BC Government failing to respect public school teachers

Lunch time and locked out at South Park today

Dear Saanich South,

Many of you have contacted me about the current labour dispute impacting public schools. I'm very concerned about this, and the impact of this disruption on hundreds of thousands of kids and their families.

I'm also angry at how the BC government is treating our teachers and the school system. Premier Clark and her government have not only failed to negotiate an agreement with teachers, they have escalated the conflict with a “partial lockout,” that disrupts school activities, including academic field trips, graduation activities, exam marking and report card updates.

Premier Clark has been a constant factor in this government’s decade of conflict with teachers in B.C.  As education minister in 2002, she passed a law that led to larger classes and less support for students with special needs. The B.C. Supreme Court struck down this law in 2011, and when the BC Liberal government introduced virtually identical legislation in 2012, they struck that down as unconstitutional as well.

In the court ruling released earlier this year, the judge chastised the government for bargaining in bad faith and attempting to provoke a full-scale strike in B.C. schools. Regrettably, recent attempts to provoke teachers and escalate tensions show the government has not changed its tactics.

Along with my colleagues, I will continue pressing the government to turn the page on twelve years of political failures that have harmed the education of a generation of kids and worsened the quality of employment of public school teachers. We will continue to support all good-faith efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.

Lana 

Moms like Us

Dear Saanich South,

After years of painfully watching children fall through the cracks in our so-called mental health system in BC, a group of Victoria mothers are advocating for a new approach.

Last week, a group called Moms Like Us hosted an over-flowing meeting about an intriguing new model for community-based mental-health supports.

Moms Like Us invited the Executive Director of Richmond BC's Pathways Clubhouse for a presentation about this ground-breaking organization.

"Clubhouses" offer residences and supportive services to people with mental health challenges. Despite the title of "clubhouse" these facilities are about much more than fun: they offer a structured and safe place with a focus on transitional employment programs and support to help members access the mental health services they need, where such programs exist.

Small Business and MMBC

Dear Saanich South,

As many of you know, I am the Official Opposition Critic for Small Business, Tourism and Arts and Culture.

With respect to Small Business, one issue I have worked hard on is the impact of a ‘red-tape monster’, Multi-Materials BC (MMBC).

MMBC is a registered BC Non-Profit Society that has been given power by the Ministry of Environment to demand over $100 annually from businesses and take over the BC residential recycling sector.

For a balanced analysis of MMBC, see this article by Don Cayo in the Vancouver Sun.

Over the past few months I’ve raised many objections to this program, both within the Legislature and in meetings and correspondence with constituents, business-people, Chambers of Commerce, municipalities, MMBC, and the Auditor General of BC. [See here, and here.]

I’m pleased to note that the government has at last responded to one of the objections raised by myself and others, namely the excessive red-tape and financial burden MMBC would place on small business in BC.

Yesterday, the government finalized changes to the recycling regulations to exempt small producers of packing and printed paper (PPP). An exemption is granted if any one of the following four criteria is met:

• Under one million dollars in annual revenues.
• Under one tonne of packaging and printed paper supplied to B.C. residents.
• Operate as a single point of retail sale and are not supplied by or operated as part of franchise or chain
• Is a registered charity.

According to the BC government, these changes will exempt 99% of businesses in BC from MMBC.

In addition, medium-sized businesses which are not exempt but are still low-volume producers of PPP can now pay an annual fee instead of assuming the cost of detailed PPP accounting and cyclical reporting.

Although these changes are incomplete – many small businesses in BC will still be hit with excessive MMBC red-tape and exorbitant fees collected by an organization which is not financially accountable to the provincial government – they do improve a profoundly flawed system. This change is a great relief to many small businesses. 

I will continue to work on this file. There is much more to be done to ensure that BC has a regulatory residential recycling system in place that includes accountability mechanisms for funds collected through the authority of the government, encourages BC businesses, and protects the environment.

