Conservative Thoughts

Well To Be Honest, Math Was Never One Of My Best Subjects In School ...

2014-07-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

I get VERY tired about hearing how much independent schools are hurting the public school system, because they take financial resource away.

For those who have refused to believe this is untrue, or are being brainwashed by partisan comments from the BCTF and its partners, here are the FACTS:
Grants To Independent Schools:
The district operating grant consists of the per-pupil base allocation plus supplementary amounts added to produce the per-student district operating grant amount. Supplementary amounts are included for unique student needs (including learning disabilities, learning assistance, speech and language services, mild intellectual disabilities, English Language Learning, aboriginal education, and adult education programs), enrolment decline (greater than one percent per year), salary differentials, transportation and housing, and unique geographic factors. The supplementary factors account for the difference in school district operating grant amounts.

The number of full-time equivalent (FTE) eligible students enrolled in an independent school is a key component to calculating school grants. A full grant is paid for each full-time student who is enrolled for a minimum of 600 hours from July 1 to May 15 of the school year. Partial grants are paid for eligible partial students who receive less than 600 hours of instruction.

The designated percentages are as follows:

Group 1 = 50 percent of the local district's per-student grant amountGroup 2 = 35 percent of the local district's per-student grant amount

SEE MORE AT: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=699A7E1C76EF494D9918D067921A86F1&title=Grants+to+Independent+Schools

In others words, each student in private education, provides an additional 50% of their grants TOO the public school system. Parents of students in private schools, are in fact SUBSIDIZING students in public education.

And before anyone jumps all over private schools for being elitist, the vast majority have demographics as mixed as any public school, and parents that are, by and large, everyday hard working people that live in the same neighbourhoods as everyone else.

Well I did have a discussion about this with some folks on Twitter, and of course I got responses not favourable to what had to say. Here are just a few of the responses I received:

@AlanForseth I am also curious about why you assert private school receipt of $$ from public purse isn't a subsidy?

Private education, despite govt contribution , is not available to all regardless of income

access to benefit of my tax contribution should be progressively weighted to those with less than me

my opinion on my own tax dollars. Should only be spent on that which benefits all, to which all have access

If you choose private nobody's forcing you. Pay full shot. Anything else to me is a subsidy

It's unfair for public $ to subsidize classrooms of 18-20 in private system when govt won't bargain CSC in public schools

Here are just a few of the responses I posted back (with apologies for the misspells but Twitter only gives you 140 characters including spaces):

How is getting only 50% of /student funding a subsidy. Students in private schools support public system to tune of Millions of $s

Approx $8,100 / student in public education, while +/- $4,000 per student in private education. I CAN do the math & its clear 2 me

Paid same taxs yet when my kids asked 2B in private skool, how was receiving 50% LESS of the / student funding a subsidy

Bull Crap! Everyday working parents with students in privat schools have 50% of student grant handed over 2 support public schools

Parents pay same taxes, but they get 50%. Rest of taxes paid goes to SUBSIDIZE public education.

And one of mine final thoughts was:

We all have opinions on where taxes $ shud be spent, & think we'd agree lots wasted. Can't agree on this tho - thnx 4 exchange :)

What's my final thoughts on this? Well to be honest, Math was never one of my best subjects in school, but I have had to learn math for business, I in my opinion, I am pretty good at what I need to calculate.

No matter how others want to spin it, the Per Student payment for children in private

education is 50% of what it is for students in public schools (approximately $4,000 vs. $8,000). And, adding the roughly 76,000 students currently in private schools to the public school system would cost the government an additional Three Hundred and Four Million dollars per year (76,000 students times $4,000 each)!

AND ... most families with children in private school ARE NOT rich elitist people. They are everyday working families that chose to allocate the money the earn to have their children in private schools. They come from the ever shrinking lower and middle middle-class.

Enough!!! Leave these poor people alone. And ... let them continue to subsidize those who are in the public school system.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.

Sadly, Another Candidate Has Been Denied Due Process, And The Right To Let Their Name Stand

2014-07-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

Recently, I wrote a blog post regarding Justin Trudeau blocking people who held specific Christian beliefs from even having the chance to run to become candidates for the federal Liberal Party in the next general election.

I received a number of personal comments back, and most of them simply said it was his right to do so. One individual, who I greatly respect, said to me ... “The only people impinged by Trudeau's move are Liberal members and the Liberal Party is a PRIVATE organization well able to discriminate how and where it wishes ... Where will that end? Soon such policies backfire and those arguing for such draconian measures soon find themselves victims of similar moves.”

Let me be clear, my point was that he was disallowing members of the Liberal Party from 'choosing' the person they felt best represented what they wished to see in a candidate. The fact he was 'well able to discriminate how and where he wishes', had nothing to do with it.

Well it seems that it is now the turn of the federal NDP, as a Facebook post from Paul Manly in the riding of Nainaimo – Ladysmith outlined. Here is just the first part of what he had to say:

Dear Friends and Supporters

I would like to thank you all for your support and encouragement for my bid for the nomination to be the NDP candidate for the new federal riding of Nanaimo-Ladysmith. It is with regret that I write to tell you that the federal NDP has refused to allow me to stand as a candidate.

The local riding executive approved my candidacy for the nomination but the NDP National ...Director, Ann McGrath, has not approved me and the federal NDP executive will not let me stand as a candidate.

I have done nothing illegal or immoral, nothing that I am embarrassed about or which breaks the NDP constitution. The reason my candidacy is being blocked is political ...

Sadly, another candidate has been denied due process, and the right to let their name stand ... but more importantly, for constituents and NDP members, THEY have been denied the right to decide for themselves, who they wish to represent them.

As I mentioned, I have been critical of Baby Trudeau for this same injustice ... and will be equally critical of the Conservatives when and if the same happens.

Democracy is not, and should not be what the brass of a political party decide ... it should be the membership that has the opportunity to make these kinds of decisions.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.

“Is there really NO class size limits anymore?”

2014-07-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

In an opinion piece, “A Letter To B.C. Parents, From A StrikingTeacher” posted to the Huffington Post on Sunday June 30^th, a teacher states:

"Dear parents, I believe that my employer shouldn't be able to load up my classroom without limits and expect that I'm going to provide a good service for your child. It's just not... humanly possible."

As I read that, I said to myself, “Is there really NO class size limits anymore?”

Now for those who aren't aware, I am in my late 50's, and so I remember classes when I went to school, when there were 30 to 32 students in a classroom ... and just one teacher, no assistants. Even with that many kids in the classroom, I honestly don't recall there being an issue with the teachers having the ability to spend time with us, nor for us to learn.

So back to the letter; would you agree it appears that the teacher is implying there are now no limit to class sizes?

Well nothing can be further from the truth as BC Teachers Federation President Jim Iker himself stated on January 27th of this year, in the Vancouver Sun ... and I quote;
" ... in 2002, kindergarten class sizes were capped at 20 students, while Grades 1 to 3 were capped at 22. Today, those limits are 22 and 24, so each primary class will have to go down by two students. In 2002, class sizes for Grades 4 to 12 were negotiated by each school district ... "

As to the question of whether or not we need more teachers, well that same story in the Vancouver Sun went on to say:
"The total number of students in the province has also changed since 2002 ... this year, there are 558,985 students attending public schools in B.C. In 2002, there were 621,200 students."

I guess my point in all of this is ... I wish the BCTF, and 'some' of its' members, would just stick to the facts, and not make them up as they go.

Furthermore to that teacher, who ends her letter to BC parents with the following:

“Dear parents, this strike has put your family (and mine) through the wringer -- I get that -- but somehow you are still with us in support. I acknowledge your sacrifices and inconveniences... I honk for you!”

I want you to know that 'Yes' this strike is putting parents of school age children through the wringer ... 'Yes' I appreciate the work you put in teaching our children ... but 'No', I don't support your demands ... and finally, don't bother with the symbolic honking of the horn to me; it's just going to make me more annoyed at this whole situation.

