During the first half of the campaign, both the BC NDP and BC Green parties unveiled their election platforms and the Conservatives released a series of promises.
The BC Greens have stated they’re focused on getting their candidates elected in a handful of their strongest ridings, but the bulk of their resources have surely been poured into BC Green leader Sonia Furstenau’s Victoria Beacon Hill campaign, where she is leading for the first time, according to one recent poll.
Saanich North and the Islands, the riding of retiring Green MLA Adam Olsen, is the second the most winnable, followed by West Vancouver-Sea-to-Sky and Kootenay Central. But after the platform they released – increased taxes on everyday British Columbians with little to promote economic prosperity – the BC Greens might just as probably be relegated out of legislature come the morning of October 20th.
To a similar extent, the BC NDP have released a platform rife with spending, and short on debt management.
After bringing forward a record deficit of almost $9 billion, maybe spending shouldn’t be the theme of their platform? Instead, they might consider the reallocation of funds to priority issues like healthcare, crime and safety, with a focus on the development of economic opportunities.
To that point, I notice in their platform a line referencing “old growth forests.” However, what’s not noted is the cavernous difference between old growth on Vancouver Island, and old growth in B.C.’s north.
And that distinction needs to be made.
In perhaps a less traditional approach, the Conservative Party of BC platform and policies have been announced singularly at campaign events, and later available on their website.
Interestingly, they continue to seek input from constituents on what they would like to see. Will they continue incorporating niche policies up to election day?
Another distinction has been their modus operandi. They need to engage more with the media so retail voters can better understand the differences.
Despite not running a traditional campaign, the Conservatives have brought forward minor policy shifts that could have major impacts on people’s daily lives.
Plus, who’s tired of using a paper straw to drink from a plastic cup?
With the battlegrounds existing in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, there’s no doubt that the issues of the Interior and North will fall to the backburner. But, let me be clear, there is no economic future for B.C. and First Nations in this region without a government that recognizes the need for us to bring our safe, clean and reliable resources to the global market.
The first advance polls opened last week with record number of people casting ballots. Hopefully voters will take the time to familiarize themselves with the issues, records, and plans laid out by the leaders, and vote for the candidate that best serves them.
After all, 4 years is a long time.