Lana

Community gathers to commemorate the Komagata Maru

On board the Komagata Maru. Front left is the organizer of the 

voyage, Gurdit Singh, who said: “We are British citizens and we 

consider we have a right to visit any part of the Empire.” 

Dear Saanich South,

Today marks the 100 year anniversary of an important moment of our history, the arrival and immediate on-board detention of 376 would-be new Canadians, mostly Sikhs from Punjab in India. This incident is known by the name of the ship they travelled on, the Komagata Maru.

All are invited to the Saanich Commonwealth Place this Wednesday, May 28^th, 11am-12pm for: Echoes of Courage: Komagata Maru 1914-2014.

Community leaders will gather to commemorate the 100 year anniversary with a ceremony and the opening of a week-long educational exhibition. Light refreshments will be served.

This event is being organized by the India-Canada Cultural Association of Victoria with assistance from the municipality of Saanich and my office. I want to note with appreciation the volunteer leadership of Mr. Sabba Sall in organizing this event.

Mr. Sall writes:

The purpose of the exhibit on May 28th is to raise awareness about this incident so that injustices like it can be talked about honestly and so that they do not happen to any race regardless of colour or culture. We must be ever vigilant to ensure equality for all in Canada --our home.  

The Komagata Maru was anchored in the Burrard Inlet, as a fierce public and legal dispute raged over the right of those on board to enter Canada.

The passengers’ treatment was unquestionably defined by the racist sentiments of the time. They were deprived of due process, fair treatment, and even food and water. The ship was eventually forced to leave after a two month stand-off.

The incident marked a unifying moment for the now-vibrant and successful Indo-Canadian community, and it remains an historic event for Canada worthy of study and commemoration.

To learn more about the Komagata Maru incident, visit: http://komagatamaru100.com/

Warm regards, 

Lana

Lana Popham, MLA Saanich South

Confidential letter from ALC Chair has public steaming

Dear Saanich South,

Thank you for all the emails about Bill 24. I've received over 150 emails (and counting) on the topic. So far only 2 have been pro, all the rest have been against Bill 24. There is no doubt in my mind that the changes proposed by the BC Liberal government to the Agricultural Land Commission will harm farming, farmers and food security in BC.

In my opinion, the confidential letter referenced below completely invalidates the BC Government's attempt to turn Bill 24 into law. I call on Premier Clark and Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick to pull this Bill from the Order table and begin an open and transparent consultation process before attempting any further changes to the Agricultural Land Reserve.

The government intends to put Bill 24 up for a final vote in less than a week. With your help I believe it can be stopped.

Sincerely,

Lana

Confidential Letter from ALC Chair exposes hypocrisy of BC Liberal’s plan to ram through Bill 24

May 22, 2014

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Today I am releasing a confidential letter from the Chair of the Agricultural Land Commission to the Deputy Ministry of Agriculture, dated December 23, 2013. This letter is a detailed response by the ALC Chair to proposals made by the BC Liberal government during the highly-secretive Core Review process.

This document, never seen publicly before today and sent anonymously to me last week, exposes the utter hypocrisy of the BC Liberals.

In eleven scathing pages, the ALC Chair Richard Bullock rips apart the BC Liberal plan that is now known as Bill 24.

Example 1.

The BC Liberals claim Bill 24 is to help farmers. However, Bullock states on page 7:

Example 2

The BC Liberals claim that land in “Zone 2” is of lower value as farmland then in “Zone 1”.

However, on page 8 Bullock states:

In addition, Bullock points out:

Example 3.

The BC Liberals dishonestly claim to have consulted. However, Bullock states:

This letter proves that the BC Liberal government introduced Bill 24 without meaningfully consulting with the most senior and knowledgeable person available. Mr. Bullock was appointed by the BC Liberals themselves, and has won widespread praise for his work as Chair. To exclude him from genuine consultations and to completely disregard the advice he gave is shocking and outrageous.