The sad fact is that this action by the BCTF will impact everyone involved ... teachers, administration, support staff, parents, and especially students ... and the younger they are, the more trauma they will suffer.

The longer this goes on, there will be more negativity felt towards teachers. In fact, I believe the actions of the BCTF will have long-term negative results which will last for many many years.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.

What a coward ... what a two-faced babble mouthed clown

2014-06-23T00:17:00.001-07:00

Some of you may have already read this editorial, in the June 21^st edition of the National Post, by Rex Murphy. The opinion piece was entitled, “In Justin Trudeau’s world, Christians need not apply”. (http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2014/06/21/rex-murphy-in-justin-trudeaus-world-christians-need-not-apply).

This of course is just my opinion, but Trudeau deserves to be soundly rebuked by every Canadian that believes in the democratic rights of ALL Canadians. The great golden boy Justin Trudeau --- the defender of the Charter of so-called Rights and Freedoms – is himself now telling card-carrying Liberal Party members, to take a hike and stuff their democratic rights in the crapper.

With his not to be questioned dictate, democracy to Justin Trudeau is from hereafter to be as follows … vote and do as I say; period, full stop. No independent thought, or discussion, will be allowed.

Trudeau recently said he admired the Communist Chinese government, and you may remember news stories, with segments such as the following from the CBC late last year:

Liberal leader was asked which nation he admired most. He responded: "There's a level of admiration I actually have for China. Their basic dictatorship is actually allowing them to turn their economy around on a dime."

That statement was upsetting for people who say they were wrongly imprisoned or tortured by the Chinese government for speaking out for democracy.

"Can I use the word 'foolish'"? said one member of the Federation for a Democratic China, characterizing Trudeau's words. The political group advocates for the democratization of China …

Federal NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair also reacted with surprise to the Liberal leader's words, calling it "a bit silly" to laud China rather than to praise democratic values.

Trudeau was praising a government known for being a basic dictatorship. Well it now seems this ‘silly’ and ‘foolish’ leader of a federal political party is now taking a page from their totalitarian playbook of the Chinese Communist Party; NO dissent will be allowed.

What's wrong mini-Pierre; are you afraid to give Liberal Party members the right to choose who they wish to represent them? Are you afraid to let Canadians exercise their democratic rights?

What a coward ... what a two-faced babble mouthed clown.

Democracy means allowing Canadians to vote for who they want to vote for, NOT who you select for them to vote for!

The next federal election cannot come soon enough, when Canadians can hopefully banish this so-called second-coming of Trudeaumania, to the scrap heap where he belongs.

Now before anyone says I am teacher bashing, I am NOT

2014-06-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

WOW … it’s a long time since I’ve been here, but I’m back today.

BC classrooms now empty in dispute
between BCTF and the BC government

I thought I would do a little exercise with regards to wages and salaries in BC, and try putting teacher’s pay in perspective. I have had to do what I believe to be a fairly accurate calculation on an hourly wage for teachers (as noted in my calculations below), but any teachers / friends are welcome to correct me.

Let’s start with Statistics Canada, which states the ‘average’ teacher’s salary in BC is $64,131 per year.

I then went to the BC Stats website to look at a long list of wages and salaries in BC http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/LabourIncome/Earnings/WageSalarySurvey/WageSalarySurveySearch.aspx). Here are a number of professional, career, and industrial careers … and the hourly wage paid. The numbers quoted below are for the most frequently page wage (not the lowest or highest). Pease note I am not saying these jobs are equal to what a teacher does, only that most have a combination that includes a combination (any or all) of the following … training / education, responsibility for safety, professionalism, and legal obligations.

Community and Social Service Worker: $18.83

Post-Secondary Teaching and Research Assistant: $22.08
Automotive Service Technician / Truck and Bus Mechanics: $25.67
Welders and Related Machine Operators: $27.91
Electrician: $27.03
Financial Auditors and Accountants: $29.32
Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic: $30.85
Computer Programmer and Information Systems Managers: $30.92
Insurance, Real Estate and Financial Brokerage ‘Managers’: $36.32
Registered Nurses: $36.59
Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management: $36.73
Business Development Officers: $37.91
Senior Managers (Goods Production, Utilities, Transportation, and Construction): $39.49

And now … back to BC teachers:

52 weeks – 8 weeks off for Summer = 44 weeks

44 weeks – 3 (Christmas, Spring Break, Easter) = 41 weeks
41 weeks multiplied by 5 work days per week = 205 days
205 days – 3 stats (BC Day, May Day, and Remembrance Day – others already in above days not worked) = 202

Again, this is just a ballpark figure, so the figure of 202 days worked per year is my calculation based on the above. Please note it also does not include the non-instruction days off which used to be called Professional Development days)

Let’s say the teaching / classroom time per day is 6 hours; from there let’s add 45 minutes on the front end (at school) for prep, and 45 at the end (at school) to wrap-up the day – we now have 7.5 hours per day. I’m just guessing, but for each day ‘worked’ I’m going to add another 1.5 hours at home for prep and marking; we now have 9 hours per day.

202 instructional days times 9 hours per day equals a total of 1818 hours worked.

The average salary, paid to BC teachers, of $64,131 divided by 1818 equals $35.27 per hour … that seems not bad to me given the above noted salaries, and before the current salary offer is added in to the equation.

Now before anyone says I am teacher bashing, I am NOT. I am simply saying that the salary they receive, is a good one. In other words, the raise being offered by the BC Government is more than generous!

The government is NOT off the hook however; more money does need to go into classrooms so there can be better services delivered to students … especially those with special needs. That is NOT however something I believe is a part of contract negotiations, that is something that each of us as parents need to demand of government.

These just my thoughts … what do you think?

Today I am the Scout Troop leader, and every Scout night, I measure my actions by the way my scout leader taught me

2013-11-21T09:36:00.001-08:00

It seems to me that BC Conservative Party leadership candidate Dan Brooks, really has a way of connecting with people. I have seem it through my own interactions with him ... and in observing him speaking with, and listening to, others.

The other day I had a recent letter passed to me by an old acquaintance of Dan's. I think it speaks to the character of who Dan is ... how, if elected, he will lead the BC Conservative Party ... and from there show the leadership needed to govern our province, when elected to the legislature, with our team of BC Conservative MLA's.

Have a read, and see what you think:

As a young man in the Scouts Canada program I experienced first hand the great out doors of Beautiful British Columbia. From the seat of a canoe and under the shoulder straps of my first back pack I learned to enjoy nature and recognize the testimony it presents of the beauty of life.

But Scouts, believe it or nor, wasn’t always so pleasant.

Putting several teenage boys together in a classroom or out in the wild can be quite hectic, and even dangerous. Dan Brooks knew how to take those – so called – difficult years of a boys life and mold them into the “bar” of his life.

On more than one occasion in my adult life I have found myself asking; “If this were scouts, would I be giving up?”

Three lessons – in particular – have always stuck with me and pushed me to stretch myself to greater heights.

The first; Respect, and we never forgot it. Second; Chap stick, thank goodness we had it. And third; “Your going to do it, your going to like it, and your going to be happy.”

On Dan’s first scout night as our newly called leader, he taught us to respect ourselves, girls and women, your parents and leaders, and the out doors. The second scout meeting he taught the same principal. The third meeting, once again; we learned respect. Every meeting and scout camp there after we learned to respect.

I still find myself naturally opening doors for women, looking some one in the eye when they are speaking to me, listening when being spoken to or taught, having something of value to add, and reporting back. A habit developed as a boy.

Second; chap stick. It’s a long, involved story of which I urge you to ask Dan about yourself, but for me the memory and life lesson was behind the funny experience. It happened on a cold winter night in the shoulder deep snow between home and Kennedy lakes. The younger scouts stayed at home lake while Dan and the rest of us broke our own trail and headed for Kennedy – a distance of approximately 8 km’s.

By 6 or 7 km we were so exhausted we found ourselves taking breaks every 100 ft or so. I was scared, thinking, “I am wet, cold, hungry, and its getting dark. What can possibly be done?” In a broken, but confident voice Dan kept urging us to give a little more, and not to give in. It was late, but we made – I made it. In that moment of exhaustion I learned how to push myself, and know that I could accomplish great things.

