that will do little to improve our society as a whole, saving cash whenever available, and introducing new social services slowly, every government can achieve and remain in the black ink.

Part of the problem for Langford is a focus on business, and not people. While this can (and in this case does) lead to problems with democracy and environmental preservation it also hurts the city's cheque books. No government should have a debt, or if it does, it should have a transitional plan for it to avoid making repayments decades into the future. Does Langford have one? It doesn't appear so.

To begin a fiscally responsible period in our city's history, we should review the size, effectiveness and cost of city administration. Nothing may come of it, but it is very important to understand how much of the city budget is attributed to organization and the day to day functions of a city. Further investigation should look into (if possible) making better use of our taxpayer's money. Next, we should avoid wasting money on facilities and projects the electorate failed to ask for. That means our many sports fields, and Goldstream Avenue "beautification" was a huge waste of money. In the future, unless we discover gold under every home in Langford, we should think twice before giving the stamp of approval to every flashy, but lacking in substance initiative.

Within only a few quick and painless steps, we have already saved the city millions of dollars. These "new" funds should be put towards a variety of sources. A portion should be put towards emergency preparedness immediately, along with pedestrian safety features near parks, schools and other community centres. The later plan would be only required for one budget, the next progress report on our finances wouldn't require such measures. Next, we should pass a living wage in our community. With the policy in place we should rehire community based policing officers and youth to remove invasive plant species on crown land throughout the city seasonally. Supporting the Goldstream Food Bank should also be placed high on our priority list. Further money should be put towards expanding Langford Trolley service, integrating bicycle lanes and trails, and a bicycle sharing system. Finally, with anything left over, we should invest in the Emily Carr WestShore Performing Arts & Education Centre and other cultural events.

Barring a discovery of fail whale fiscal management and subsequently mass amounts of surplus cash, it's likely that this won't be achieved in one year. To avoid further sinking into debt by divulging translucent cash into these points, one would be wise to immediately begin those cost-saving measures, and slowly transition into this blueprint. Should further problems still remain, a hike in the business tax rate should not be taken off the table.

Supporting families during times of discord, new public safety features, environmental endeavours, cultural advocacy and a sense of organization for times when our wildest fears become reality. It's all under this very social democratic budget in progress. How about you adopt it Langford?

The Red & Orange

There are plenty of opinion polls out there. The most trustworthy of firms has proven over and over again to be Angus Reid Public Opinion. So when Jack Layton woke up a few days ago and saw that the latest Angus Reid poll had the NDP tied with the Liberals at 25% support, he was pleasantly surprised. For the first time in nearly twenty years, the NDP is tied in support with the opposition Liberals. The last time this happened, it wasn't during an election campaign, so these are very promising signs.

It's evidence like this that support the development of a two-party system in our federal political scene between the NDP and Conservatives in the near future. Of course, the true test will be if such results hold until May 2nd. Although with a clear surge in support for the social democratic party in Quebec beginning to solidify, we could very well see the NDP overtake the Liberals in popular vote, and perhaps most importantly in terms of number of seats. One is receding its support across the nation, the other is taking its place and could be directly opposite the government come the reconvening of Parliament.

A further possibility, one that makes New Democrats giddy is a coalition government between the Liberals and NDP should Stephen Harper fail once again in his quest for a majority. Recent opinion polling suggest a minimal drop in support for the Conservatives since 2008, which would once again see a minority government. The thought of Jack Layton in the Prime Minister's Office makes me feel light headed. Let's hope it formulates ladies and gentlemen!

Determined Dix

Yesterday Adrian Dix was elected the new leader of the BC NDP. I'm not going to lie to you - this election was disappointing for me. My preference for leader was John Horgan, and what with his real momentum going into the convention, I had high hopes that he might be able to pull off a victory. Still, I am completely behind Adrian Dix as we head into a new era of BC politics. Below are the results of the leadership contest in Vancouver.

First Ballot

Adrian Dix - 7,683 (38%)

Mike Farnworth - 6,979 (35%)

John Horgan - 4,844 (24%)

Dana Larsen - 531 (3%)

Second Ballot

Adrian Dix - 7,748 (39%)

Mike Farnworth - 6,951 (35%)

John Horgan - 5,034 (26%)

Third Ballot

Adrian Dix - 9,772 (52%)

Mike Farnworth - 9,095 (48%)

This election will bring about the reassembly of the legislature, and the need for a by-election soon. There is also a possibility a general election will be called by the fall, especially if the Liberals believe they have a good chance against Adrian, which judging by the rhetoric, they do. Either way, the BC NDP based on the atmosphere of the election appears to be quite united and ready to fight for social democracy whenever those writs are issued. Onwards and upwards we go!