Furthermore, I know from  my own consultations that none of the groups he mentioned above were consulted before the Bill was introduced  and none of them have endorsed the Bill since.

The complete letter from the ALC Chair can be viewed here. An article published today about this letter by Andrew McLeod of the Tyee is available here.

Sincerely,

Lana Popham, MLA Saanich South

Art Show & Open House: Friday, May 16th

Dear Saanich South,

I have always been a supporter of the arts. Since first being elected as Saanich South MLA in 2009 I have invited local artists to show their works at my community office.

Presently, the acrylic landscape and nature paintings enriching my office space are by Peter Van Giesen.

I am pleased to invite you to the first Art Show & Open House of 2014.

FRIDAY, MAY 16th, 2014
5:00pm - 7:00pm
4085-B Quadra Street (corner of Nicholson)

We will serve light refreshments and both myself and Mr. Van Giesen will be in attendance.

I hope to see you there.

Lana

No taxation without representation!

Dear Saanich South,

I rose in the House yesterday to challenge the BC government on their widely-panned scheme to change BC's successful recycling system. 

Starting May 19, the BC Government intends to force businesses to pay an onerous recycling tax to Multi-Materials BC. MMBC is a dummy corporation registered under the Society Act as a non-profit. It is in fact run by Ontario-based Vice Presidents of Unilever and Loblaws and it lacks basic financial accountability mechanisms. 

Nevertheless, the government has given it the authority (under Ministry of Environment regulations) to collect approximately $100 million dollars from businesses every year. Business owners are expected to pay this new tax but the government is refusing to ensure the monies are spent consistently with the rules of representative government.  

This is about government being accountable.

I asked the Minister of the Environment to address business owners concerns by ensuring that the Auditor General has jurisdiction to review MMBC. 

This was a straight-forward and legitimate question. 

Regrettably, Minister Polak’s response was to smear the Opposition, utterly misrepresent my own views and completely ignore the question.

This issue is of huge importance to many business people in BC right now...and they deserve much better from their government than this. 

I am continuing to actively work on this file. 

Background information here. 

Lana

Agricultural Land Reserve - Update

Today we received news that the government is close to capitulating ...but the fight is not over yet!

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick has done the right thing and stated that Bill 24 is on hold - it may be changed or withdrawn. He is going to do a whirligig of consulting over the next couple of weeks. This is going to be a critical moment that everybody must participate in.

For the record, this is not the way to govern. Consultation should be done before tabling a bill....but now we are here.

Minister Bill Bennett tried to get away with something deceitful in this province. Under the cover of a phony "core review" he conjured up a mandate to destroy the ALR. Bill 24 opened a back door to remove land from 90% of the ALR for any 'prescribed reason'.

If the government wants to change critical legislation to improve how BC protects agricultural land and strengthens agriculture it must be transparent and consultative.

Minister Bennett's approach was the opposite of that.

In my opinion, the only option is to kill Bill 24.

It's not time to stand down, it's time to fight harder until we get official word that the people of BC won this fight.

Lana

Put down your phone and drive!

My 'public service announcement' in today's Saanich News:

Here is an interesting article on the factoid cited above:

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Distracted+driving+kills+more+than+drunk+driving+considers+higher/9694064/story.html

Stop Bill 24 to save the Agricultural Land Reserve

This week we see some major developments around Bill 24.

The BC Agriculture Council has reversed it's support, the grassroots groundswell of opposition to the Bill is growing by the day, and the Agriculture Minister is signalling that he is maybe hearing what we are saying.

This is not the time to let up, in fact it's time to crank it up!

We have one week until we return to the legislature. Bill 24 could come up for second reading on Monday.....and worst case get passed that day. This week is critical for getting the Bill withdrawn. Continue to write to the Agriculture Minister, Norm Letnick. norm.letnick.mla@leg.bc.ca.

Can the people of British Columbia affect change?