Finally, “Your going to do it, your going to like it, and your going to be happy.” My favorite of all Dans’ commands.

This threw out the possibility to whine, and say that it can't be done, and passing the task to someone else. We learned to be positive, to find joy in misery, and to learn from our experiences.

For Dan – it seemed – Scouts wasn’t about camping, knots, and hiking. Scouts was about boys learning to become good Husbands, Fathers, and Citizens of this country. Scouts was about others and giving back. It was never about him or about me.

Today I am the Scout Troop leader myself, and every Scout night I measure my actions by the way my scout leader taught me.

If Dan Brooks can lead this province just as he led our scout troop – and I believe he can – then let's give back to BC, and vote for Dan Brooks.

Brian K

I'm seeing more and more comments like this every day ... and with them ... I know the BC Conservative Party, and our province, can and will be in good hands with Dan Brooks as leader.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops.

I have enough Drama in my life right now, and I don't really need to add any fuel to the fire

2013-11-12T11:35:00.001-08:00

Greetings friends ... I have been a little on the busy side lately, and not able to write as often as I'd like to on the Conservative Thoughts blog. I just recently had a conversation the other day however, and thought that it would be worthwhile sharing it with you.

I sent out an email blast last week, about stops that BC Conservative Party leadership candidate Dan Brooks would be making. This is that conversation, which may strike a cord with you -- I know it will with some.

This is an exciting time for our party, as we move forward to a new and brighter future.

Part of that of course is the current campaign now underway to elect the next leader of OUR party.

I am pleased to let you know that BC Conservative Party leadership candidate Dan Brooks will be making stops in ___ xyz city ___ on ___ November 123 ___.

I am contacting you today to see if you will be able to get together and meet with Dan ... and ask any questions you may have about him and the future of the BC Conservative Party.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I looking forward to hearing from you ... alan

Here is an edited version of the response I received back:

Alan,

I don't think I will be attending. I have enough Drama in my life right now, and I don't really need to add any fuel to the fire.

Thank-you for the invite, and please keep me updated with Party news.

I wish you and Dan all the best in rebuilding the Party.

Regards,

Scott __ abc ___

Well I let that discourage me for a bit, but then I said to myself, 'He hasn't said he's given up on the party ... only that he's had enough of all the turmoil'. So, I decided to take a chance (maybe a risk), and send a reply back:

Thanks Scott ... I appreciate your follow-up, and the sincerity of your comments about the party.

I do not say this with any disrespect ... it is just an observation that I think 'may' be close to hitting the mark. I think perhaps you are likely like some others in the party; demoralized and discouraged, and wondering, "Do I really want to do this again?"

I feel comfortable in making this observation because it is a place I too have been.

Until this years AGM, I was a Regional Director with the Party for three years. I got to experience first hand the cancer that was creating a storm of dissent within the party; it was not a place, or a time, that I would wish on anyone. Despite that I (and others) hung in because we believed there must be a true conservative voice in BC -- not a watered down version represented by Christy Clark and the BC Liberals.

I also volunteered as the campaign manager for our Kamloops South Thompson candidate in the May general election. There were too few of us on our team, but those we had, put in a huge effort to do the work of many -- again because we believed there had to be a true conservative option for people to vote for. Sadly the damage done by the dissidents in our party, had eroded the support we had been gaining, and as you know, we elected no members to the legislature in May.

At that point my discouragement was pretty much complete, and I was close to throwing in the towel. Then Dan Brooks stepped forward and said he was seeking to lead the BC Conservatives. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone want to do that?"

I had the opportunity to meet and speak with him on several occasions, and every time I did, I heard him speak with power and passion about conservatism ... I heard him speak bout empowering the grassroots ... and making sure that BC Conservatives never again go through the kind of infighting that took place last year.

Personally, I would like to do more than keep you 'updated with Party news' ... and while I appreciate that you wish Dan 'all the best in rebuilding the Party' ... we need all hands on deck for that to happen.

I ask for you to give one hour of your time, and see if Dan makes you a believer that we can indeed create a party that the people of BC can support, starting first of all by governing ourselves in a way that can give others the confidence they'll need to come on board with us.

Its one hour of your time ... but I can't think of a better way to spend it. You'll see and hear first hand from Dan -- get your own impression of him -- and see for yourself the passion that he has to make our province a better place for all British Columbians.

Thank you for letting me share a few of my thoughts with you ... and I hope you'll join Dan in ___ xyz city ... alan

Okay, so maybe I took a little risk in sending that, but again, I thought it was worth it, and apparently it was because Scott did send an email back to me:

Alan,

Okay. Let me know the time and place. I will do my best to make myself available baring any unforeseen disasters.

Regards,

Scott

I've been in sales for most of my adult like, and I know you will generally get one of two answers to a request for action; "Yes" ... or "No". Those who have experience in sales will also take a "No" to simply mean, "Not yes ... yet"

Many involved with the BC Conservative Party, over the past few years, have had more than what I would call our fair share of discouragement.

That said, it does NOT mean that the need for the BC Conservative Party is any less important than before.

Right now, in my opinion, we are at the point where we are dusting ourselves off and saying, 'We WILL learn to govern ourselves, and in doing so, we WILL show the people of BC that we are ready to govern the province!'

This leadership race is part of that process, and both Dan Brooks and Rick Peterson are out proving that day after day, as they cross the province and meet with BC Conservative Party members and the public.

There is a bright future ahead for the people of BC ... and it will come about by ensuring that we work hard to build a strong and vibrant BC Conservative Party.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops ... with the thoughts of one conservative. Now, feel free to share yours with me.

FOOTNOTE TO THIS STORY:
I went up to Clearwater this morning (Tuesday November 12th) for a breakfast Meet and Greet with members. In addition to several members who attended, three people also also came out to hear what he had to say about the future of the party, and to talk about the leadership race.

Today, ALL THREE became BC Conservative Party members!

B.C. Conservatives lauded by leadership candidate - Dan Brooks relays resource platform in South Cariboo

2013-11-06T16:53:00.005-08:00

The following is an article written by Carole Rooney, which appeared in todays (November 6, 2013) edition of the 100 Mile Free Press.

British Columbia Conservative leadership candidate Dan Brooks recently visited 100 Mile House to meet with potential party supporters. Brooks is based in Vanderhoof, where he runs a hunting and fishing lodge.

"I've been in tourism pretty much all of my life. In my background, I did an awful lot of land and resource management planning."

While his party did not put forward a Cariboo-Chilcotin candidate in the last provincial election, Brooks said he is actively seeking new members in order to begin "building the party" and find a candidate in the constituency.

"Even though we didn't elect anybody, the [B.C.] Conservative Party played a very, very crucial role in this last election, and we took the entire political spectrum to the right, toward free enterprise and personal freedoms. The [B.C.] Liberals tacked to counter us. In previous elections, we weren't a force, and so they could ignore us, but in this election, we were a significant force, and so they had to tack that way."

In this manner, his party did a "great service" for the province and its democracy, he said, so despite having no members sitting in the legislature, those election efforts were not made in vain.

"This province will be better by our presence alone. Imagine how much better it will be when we are in government," he added, chuckling.

Brooks explained he realizes people feel discouraged about the lack of strength in his party, but without his right-wing party views, they will only have an "NDP and NDP-like" perspective in the legislature.

"We need a party that represents the ideals of [B.C.] Conservatives across the province. That's what we are trying to build."

Most small rural communities in B.C. are either "outright suffering or stagnant," Brooks said, with little economic growth and dwindling population.

"Across rural B.C. in the last 15 years, we have lost 58,000 people. That's an awful lot of people."

Last year, 10,000 residents left the province, he noted, while others have gone to larger urban centres.

"As a potential leader of the [B.C.] Conservative party, that is a worrying trend that I propose to change. So, we have got to put the focus on rebuilding the rural resource economy."