Campaign Update #3 - EJDF

The debates are over, and the voting intentions are now starting to shift. An Angus Reid poll found the NDP tied with the Liberals for second place at 25% support. Even the thought of us possibly forming the official opposition makes me feel light headed. Why is there this shift? Perhaps more Canadians are reaching that epiphany that social democracy is best for our world. Perhaps Jack Layton's stash is wooing them, maybe the Bloc has run one of the worst campaigns in it's history, either way, things are going well for the NDP in the opinion polling department. Angus Reid isn't only either, many other polls are also telling similar stories to this. One can only imagine how this will affect the seat projections on May 2nd.

As for Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca, local debates are underway, and lawn signs are littering the electoral district. The momentum building in Quebec that is being labelled "The Orange Wave" is affecting us here, as Randall gains momentum. Candidate profiles are in the paper, and there is a sense of awareness about this election eerily absent from the 2008 campaign. Let's hope and pray that translates into a higher voter turnout that the last elections atrocious statistic.

All of the platforms have been released, warnings of satanic coalitions are aplenty, and hope is also hovering over the people of Quebec. This is going to be an interesting election!

Randall Recommendation

Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca has six candidates this election standing to become our Member of Parliament. Among them stands a man who represents progressive values and positive results that will improve Canada, not degrade it. He stands for a Canada where equality is more than just a word; it is an expression of our rights. He stands for a universal health care system funded by the public. He believes that the time has passed for us to do nothing about the environment. That candidate is Randall Garrison of the New Democratic Party.

Randall Garrison isn't new to the political arena. He ran in 2004 and 2006 finishing a close second to now retiring MP Keith Martin. He later ran for a seat on Esquimalt Council in 2008 and was elected. There he has fought for government accountability by forcing government votes to be recorded, economic action by passing the second living wage policy in Canada, and environmental sustainability by establishing a community garden and the Environment Sustainability Fund.

He's now standing to fight for more doctors and nurses for your family. He's ready to fight for light rail transit on the south Island. He's ready to lift every child and senior out of poverty. Randall Garrison is to be your voice in Ottawa. It's high time we elected him. On May 2nd vote NDP for a prosperous and green Canada where no one is left behind.

Campaign Update #2 - EJDF

It's the second week of the federal election campaign, and things are once again remaining stable for nearly all political parties. The Conservatives appear to be straddling majority government territory while the Liberals, NDP, Bloc and Greens are within a reasonable margin of their 2008 performance. For all those that are fearing a Harper government in complete control now is the time to be afraid.

As for policy announcements, this was not the most fascinating week in the grand world of politics. The Conservatives pledged to end the gun registry, and expand the prison system. They also plan to compensate Quebec for transitioning to the HST and purchase those lovely fighter jets. The Liberals rolled out their platform closely resembling the 2008 NDP plan in an attempt to secure soft NDP voters support. Their main planks focused on increasing corporate taxes and returning honesty to Parliament Hill. The NDP has yet to unveil their platform but pledged to create shipbuilding jobs in Canada, trains more doctors and nurses and double support for the Canada Pension Plan. The Bloc is maintaining that they are the only party that can fight for Quebec's ideals in Ottawa.

As for Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca, more signs are up, more people are signing up to be on our sign crew, lawn sign requests are flying out the door, and there is a sense of momentum in the air. For lack of better words it feels as if the NDP is on the move in EJDF and moving fast. Let's hope that this whisk of change remains for the duration of the campaign.

A Living Wage

Esquimalt has recently passed a living wage policy in their community. What is a living wage you ask? A living wage is a salary established above the poverty line for families to assist in the payment of housing, food, health care, basic utilities, transportation and occasional recreation. In a social democratic world everyone would be paid a living wage for their work (well perhaps even more!) However, we can achieve some positive results even in a conservative city like Langford.