Yes we can! Keep up the great work and let's finish strong!

Lana

Starry Nights Again!

Petitioners and Lana at public demo to save the Saanich Observatory,
August 24, 2013

Dear Friends of the Saanich Observatory,

I am very happy to share with you three pieces of good news about public access to the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and the Centre of the Universe.

1. Star-Gazing Saturday Night on International Astronomy Day!
On Saturday May 3rd, from 8-11pm, the Centre of the Universe will be open! Volunteers with the Royal Astronomical Society (RASC) will have their telescopes set-up for public gazing and there will be tours of the Observatory itself. The powerful Plaskett Telescope will be operational, weather permitting. There will be lectures by National Research Council (NRC) astronomers later in the evening.

This free evening event will cap a full day of astronomy activities at the Royal BC Museum. More information available at www.victoria.rasc.ca

2. Summer Camp is back at the Saanich Observatory!
 This July and August, UVIC’s much-loved Science Venture is offering eight week-long Astronomy Camps at the Centre of the Universe! If you have kids in grade 3-8, check out the “spaceTECH” or “astroLAB” camps. SpaceTech will teach campers how technology makes it possible to live and work in space. AstroLAB focuses on stars, planets, galaxies, and hands-on building projects. The goal of both camps is to deepen knowledge and inspire our youth to learn about astronomy, physics and space technology – in a fun way, and now at a truly awesome location! Registration opens April 22nd. More information at scienceventure.ca/spaceventure.

Rails to Relevance - what a trip!

Congratulations to Claremont teacher Mark Neufeld and everyone else who gave almost 50 students from Claremont the educational experience of a lifetime. 

As part of Claremont's Secondary's Institute for Global Solutions programme, the students travelled by train from Vancouver to Ottawa. They had a direct experience with the world of politics and learned about democracy and about our country. The trip was called "Rails to Relevance". 

It was my pleasure to join them on this trip*. Along with with Elizabeth May, the MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, and their teachers, we helped the kids investigate two fundamental questions: 

1. What does it mean to be a citizen of Canada? 

2. What is Canada’s responsibility to the world?

In answering those questions the students met many of the prescribed learning outcomes for Social Studies 11 and Sustainability 11...in a creative, engaging and fun way. 

For more info, check out the Insitute on facebook or watch this video!

*A personal expense.

Standing up for recycling in BC

Recycling at risk in BC

Recycling is an important value for many in Saanich South. It is a simple way we do our part to help the environment. Recycling businesses also provides jobs for dozens of people in this constituency. These reasons inspired me to investigate the overhaul that the BC government is in the final stages of implementing for this sector.

What I discovered is shocking. As background, the BC government has enabled the creation of a non-profit Society called Multi-Materials BC and is about to give it extraordinary power and monopoly-like control over the recycling sector in BC. Currently there is a competitive marketplace with many players such as municipalities, haulers, depots, handlers and processors.

The impact of the changes which MMBC is pushing through have set off alarm bells across the province.
Last week I rose in the Legislature and raised five key criticisms of MMBC:

1. It transfers authority for residential recycling in BC to a dummy corporation that is run by a tiny number of big business interests in Ontario. 
2. It will lead to BC residents being gouged on the cost of recycling. 
3. It extracts profit from the recycling sector while transferring risk to municipalities and the smaller operators, especially hauling companies. 
4. It undermines successful recycling initiatives already in place such as the Refundable Beverage Containers program. 
5. And most fundamentally, it fails to address the environmental challenge that inspired the recycling movement in the first place.

My speech was picked up and reported on in every Black Press local paper across the province (link) Many other media also reported on it, including the Times Colonist (link).

The transcript of it is here (at the 10:30 mark), and you can watch it here:



My investigation was the first to uncover that this "non-profit" "BC" "Society", MMBC, is in fact controlled by just three directors, two of whom do not live in BC and are Vice-Presidents of large corporations (Unilever and Loblaws). The third Director is their employee.