Brooks explained agriculture, forestry and tourism issues in the South Cariboo are likely much the same as in Vanderhoof, as they all require dedicated land.

"So, you have to find ways to utilize land to maximize your revenue base off of that land base. And, there are some deterrents that currently exist."

He noted the first example of this that came to his mind.

"Aboriginal land claims ... have become an economic deterrent, and have made economic growth in our rural resource areas extremely difficult. I agree entirely with the idea of consultation and accommodation, but you can't perpetuate this indefinitely. At some point in time, someone is going to have to stand up and say, 'we are going to force this issue'."

Brooks added the "biggest problem" on First Nations reserves is abject poverty, and the way to eliminate that is to provide jobs.

"How do you get jobs? You build a rural resource economy. So, by building economic growth in your rural communities, that benefits First Nations."

The current MLAs have become "rubber stamp machines" who follow the party lines, he said, while the B.C. Conservatives will empower constituents by empowering their MLA to represent them as they see fit.

Brooks noted he plans to visit the South Cariboo again before the party leadership elections take place April 11-12.

"I'm going to be down here in 100 Mile the first week of December. This time I'll be holding an event ... we'll have a meet-and-greet."

Peterson Outlines Ten "Power Smart Tips" for Premier Christy Clark

2013-10-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, BC Conservative Party leadership candidate Rick Peterson came out with some ideas regarding BC Hydro. Here is the text of the plan he presented:

BC Conservative Leadership candidate Rick Peterson today proposed ten “Power Smart Tips” for Premier Christy Clark that will help “turn down the heat” for BC ratepayers who are tired of backdoor BC Hydro rate increases to pay for BC Liberal claims of a balanced budget.

In celebration of BC Hydro’s “October is Power Smart Month” campaign, Rick Peterson spoke to media and supporters in front of the crown corporation’s offices on Dunsmuir Street in downtown Vancouver this morning.

“I think it’s great that BC Hydro has an ‘October is Power Smart Month’ campaign,” said Peterson, “but let’s be honest and recognize that there’s really not much that’s “smart” about the way that Hydro is being run."

“And what’s worse, all this is happening under the watch of BC Liberal appointees who are sitting on the Hydro board, raking in lavish salaries, while everyone else in BC – especially seniors, fixed-income and low-income earners and those below the poverty line - are acutely feeling the pain of these user-fee increases.”

Peterson says that BC Hydro rate increases, reported to be 26% or higher for residential ratepayers, are needed to pay for a long-standing BC Liberal government practice of taking dividends from the public power company, at the expense of electrical infrastructure upgrades, to pay for BC Liberal spending.

“Crown corporations in BC under the Christy Clark government are out of control,” he said, “and BC Hydro is probably the worst of them. There is no business in the world that could pass on a 26% rate hike without heads rolling and yet the Christy Clark government rewards these decisions with lavish executive bonuses – it’s simply wrong,” stated Peterson

Peterson contrasted the federal Conservative government’s concern, as outlined in Wednesday’s Throne Speech, about helping individual consumers, with the approach taken by the BC Liberals under Christy Clark, who are downloading the cost of growing deficits on the backs of Hydro ratepayers.

“This is sloppy management, poor planning and lack of accountability at its worst. We need Christy Clark’s Liberals to take their hands out of the BC Hydro till. Turning BC Hydro around will be the first priority of a BC Conservative government under my leadership.”

Here are the “Ten Power-Smart Tips” that Peterson says are needed at BC Hydro:

Immediately begin to reduce by 5% the total BC Hydro dividends demanded by the Christy Clark Government.

Apply half of the dividend savings to stabilize residential and business Hydro rates negating the need for unsustainable rate hike increases.

Apply the other half of dividend savings to much needed BC Hydro infrastructure upgrades and debt retirement.

Fully adopt International accounting standards (IFRS) and put an immediate end to deferring to future years certain expenses that would normally be recorded in the current year’s financial statements.

Freeze management staffing at current levels immediately for a 2-year period.

Freeze total management salaries, pensions, benefits and bonuses immediately for a 2-year period.

Implement an independent core services review with an attention focus on high ratio of management-to-front-line staff.

Implement firm limits on executive bonuses and severance payouts.

Reinstate the BC Utilities Commission overview of ALL BC Hydro operations and rate applications.

Stop BC Hydro funding of opposing statements at the BC Utilities Commission.

A message from BC Conservative Party 'member' Alan Forseth

2013-10-16T13:58:00.001-07:00

First let me start off by stating, "YES" I am the Campaign Manager for Dan Brooks leadership campaign, but my writing this post today is not about that, it is about something far more important.

Some who are reading this message are BC Conservative Party members, some former members, and some are supporters ... some are still active and working hard on behalf of the party -- others have become discouraged.

I am not discouraged, and let me tell you why.

BC Conservatives, while not winning any seats in the May general election, played an important role; and that role must be built on. We presented a message that needed to be heard; one of a caring and compassionate society ... of fiscal responsibility ... of environmentally sound resource management ... and of government accountability.

Those are things which are vitally important to our province, which is why we now MUST build on the initial foundation which has been built.

In the current leadership race for the BC Conservatives, two individuals have stepped forward who believe in our party --- and it's future. I want to encourage you to follow their campaigns, and to take the opportunity to meet with both Dan Brooks, and Rick Peterson, when they are in your community. Ask them the questions you want answers too.

There is a future for the BC Conservative Party --- an important one -- and we WILL be challenging the BC Liberals and the NDP in the next election in 2017. I hope that future includes you playing a role in bringing our platform of common sense ideas to the people of BC ... and ensuring that we do indeed make history by electing BC Conservatives to the legislature.

Right now, I would like to encourage you to follow the campaigns of Rick and Dan, and keep up to date with where they are and what they have to say:

Dan Brook -- BC Conservative
leadership candidate

Dan Brooks:

Campaign website: http://danbrooksbc.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dan.brooks.14606

Twitter: https://twitter.com/danbrooksbc

Rick Peterson -- BC Conservative
leadership candidate

Rick Peterson:

Campaign website: http://rickpeterson.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickpetersonbccp

Twitter: ~~https://twitter.com/RPetersonBCCP~~

Thank you for your time ... and thank you for your consideration of this message.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, and I'm a BC Conservative.

Forseth endorses Brooks for Leader, joins team as Campaign Manager

2013-10-09T14:40:00.002-07:00

It's official ... and I am announcing the following today:

KAMLOOPS: Dan Brooks, candidate for the leadership of the BC Conservatives, today announced that Al Forseth, a long-time party member, regional director and former constituency-association president, has endorsed him as the best choice for Leader.

Brooks also announced that Forseth has accepted an appointment as Campaign Manager of his leadership team.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have Al Forseth endorse my candidacy and join my campaign team as manager,” said Brooks.

“Al’s passion and dedication are legendary throughout our party and across the province, and his decision to manage my leadership campaign sends a strong signal of our unwavering commitment to building the BC Conservative Party into a vital force that will be reckoned with well into the future.”

Forseth said that Brooks shares his belief that British Columbians deserve a better political option than they have faced in recent years – a choice between the lesser of two evils: the New Democrats or the BC Liberals.

“The BC Conservatives – indeed, British Columbians across our great province – desperately need a Leader with a vision of how to create prosperity through well-paying jobs, a place where businesses can thrive and where we have a solid foundation for health-care, education and more,” said Forseth.

“I am inspired that Dan Brooks has a vision and a plan for our party – one where party members will be fully engaged and asked for their full input.

“I believe that Dan has the drive, passion and openness to listen, which will get us back on a path to gain the support of British Columbians and to governing British Columbia.”

Brooks concluded by saying that he will make additional, important announcements in the days leading up to the BC Conservatives annual general meeting, to be held in Vernon on October 19.

With this announcement, I will no longer be be considered neutral in commenting on the BC Conservative Party leadership campaign. That said, I WILL however continue to make comment on social media, and on this blog, on things I beleive are important to our party -- and that includes information on Rick Peterson's campaign, and the vision and direction he also has for the party.