While a living wage doesn't influence every workers wallet in a community, it is used as a benchmark for wages across the board. Just as an increase to the minimum wage will boost non-minimum wage jobs by an equivalent amount, a living wage policy could raise the salary of other employees in Langford. Such a policy also encompasses contracted work from the city. A living wage policy often results in increased productivity and reduced absenteeism, thus it is perceived as a win-win for both worker and employer.

The fiscal conservatives reading are probably asking: "How will we pay for this?" Well, by diverting funds away from unnecessary infrastructure projects and excessive sporting complexes (which in one project alone cost $1.2 million dollars) we should surely have enough money to pay for a living wage policy. Even during a period of budgetary deficits, raising taxes by a small amount to ensure working families are not snared in poverty for the remainder of their lives sounds right and just.

It's not just Esquimalt that's moved on a progressive policy like this either. Many other municipalities in Canada and the United Sates have either adopted living wages or are currently considering them. For the sake of families in our community, both in the present and future Langford should adopt a living wage policy. This should be a part of a growing focus on families after years of neglect. It's financially sustainable, socially just and familial driven, what more evidence do you need?

Arming the Rebels

People are being killed every day in Libya due to Muammar Gaddafi's stubbornness to leave office following a massive popular uprising against his leadership following 42 years as "guide of the eternal revolution". This has occurred since February. It took the international community a month to pass a resolution enforcing a no-fly zone over Libya, and while that has been partially successful it is time for the democratic nations of the world to support the basic civil liberties of those in the African dictatorship.

Most importantly, humanitarian services must be delivered to those in need immediately. We should not look to the United Nations for authorization to feed the starving people in Libya, ensure their homes aren't destroyed, and aid the wounded. If the UN cannot even agree on that, then the international organization clearly has lost its effectiveness and purpose.

Should this be unachievable, we must arm the rebels fighting for democracy. It is appalling that a "democratic nation" with a strong international presence such as ours, is holding out on supporting democratic movements in the Middle East and North Africa. This involves arming the rebels and teaching them how to attack hired mercenaries used on their own people. The time has passed for us to simply watch as poorly prepared rebels die in the streets. We must support democracy and support the rebels.

This is a contentious issue. But in the face of a popular uprising succeeding in the east and failing in the west, clearly it is the end of the road for Mr. Gaddafi. How the people of Libya end his rule is up to their discretion. It is my hope that democracy will once again succeed in this truly remarkable spirit of civil unrest.

Update: After reading this over again I've realized I sound a little bit like a Republican from the United States. That is not my intention. If it all possible, we should avoid this conflict from becoming drawn out, as it will result in more unnecessary bloodshed. Diplomacy should be used to possibly end this prematurely. If this is unachievable, I feel we should arm the rebels to ensure the war will end quickly. This in turn will avoid sieges and massacres of innocent civilians and avoid future bloodshed. Regardless of what issues arise from that dialogue, humanitarian supplies must be delivered to the people of Libya immediately. It's a difficult situation over in Libya, and it'll be a long time until this mess is figured out.

Campaign Update #1 - EJDF

With only a week behind us in the federal campaign, much has been achieved. The parties are rolling out their platforms, and polling is beginning to stabilize so that we can better predict the outcome of this race. Here in Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca, things took a while to get going but now are appearing much better in the NDPs favour. Specifically, our campaign office is up and running, signs are going up everywhere, and calls are being made to voters. You can feel the election in the air, and it's a wonderful feeling.

There have even been a few policy announcements thus far on the campaign. The Conservatives have stood for abolishing the long gun registry, removing per vote subsidies, health tax credits and assisting job creators. Ignatieff and his team released their education plan based on "Iggy bucks" and pledged to roll back corporate taxes until releasing a platform that doesn't match their actions in Parliament. The NDP meanwhile announced they would gradually double pension plans across the country, and invest $700 million to lift every senior out of poverty. Layton also called for a "Helmets-to-Hardhats" program to assist returning soldiers transition back into the work force, capping credit card rates, and hiring thousands of more doctors and nurses. Finally, the NDP leader pledged to cancel oil subsidies and invest in clean energy for the future.

As far as polling goes, the Conservatives appear to be gaining support up to 41% (majority government territory), while the Liberals have gained support at the expense of the NDP but not in all polls. Other polls show we have grown to about 20% or 21%. The Bloc and the Greens are also holding steady. With only a week into the campaign we have seen no dramatic changes to the electorates voting intentions since the drop of the writ. We've only got four more weeks left, and I can't wait!