I followed up with a tough question for the Premier in Question Period. (Coverage of that is here).

The TC ran a scathing editorial about MMBC yesterday that draws on a number of the arguments I raised and there has been other reports detailing similar and equally serious concerns with MMBC. Here is one from the CEO of Buckerfields.

The government has yet to respond meaningfully to these criticisms -- that is unacceptable. I will continue to work actively on this file.

Best, Lana

LiveSmart Small Business Program is worth saving

Reprinted from the Straight.com. Source here. 

by LANA POPHAM, JOHN HORGAN

CONSERVATION IS THE cleanest and least expensive way to meet the increasing demand for electricity in British Columbia. The more energy we conserve now, the fewer new sources of supply our province will need in the future.

Who would disagree with this statement? Certainly not the Ministry of Energy and Mines: this statement is taken directly from the government’s website. Unfortunately, instead of putting action behind these words, the B.C. Liberal government is ending the innovative and cost-effective LiveSmart Small Business Program.

One of the easiest ways for us to conserve energy is to upgrade older buildings to modern standards of energy efficiency. It can be as simple as changing to longer-lasting, more energy efficient LED light bulbs, or improving air sealing so that homes and businesses aren’t "heating the neighbourhood". British Columbia is legally obligated to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent by 2020, and conserving energy is the single best way to move us towards that goal.

Times Colonist: ‘Boring, balanced budget’ has its bright side

Popham wants a standing committee.
Photo by: BRUCE STOTESBURY, TC 

Adrian Chamberlain 

When it comes to the recently announced 2014 B.C. budget, the reaction of arts groups appears to be: “Yeah, well … could be worse.”

Still, given the B.C. cultural industry’s often tumultuous relationship with the provincial government, a few glimmers of hope seem to be emerging.

Last week, Finance Minister Mike de Jong tabled a fiscal plan he described as “a triple-B budget — a boring, balanced, budget.” It’s hold-the-line stuff; there are no gifts for arts and culture. But, on the plus side, there are no funding cutbacks to an economic sector that, according to Vancouver’s Alliance for Arts and Culture, employs more people than B.C.’s forestry industry.

“So we’re not feeling that [the government] is looking for excuses to tear the rug from under us,” said Rob Gloor, the alliance’s executive director.

Another hopeful glimmer: Both Gloor and Ivan Habel, president of ProArt Alliance (representing Victoria’s professional arts groups), are cautiously optimistic about a proposal put forth this week by Saanich South NDP MLA Lana Popham in the legislature. Popham suggested the creation of a select standing committee on arts, culture and the creative economy.

Response to the Budget in the BC Legislature

Dear Saanich South,

Yesterday I rose in the House to present my response to the government's Budget. It is now up on youtube in six clips:

Healing Invisible Wounds

Trauma – noun – a deeply distressing or disturbing experience.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – noun – a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress occurring as a result of injury or severe psychological shock, typically involving a disturbance of sleep and constant vivid recall of the experience, with dulled responses to others and to the outside world.

This week, the Wounded Warrior Run BC (WWRBC) team is running from Port Hardy to Victoria to help raise financial support and awareness of the mental health challenges faced by people experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They are a part of Wounded Warriors Canada, a non-profit helping members of the Canadian Forces who have been wounded or injured in service to their country.

On Friday, February 21, 2014, the run will wrap up at Saunders Subaru, at the end of a run in excess of 600km and 6 full days long. The team will be visiting Legion branches all the way down the length of Vancouver Island. I encourage people to support their efforts – summed up in their motto: Not all wounds are visible. Honour the fallen. Help the living.

It is worth remembering that not all invisible wounds are inflicted in war. Many of our neighbours and friends are lying awake at night, jumping at the sound of a door closing and reliving terrible and terrifying experiences. Too many of these people will succumb to the need to numb the anxiety or the pain of memories, turning to substances which will ultimately only exacerbate their condition. Far too many of them will not seek help because of the associated stigma, fear of reliving the experience, concern around the cost or time that treatment may take, and other reasons.