I fact, in conversation with Dan regarding my endorsement, and taking on the role of Campaign Manager, I indicated that it would be a deal-breaker if this was not acceptable.

To quote Dan ... "I wouldn't have it any other way."

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.

She is the Premier of British Columbia, and as such, she leads a 'team'

2013-10-08T12:05:00.003-07:00

I read BC Premier Christy Clark's column yesterday in the Kelowna Daily Courier (Bringing Canada To Kelowna), and one thing immediately struck me in the just the first few sentences:

"I" did this ... "My" this ... "My" that ...

In the last few weeks, all eyes have been on Kelowna. I brought cabinet to meet here, and later addressed the B.C. and Canadian Chambers of Commerce here.

My focus was on small business and skills training.

Small businesses don't always make headlines, but they're crucial for the economy. They drive almost 55 per cent of B.C. exports and represent 98 per cent of all our business.

My government believes in freeing small business from regulatory burdens that can make it difficult to grow, and supporting them where we can. Our record on cutting red tape speaks for itself, as we were awarded the Canadian Federation of Independent Business' only A grade.

She doesn't begin to acknowledge the work of others, or that this government belongs to the 'people', until the 5th paragraph when she finally begins a sentence with, "We're ..."

We're also supporting small business is the Small Business Accord ...

BC Premier on Christy Clark

Right after that, however, BC Liberal Premier Christy Clark is right back to ... I announced ... I also spoke ...

At least on the positive side, she concluded with:
"Ultimately, we all want the same thing - more opportunities for Canadians.

This column was written from the MLA's perspective of course, but that said, she is the Premier of British Columbia, and as such, she leads a 'team'.

It could have been written to be much more inclusive, but instead it seems the focus and spotlight continues to be on her -- guess that's why I have never been able to feel comfortable with her way of doing the governments business.

One things for certain, at least in my opinion, when (not if) things start to go wrong, we know who has claimed all responsibility for the direction and policies of government.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative. The floors now opinion to you; your thoughts?

Dan Brooks is not taking the safe route in presenting his plan, and for that, he gets praise from me

2013-10-06T16:34:00.002-07:00

It always seems to amaze me how things seem to happen for no apparent reason, but of course they never do.

Earlier today I came across the following quote below, in an article about change in business. It seems fitting to me to have found it, given the leadership race currently underway within the BC Conservative Party, and so in a post to Facebook I stated:

"It will be interesting to see the ideas presented by Dan Brooks, Rick Peterson, and any others who may decide to let their name stand"
Now here is part of the article I found, "CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO":

"Simply asking the question "Why?" can lead to new ideas and new innovations that can directly impact the bottom line.

Organizations benefit from change that results in new ways of looking at customer needs, new ways of delivering customer service, new ways of strengthening customer interactions and new products that might attract new markets.

New employees joining an organization are especially valuable because they can often point to areas of opportunity for improvement that those who have been long involved in the company might have overlooked. But even existing employees should be encouraged to question why things are done a certain way and look for new ways to get work done faster, better and with higher levels of quality and service."

Well it wasn't more than an hour later when I received a media update from the Dan Brooks leadership campaign. This is what he had to say:

Dan Brooks, candidate for the leadership of the BC Conservatives, today introduced a dramatic, innovative plan to promote party unity.

"The BC Conservative Party has recorded many successes in recent years," said Brooks. "We have significantly increased our membership, and in the last election we fielded an impressive roster of candidates."

"Yet, because of internal divisions, it sometimes has been difficult to focus on our primary task - electing BC Conservatives to the Legislative Assembly."

"The leadership contest now underway gives our party a welcome opportunity to build a solid foundation for the future, and I pledge my best efforts to ensuring that in April 2014 we emerge stronger and more united than ever before."

Brooks, who was chair of the BC Conservative Party's 'Unity Committee' in the Fall of 2012, added that the knowledge gained from previous attempts to heal internal divisions was integral to the plan he introduced today.

There are three components to Brooks' 2014 Unity Strategy:

1. Amending the party Constitution to include an internal-dispute resolution process, with arbitration to resolve disagreements or conflicts, and powers to remove officers and directors in the case of gross violation of the party Constitution;

2. Lifting all previously-issued letters of censure and disappointment; and

3. Inviting expelled members to participate in the new arbitration process.

"My experience in trying to resolve internal conflicts leads me to believe that well-intentioned people can be brought together to work in unity," said Brooks. "I am an optimist by nature, and I believe that in 2014 the BC Conservative Party will unite behind a new leader who is willing to listen and to learn."

I can say I am in full agreement with the first point of Dan's Unity Plan ... however ... at first glance I'm not so crazy about the 2nd and 3rd points.

Regardless, Dan has stepped up with an idea that will allow for discussion within the BC Conservative Party, and lead members to consider the merits of it. He's not taking the safe route in presenting it, and for that he gets praise from me.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative

RICK PETERSON: "What this sector needs is clarity and decisive action from the government"

2013-10-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today on the Conservative Thoughts blog, I am posting an update from BC Conservative Party leadership candidate Rick Peterson.

To be clear, I have not yet endorsed either Dan Brooks, or Rick Peterson. I will for the moment however, continue to provide information from both campaigns as they progress. With that out of the way, here's Rick.

I’m just winding up my third day here in the Peace River Country – which I know very well.

BC Conservative Party Leadership candidate
Rick Peterson (L) with Peace River Country
Campaign Chair, Oliver Steward

I was raised in Grande Prairie, just over the border into Alberta, and have spent a lot of time in Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and the whole area with friends, family, business partners and BC Conservatives.

I help finance exploration companies that are active up here in the gas sector, so I know very well the challenges and opportunities in this very dynamic area of BC for businesses – large and small – and families.

Amazing to see.

This is strong BC Conservative territory, as you know. Kurt Peats ran a strong campaign in Peace River South, and every BC Conservative I talk to says that we will absolutely take this riding in 2017. Peace River North is absolutely winnable, and given the reception I’ve received here from BC Conservatives, they are looking forward to us running a well-financed and well organized campaign under my leadership in four years’ time.

I made it a point to come here on my first visit outside the Lower Mainland after our September 23^rd launch. North-eastern BC is an important region not only for our Party, but for the Province. The energy produced here will power this province and support our health care, education and other areas of our economy for decades to come.

Strong, vocal and proud support of the Resource Sector is one of the key themes of my Leadership campaign – and it will become a trademark of the BC Conservatives under my Leadership.

As you may have seen on my Twitter account @RPetersonBCCP, I met with mayors, business leaders and a strong group of BC Conservatives here over the past three days. Our membership sales and fundraising for the campaign are now ahead of plan, because of the strong support I’ve received here. We are really on a roll.

I’m attending the final few sessions of the three-day BC Energy Conference. They key message here from every single one of the companies involved in the sector is this: the LNG window of opportunity will not last forever. Global competition is fierce, nimbler and opportunistic.

What this sector needs is clarity and decisive action from the government.

Tough to see how that can happen with Christy Clark playing pipeline politics with Alberta, the Legislature closed so there will be no debate on these key issues, and private sector leaders waiting to see the BC Liberal government tax plan for this sector – long overdue.

Promise made, delivery delayed.

There is absolutely need for a New Voice, A New Direction and New Leadership in the Peace River Country. Exciting times for our campaign, and for BC Conservatives up here.

Rick Peterson,
BC Conservative Party Leadership Candidate

To all my BC Conservative friends ... and in particular Dan Brooks and Rick Peterson ... "Pursue your goal. Opinions be damned.”

2013-09-30T09:42:00.004-07:00

Last Friday (September 27th) I happened across the North Shore News editorial entitled "Off to the races", which began by asking the question:

"Can anyone recall a time when we were not in the midst of political party leadership race? "

In the editorial comment they all but wrote off the 'leadership contests of the BC Conservatives and Greens' ... basically saying that even if you knew they were having a leadership contest, who would really care.