As many as 1 in 10 Canadians are affected by anxiety disorders, like PTSD; that number may be even higher for our Canadian Armed Forces personnel. What we need is a continuum of mental health services to help people recognize the signs of PTSD and then provide the supports to help them overcome it.

Although our system in British Columbia does not cover the full continuum and access to services is not as open as it could be; there are still some organizations doing very good work with PTSD sufferers.

Below, is a basic list of symptoms experienced by people after a traumatic event. This is not a comprehensive list, only the more common signs. If the symptoms don’t go away, please seek help – ask your doctor or call one of the organizations listed at the end of this post.

PTSD symptoms can include:

·         Feeling upset by things that remind you of the trauma

·         Nightmares, vivid memories or flashbacks of the event

·         Wanting to avoid places or things that remind you of what happened

·         Feeling numb or lose interest in things you used to care about

·         Feeling that you are always in danger

·         Feeling anxious, jittery or irritated

·         Having trouble sleeping or focusing

At the end of this post, you will see links to several organizations, both civilian and military, that provide a range of services and supports to people dealing with the mental health issues categorized as anxiety disorders, of which PTSD is only one.

If you, or someone you know, is showing signs of PTSD, please reach out for help. We all deserve to feel safe.

Lana

PTSD Services and Information:

PTSD Association

Health Link BC 

Anxiety BC

Here To Help 

Canadian Armed Forces Mental Health Services

Wounded Warriors Canada 

Wounded Warriors Run BC

Canadian Mental Health Association 

Wounded Warriors Run

Dear Saanich South,

I recently attended a launch for the Wounded Warriors BC Run at Saunders Subaru in Colwood. 

The focus of the run is to fundraise and increase public awareness of Wounded Warriors Canada. 

Wounded Warriors Canada is a non-profit organization that helps Canadian Forces members who have been wounded or injured in their service to Canada. They help find therapeutic programs and solutions for military men and women in need. Currently, their primary focus is on mental health and, particularly, the staggering impact of PTSD and Operational Stress Injuries.
To provide increased financial support and public awareness for Wounded Warriors Canada, the “Wounded Warrior Run BC” was created. A team of five dedicated runners will relay run the length of Vancouver Island for six consecutive days, starting Sunday, 16 Feb 2014 and finishing Friday, 21 Feb 2014. The journey will begin in Port Hardy and end in Victoria at Saunders Subaru, covering more than 600 km.

The Saunders Family donated $1000 at the launch to start off the fundraising. They are a very generous family who always step up. My personal thanks goes out the Bob and family for being wonderful community leaders.

PTSD can impact anybody who has experienced trauma. This includes our First Responders. Many people say the hardest part of having PTSD is admitting you need help. 

To donate or for more information, visit http://woundedwarriorrunbc.com.

Lana

Family Day Rally to save the ALR - Feb 10

Dear Saanich,

The BC Government's decision to include the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) in its core review of government services represents a profound threat to our precious farmland.

The ALR was created in 1973 and includes 4.7 million hectares of farmland.

As former Agriculture Critic and farmer,  I personally challenge Premier Clark to explain to the people of BC why dismantling and weakening the ALC is in the best interest of the people in this province. 

I am so proud of BC farmers and farmland defenders. They are coming together at a large rally at the BC Legislature this Monday, February 10 at 12pm. 

I can't think of a better way to spend "Family Day" - protecting farmland for our children!

I'll be there and I hope you will too!

Lana

School kids used as political pawns

Dear Saanich South,

Last week a BC Supreme Court Judge exposed the rotten underbelly of the BC government's relationship with teachers and the public education system.