At the same time however they did not have much complimentary to say about the Liberals or NDP:

Every time, we get the same commentary about the identity crisis the party must have in order to begin anew. Should they focus on their core principles? Or should they branch out to bring more people into the tent?

In the NDP's case, it didn't seem to matter. Dix came in as a leader criticized for being too much of an old-guard, partisan ideologue and went down as a leader who wouldn't fight hard enough win the election.

No matter who emerges as the new leader, a few things won't change.

Shall I complain? Well to paraphrase the North Shore News, who would really care. But then again, who should really care what they have to say?

SOME in the media, in my personal opinion, take the easy way out. They rely on government, or political party media releases to get information needed for the news they present, and they don't dig very deep because that would take some effort and time. Given the fact that media everywhere have chopped newsroom staff and budgets, that becomes difficult.

So, let me say this ... there are difference between parties, and therefore there is reason to pay attention to leadership races. NOT just to see who is running, but why they are running.

Every British Columbian -- and people involved in presenting the news -- should make some effort to find out what each political party stands for; not just the policies they say they champion, but also the principles that guide them.

As a BC Conservative, I believe there is good reason see what both Dan Brooks and Rick Peterson will present as their vision for the party -- AND see how that lines up with our beliefs and principles.

IT DOES MATTER!

I should ... and do ... care.

At the same time, and again this is my personal opinion, I believe the BC Liberals and the NDP have relied more on who they think will look best and sound best for the media to quote. I don't blame them for doing that, because that's what will often get the air time and column inches.

It is however a sad commentary of how we get our political information, and the substance of it though.

A quote I was looking for, to use, is actually a bit on the crude side, so instead today I'll end my own opinion piece today by presenting this quote from Nassim Nicholas Taleb:

“When you develop your opinions on the basis of weak evidence, you will have difficulty interpreting subsequent information that contradicts these opinions, even if this new information is obviously more accurate”

Or better yet, to all my BC Conservative friends ... and in particular Dan Brooks and Rick Peterson ... "Pursue your goal. Opinions be damned.”

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.

'Social Responsibility', or caring for one and other, is a two way street

2013-09-24T09:44:00.001-07:00

I saw a discussion earlier today, on social media, about linking two words together; they were, "Social Responsibility".

One person commenting said basically that they don't belong in the small 'c' conservative world -- another said they mean nothing. As a small 'c' conservative, I have to respectfully disagree. Referencing the two words, they can and should mean the following:

SOCIAL ... relating to the way in which people in groups behave and interact ... relating to human welfare (well-being / safety) and the organized welfare services that a community provides

RESPONSIBILITY ... the state, fact, or position of being accountable to somebody or for something ... somebody or something for which a person or organization is responsible

The words 'Social Responsibility' should NOT, in my opinion, be something negative which is attached to the left side of the political spectrum. Social responsibility is something we as individuals, and society, are accountable for.

That said, it should not blindly be given.

'Social Responsibility', or caring for one and other, is a two way street. We as a society are responsible to look after the well-being of those who need it, or are unable to provide it for themselves ... while those receiving it have a responsibility not to abuse it, and to pass it on when and if they are able.

As a society -- across the whole realm of the political spectrum -- we as individuals, and a society, are responsible to give a hand-up, but not a hand-out.

"Transforming a brand into a socially responsible leader doesn't happen overnight by simply writing new marketing and advertising strategies. It takes effort to identify a vision that your customers will find credible and aligned with their values"
~~ Simon Mainwaring (award-winning branding consultant, advertising creative director, and social media specialist and blogger)

Does 'social responsibility' belong in the beliefs, principles, and policies of small 'c' conservatives? You bet it does ... but that's just my opinion.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops ... with the thoughts of one conservative

Rick Peterson offering "New Voice, New Leadership, New Direction" as the theme for BC Conservative leadership bid

2013-09-23T17:21:00.002-07:00

This morning I arrived in Vancouver for the expected announcement that Rick

(L - R)Sean Upshaw, Rick Peterson, Carol Day,
Jim Friesen, Duane Nickull, and Ian Toothill

Peterson would be letting his name stand to become the next leader of the BC Conservative Party ... and as many of you know, this followed the announcement a week and a half ago that Dan Brooks was also going to seek the position.

One of the reasons I made the trip this morning, along with former Kamloops South BC Conservative candidate Peter Sharp, was because as of today, I'm still unsure who I will support.

Right now however, I believe it is more important to get word out on who the candidates are ... their vision ... and how they would lead the membership of the party.

I did Tweet several times from this mornings announcement made by BC Conservative Party leadership hopeful Rick Peterson ... here is what I had to say (FYI ... if you are unfamiliar with Twitter shorthand, a list will follow below of what the shorthand stands for:

arrived in #Vancouver 4 #RickPeterson #leadbcc announcement at Terminal City Club ... see Sean Upshaw, Ian Toothill, Jeff Bridge, & others
@duanenickull #seanupshaw #JeffBridge #ianToothill and couple others headed to the platform for #RickPeterson #leadbcc announcement
Intro now underway w. @CarolDay #BCCP Richmond candid8 at #RickPeterson #leadbcc announcement -- giving list of qualifications to lead #bccp
New Direction, New Leadership, New Direction theme 4 #RickPeterson #leadbcc announcement underway at Terminal City Club in #Vancouver
#RickPeterson now stepped 2mic - giving thnx to #CarolDay &kudo's 2 first endorsements including John Friessen #SeanUpshaw #IanToothill & more
#RickPeterson talking about lower income family seniors, disadvantaged children & how #ChristyClark sucking life out of BCers
small biz being hit hard by #BClibs #ChristyClark; need tax fairness. Privileged few on inside (#BCLib appointees) getting perks pensions etc
#RickPereson "Who is speaking 4 most vulnerable in BC society -- complete silence from #ChristyClark #BCLibs - #BCCP will fill that void
competitive edge in bc being squandered away by #ChristyClark #BCLibs -- can't allow that to happen #rickpeterson #leadbcc #bcpoli
#leadbcc #RickPeterson ... we need balance between govt, industry/ resource sector, environment, and 1st nations so we can help those who need it
#Leadbcc #RickPeterson; gov deferring problems - interest rates bout to rise. with my team #leadbcc will be advancing policies 4change

RickPeterson says #BCCP will have full warchest for 2017. Path leading 2 political success leads to support all BCers &economy

TWITTER DICTIONARY FOR ABOVE:

#leadbcc ... bc conservative party leadership

#bcpoli ... bc politics

#bccp ... BC Conservative Party

candid8 ... candidate

The following is from the campaign website for Rick Peterson ... the beginning of the news announcement of his leadership bid:

September 23, 2013 VANCOUVER---Today Vancouver business man Rick Peterson launched his bid for the leadership of the BC Conservative Party. Surrounded by his supporters, Peterson kicked off his campaign with a speech focused on tax fairness, accountability and a clear vision for the future of the BC Conservative Party and Conservative movement in British Columbia “As a BC Conservative, I believe that a government must be guided by four key values that I know are shared by Conservatives everywhere ...

CLICK HERE ... for the video of this mornings campaign announcement

Again ... I have not yet made any decision on who I will support. I am however delighted to see we have dedicated people (Dan Brooks and Rick Peterson) with a vision for the future of BC Conservatives.

I wish them both well as they tour this great province we call home ... and as they both got about the work to rebuild our party, and to take on the Christy Clark led BC Liberal Party as the true champions of fiscal conservatism, creating a new vision to help each and every British Columbians achieve their dreams, protecting the most vulnerable, to create a strong economy, and so much more.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative

What political party said "The sacrifices made to get our financial house in order must not be sabotaged by future increases in government spending"

2013-09-22T19:45:00.002-07:00

Today I invite you to take a trip with me in the history of BC politics. I invite you to guess which BC Provincial political party, waiting to become the next government, said the following:

- we believe that government is making life tougher instead of better for the average BC family

- while households scrimp, save, and cut back on essentials, the one expense they cannot control or escaper is government taxes. The main reason British Columbians are working harder and falling behind is the constant and rapid rise in taxes

- while everyone is paying higher taxes, the return to taxpayers on the things that matter most is declining

- the major problems facing this province all have one key element in common -- they are being created by our government

- British Columbians need a government that will base its decisions on common-sense principles and live within its means

- the sacrifices made to get our financial house in order must not be sabotaged by future increases in government spending

- by shifting funds on and off the books, the _??? __ government has shown how the existing system can be manipulated

- __ ??? ___ believes that governments closest to the people serve them best. __ ??? __ will return resources and responsibilities to local government, advancing our spirit of community and raising our quality of life

- the best way to change government is to open it up and bring its many functions closer to the people it servers. __ ??? __ believes that the closer decision-making is to the people, the more likely it is that good ideas will be put to work.

While these statements of belief go back nearly two decades I ask you ... "Is life any different for you now, than it was then?"

Is government still making life tougher? Are they continuing to raise fees and taxes that we are obligated to pay? Are they doing any better with government spending?

Are we getting more services ... seeing more front-line workers ... seeing less wait times for Emergency Room services?

Why are our seniors, that helped build this province, paying a higher and higher percentage, from their meager retirement funds, for shelter, health needs, and other necessities?

How about returning government closer to the people it serves? For example, government fired the local 'elected' Boards that ran our hospitals ... are they still being overseen by government appointed individuals? Where is the decision making process for local health care in Kamloops made?

Is government any more open? Are the front line services and function closer to the people they serve ... hospitals ... courthouses ... schools in rural communities?

The words noted above in italics, were spoken by the BC Liberals prior to the election of 1996. They were words of chastising the NDP government which was in power -- they were words that offered new hope.

Nearly two decades later, rather seeing things better for ourselves -- our parents -- our children -- and our grandchildren, we still have less and less services ... a Liberal government that has run budget deficits for more times that not ... and that has just like the NDP before them, doubled the debt.

YES ... perhaps taxes have gone down, however government has more than made up for it by nickel and diming us with increased fee for everything the possibly can -- including health care cost through increased Medical Service Plan (MSP) rates.

AND ... and a Pphoney green carbon tax that hit those who live in the interior and north for not just fuel to run our vehicles ... but also basic necessities like home heating fuel, our groceries, and even the clothes we wear! A carbon tax that also took valuable resources away from schools and hospitals, and did NOTHING to protect the environment!

Government has pillaged BC Hydro and ICBC for billions of dollars, which have disappeared into a bottomless spending pit. Meantime we continue to be hit with large increases to ICBC rates, and Hydro costs.

An environment of entitlement has been allowed to come in to being -- one where the heads of government crown corporations, and agencies, feel they are able to give them selves huge increases in pay and benefits.

My friends ... WE ARE NOT better off than we were twenty years ago -- we continue to be worse off!

The BC Liberal Party under Christy Clark now seems to be relaxed when it comes to the BC Conservative Party nipping at there heels. Take heed -- and take warning -- we as BC Conservatives will rebuild under new leadership.

AND ... we will challenge YOU to an accounting for why you have left us, our children, and our grandchildren on the hook for debt that has continued to skyrocket at a completely unsustainable rate.

You won election by default this year; be forwarned ... it's NOT going to happen again.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.

REMINDER to BC Finance Minister Mike de Jong: Moody's examines budget projections ... BUT do not verify them as balanced ... or not balanced

2013-09-17T14:51:00.000-07:00

'Let me make this perfectly clear ...'

So BC Liberal Finance Minister Mike de Jong says that Moody's assessment concludes that BC's debt remains manageable during the CURRENT low interest-rate environment.

Lets take a look at what Jordan Bateman (British Columbia Director, Canadian TaxpayersFederation) has had to say however ... and I quote:
"By the end of the 2012-13 budget year, it will hit $57.6 billion. And in 2015, it will rise to $66.4 billion --DESPITE two years of planned surplus budgets."

So what happens WHEN (not if) interest rates go higher?

Mike de Jong also stated today that BC taxpayers 'will pay lower interest rates' ... but NOTHING could be further from the truth.

We will continue to pay the 'going rate'!

That means the resources of government will be reduced, by nearly $7 million EVERY DAY, for debt service costs (interest the government pays on roughly $60 billion in debt).

Again ... that's $7 million EVERY DAY just to make the interest payments on that debt.

That's $7 million EVERY DAY that could and should be going to provide from line services in health, education, senior care and more.

And that interest payment ($7 million a day) is before this BC Liberal government even begins to start reducing the debt; something which they have been unable to do year after year. And just to be clear, the Liberal government of BC has not even had a balanced budget since 2006!

I think perhaps it would be wise to mention two more things ... one from a Ministry of Finance news release sent out today ... and the other from a CBC "Reality Check" with regards to what Moody's really says.

First , the news release from the Ministry of Finance makes the claim that:
"Moody’s Aaa rating confirmation follows the first quarterly report, issued Sept. 10, 2013, which confirmed that B.C. is on track to balance the 2013-14 budget."

Now to the CBC Reality Check which quoted Helmut Pastrick, the chief economist of Central One Credit Union who said:
" ... Moody's and other credit rating agencies examine budget projections, but do not verify them as balanced or not balanced."

So Mike ... but there's no thanks coming your way from me ... only wonderings why you continue to misrepresent the truth of BC finances (debt and interest), how credit rating agencies work, and how much we really pay for the overspending by consecutive governments from the NDP, right down through the BC Liberals.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.

“The expansion of gambling in BC has only hurt the non-profit sector. The greater the BC Lottery Corporation revenue, the worse it gets for charities”

2013-09-16T07:20:00.001-07:00

I went to buy a $4.00 mini-dip (one ticket with one each of the 649, BC49, & the Extra) yesterday, and was told the price had increased over the weekend and that my regular ticket is now $6.00.

WHAT ... a 50% increase?? Did I just get a clerk that didn't know what she is doing -- or is that indeed what they now cost? Well it didn't take long for a friend to confirm that:

Looks like they have increased the jackpots so that's why it costs more. The BC Lottery Corporation website says the jackpot will start at $5 million instead of $3 million, and there will be an additional prize of $1million paid out each draw. Either way, you have a better chance of being struck by lightning!

And indeed, a quick look at the Lotto Corp website does indeed state:
With the new guaranteed $1 million prize and the improved odds, the price of Lotto 6/49 changes to $3 per play from $2. Each $3 play includes a unique number exclusively for the new $1 million prize that is guaranteed to be won each draw. Players are automatically entered into new $1 million prize draw from the tickets sold across Canada

A story in the Globe and Mail a few years ago stated a few comparison on your chances of winning. You are ... three times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident driving 16 kilometers to buy your ticket than winning the jackpot ... you are about 10 times more likely to die after being bitten by a poisonous snake or lizard than to win a Lotto 6/49 jackpot ... if you want to increase your odds just buy 50 tickets a week. You are very likely to win the jackpot at least once — in 5,000 years.

I don't know if it was just me not paying attention, however I have to say the announcement of increased rates on Lotto 649 tickets seems to have been conspicuously absent.

Not to be a conspiracy theorist, but I'm just wondering if BC Liberal government will be taking an even bigger whack of profits into general revenue? As it is, for the last fiscal year (2012 to 2013), the BC Lottery Corporation sent nearly $1.12 BILLION dollars into the government treasury

I'm sure the non-profits, that have been getting screwed big time in the amounts the were PROMISED by the government when they took over the fundraising they had been doing with soft-gambling, won't be getting anywhere near the 30 odd percent they were once promised (but never received).

A quick look at Mother Lotto Corp shows that while the government took in $1.12 BILLION ... charitable and community organizations received a mere $135 million in gaming grants.

Yes, the BC Liberal government calls them "Gaming Grants" ... however the reality is this was REVENUE for charitable organizations in BC before the government forced them out of soft gambling that community groups and organization had previously done to 'directly' fund the work they did in their communities.