The BC Supreme Court reviewed secret cabinet documents and concluded that the B.C. government failed to negotiate with the BC Teachers Federation in good faith and in fact deliberately tried to provoke a full-scale strike at B.C. schools. The judge fined the province $2 million dollars in damages.

Premier Christy Clark was the Education Minister when this scheme was hatched in 2002. In my opinion, she owes BC an apology for trying to push children, their families and our school system into chaos for political gain.

A child who entered kindergarten when Premier Clark was first made education minister will graduate this year having spent all their years in school in larger classes with fewer supports because of her legislation.

Legislation that the BC Courts have twice found unconstitutional.

After an apology, the fair-minded way forward for the government is clear: release the cabinet documents to come clean about what has been done in the past, stop wasting taxpayer dollars on legal appeals, and start figuring out how to rebuild our education system.

More information here:

• Times Colonist Editorial: provoking strike was shameful
• Globe & Mail: Clark must release Cabinet documents on negotiations with teachers
• Court decision proves BC Liberals put students last: http://bit.ly/1mdMmqA
• Christy Clark must explain role in provoking school strikes: http://bit.ly/1in6xgM
• BC Liberals’ lead negotiator admitted plan was to provoke a full-scale strike, keep children home from school: http://bit.ly/1eXtCGg
• Reality Check: Christy Clark’s real record on education: http://bit.ly/1mhBoQT
• Question Period February 12, 2014 http://bit.ly/1oqCJDs
• Question Period February 13, 2014 http://bit.ly/1eUsKUk

Please feel free to share your opinion with me: lana.popham.mla@leg.bc.ca

Lana

Call for Nominations: Order of British Columbia

Dear Saanich South,

Do you know someone who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, excellence and distinction in their particular fields?

Nominate them for the 2014 Order of British Columbia!

Nominations must be received by the first Friday in March to be considered for this year.

The nominations are considered by an independent Advisory Council, chaired by the Chief Justice of BC.

The OBC was established in 1989 and since then, 345 British Columbians have received the Province's highest award, including six residents of Saanich South:

• 1999 - Jean Jacques André - Artist
• 1999 - Eric Charman - Community Service
• 2000 - Vicky Husband - Environmental Leader
• 2010 - Dan Doyle - Provincial public servant, transportation engineer
• 2010 - Jeneece Edroff - Youth active in community service
• 2013 - Gregory Fahlman - World renowned astronomy researcher

Nomination forms are available from the Honours and Awards Secretariat in Victoria (250-387-1616), or online at www.orderofbc.gov.bc.ca.

Lana

Is the "Jobs Plan" working?

The BC government began 2014 by wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on "Jobs Plan" advertising. They use your own money to distract from their failure to address the serious economic challenges we face as a province.

Consider this cross-section of key economic indicators:

• Highest child poverty rate in the nation. (Source, First Call)
• Lowest GDP and highest unemployment rate among western provinces. (Source, RBC Economics)
• Ninth in private sector job growth relative to other provinces, September 2011- December 2013. (Source, Statistics Canada)
• Ninth in the growth of household income relative to other provinces. (Source, BC Business Council)
• Net loss of people to other provinces for nine consecutive quarters. Over the last several years, 12,000 more people have left BC than have moved here. (Source, Statistics Canada)
•  Significant and expanding income inequality: BC has the largest gap between the top 20 and the bottom 20 percent of income earners among the provinces. (Source, BC Stats)

BC can do better than this! 

Is this government capable of conceding their 28 month old "Jobs Plans" is a failure? An honest assessment is a critical first step to a new effort.  

We need to see new initiatives, not more smoke and mirrors. Initiatives that reflect that gravity of the situation and the inter-related challenges such as climate change, needed reforms to BC Hydro and justice for First Nations. 

The Official Opposition has and will continue to put forward constructive ideas, and we won’t shy away from shining a bright spotlight on the failures of the government. That is our job and there is lots to do!

Lana

Lana Popham, MLA Saanich South