In a Memorandum of Agreement on Gaming Policy dated June 17th, 1999 -- between the Government of British Columbia, and the BC Association for Charitable Gaming -- it clearly stated that ... "the Province reaffirms its commitment the existing charitable guarantee of a minimum of $125 million annually, indexed annually at the Vancouver Consumer Price Index, with a formula that ensures charity entitlement to an amount, after accounting for retained bingo revenues, equal to 1/3rd of ongoing government net community casino revenue."

A quick look at the Canadian Consumer Price Index shows that between 1999 and 2012 there has been an average increase of approximately 2% per year to the consumer price index. While it is not the Vancouver CPI, using that figure would indicate that charities in BC should in fact be receiving no less than a minimum of $166.55 million per year -- this compared to the $135 million they are receiving. Government is shorting** BC charities in our own communities by no less than $31 million dollars a year!

REMEMBER ... these are LOCAL community groups working to provide help and assistance at the local level ... and with far less operating costs (often times mostly with volunteers) vs. administrative and staff costs of government.

That same Memorandum of Agreement also states that the province will ... "Consult in a meaningful way with charities in the development of gaming policy changes that may affect charities."

Take a bit of time to review information on the BC Association for Charitable Gaming website. If you do, you'll likely conclude what I did ... the charitable organizations in BC, that once had control of their own fundraising through soft gambling, are NOT receiving what they were promised by the government.

All that aside ... for now at least I'm going to stop buying my Mini-Dip after a 50% increase in the ticket cost. That is completely absurd. The jackpots haven't increased by the dollar value of tickets sale increases they will be generating ... which can only mean one thing ... more being funneled into government general revenues, for the BC Lottery Corporation.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.

** From a 2011 news release by the BC Association for Charitable Gaming

“Let’s show that we’re serious about supporting communities and get our priorities straight. Casinos should pay for their own advertising. The taxpayer should not subsidize private enterprise while charities that serve the public are left to starve.”

“The expansion of gambling in BC has only hurt the non-profit sector. The greater the BC Lottery Corporation revenue, the worse it gets for charities,” says Susan Marsden, president of the BC Association for Charitable Gaming.

“The situation is now extreme. Gambling revenues are at historic highs, while almost 1500 BC charities are on the brink of closing their doors. We are more concerned now that this year’s budget calls for even further cuts to gaming grants.”

Lindsay Brown, co-founder of the Vancouver Not Vegas coalition, agrees. “The public was assured that if gambling were expanded, significant revenues would be directed to the charities and non-profits that serve communities. That promise was broken and now families and communities are taking the hit.”

In addition to the Children’s Festival, cuts to gaming grants have affected programs that support brain injury survivors, services to families of the Canadian Armed Forces servicemen and women, support for seniors and youth at risk, as well as transportation of sick children to hospitals and treatment centres across BC.

Dan Brooks leadership campaign to focus on three core issues

2013-09-13T09:39:00.001-07:00

Yesterday in Kamloops, as many of you know, the former BC Conservative candidate for Nechako Lake, Dan Brooks, officially announced he will be seeking the support of members across the province, to become the parties next leader. Some of the news media stories regarding his announcement can be found at:

Kamloops TV7 News: http://www.cfjctv.com/story.php?id=15999

The Province: http://www.theprovince.com/news/Northern+candidate+Conservative+leadership/8904816/story.html
Kamloops Daily News:
http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20130912/KAMLOOPS0101/130919947/-1/kamloops/first-bc-conservative-tosses-name-into-leadership-race
The Tyee: http://thetyee.ca/Blogs/TheHook/2013/09/12/BCConsLeader/

Just to be clear, as I have already been asked this, I have not yet made any decision on who I will be supporting for the leadership of the party. Right now, one person has declared, one more is expected, and there are rumors afloat that others are considering letting their names stand.

I, like many others BC Conservatives, will be looking foreword to hearing the visions of the various candidates, for the future of "our" party.

In keeping with that, today I would like to present a background document from Dan Brooks, on what he considers the three core issues that he will be presenting. As others step forward in announcing their candidacy, I will present their thoughts here as well.

Here then, are the three core issues or principles Dan Brooks will be presenting during his campaign for the leadership of the BC Conservative Party; fiscal responsibility and accountability ... rebuilding the economy of rural British Columbia ... and decentralizing decision-making by empowering grassroots British Columbians.

1. Fiscal responsibility and accountability

In 2001, British Columbia's total debt was $33.8 billion. That was too high, said the newly-elected BC Liberals, and so they introduced a balanced budget law that outlawed future deficits.

By the end of the latest fiscal year, 2012/13 - after a dozen years of BC Liberal governments - the provincial debt has climbed to an historic high of $55.8 billion. That's an increase of more than $22.0 billion in just twelve years.

And instead of making fiscal shortfalls illegal, the BC Liberals actually amended their balanced budget statute - twice - to allow for successive deficits. Over the last dozen years, the BC Liberal record is seven deficits and only five surpluses.

The province's independent Auditor General, moreover, repeatedly has issued qualifying statements on the annual Public Accounts, saying they do not conform with generally accepted accounting principles.

On top of that, the province's 'Contractual Obligations' - that is, future payments owed to contracted suppliers such as Independent Power Producers - have exploded to $99.8 billion. Together, British Columbia's debt and contractual obligations add up to an almost-unbelievable $155.8 billion.

The BC Conservative Party is dedicated to bringing the province's finances under control. As party Leader, Dan Brooks will introduce measures to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.

2. Rebuilding rural British Columbia

British Columbia's rural population has shrunk over the last several decades and now stands - as a proportion of the total population - as the smallest in the country. As recently as 1966, one-quarter - 25 per cent - of all B.C. residents were classified as living in "rural" parts of the province; by 2011 that number had plunged to just 14 per cent. (The comparable number for Canada as a whole was 19 per cent.)

Looked at another way, over the last half-century, the proportion of British Columbians living in an 'urban' setting has increased from 75 to 86 per cent.

The trend is persistent. In total numbers, the province's rural population peaked in 1996 at 667,000. By 2011, that number had collapsed to just 609,000.

Over a 15-year period, therefore, British Columbia's rural communities have lost almost 58,000 residents.

It must be said that some cities and regions outside the Lower Mainland are doing well. For example, between 1996 and 2012, the Thompson/Okanagan Development Region saw its population grow from 468,000 to 541,000.

That's an increase of 73,000 - or more than 15.6 per cent - over the last 16 years. Most of that growth, however, has taken place in the central Okanagan, in and around Kelowna. Other cities and towns in the region have not grown nearly so fast.

In the Kootenay Development Region, the population between 1996 and 2012 grew by less than 500 people. The situation was much worse for most of northern B.C., where three of the four development regions actually lost population between 1996 and 2012.

The Cariboo saw its population fall by 9,600, while the North Coast lost more than 12,000 souls. The number of residents in the Nechako region fell by almost 4,900.

Only the Northeast Development Region - home to the province's booming natural gas industry - experienced a population increase, gaining 7,700 residents from 1996 to 2012.

Unfortunately, the provincial government has done little to acknowledge the on-going challenges that face rural British Columbia. Indeed, in many instances Victoria actually has exacerbated the situation, closing dozens of schools, forest offices, courthouses and other public facilities located in rural and remote parts of the province.

Dan Brooks and the BC Conservatives believe that the province's wilful neglect of rural British Columbia must be reversed. It is long past time to re-invest in our rural economy, to build up transportation and social infrastructure, to improve the quality of life for rural residents, and to reverse the decline in population.

As Leader of the BC Conservatives, Dan Brooks will bring a renewed focus to rebuilding and restoring the province's rural regions.

3. Empowering grassroots British Columbians by decentralizing decision-making

There will be no Fall sitting of British Columbia's Legislative Assembly in 2013. Our province has a 'fixed' legislative calendar that requires a Fall sitting each and every year, but over the last four years we've only had one, in 2011.

In recent years, our legislature sits for fewer and fewer days. In 2013, for example, the Legislative Assembly was in session only for 36 days.

A year ago, in 2012, the total number of sitting days was 47. In 2011, it was 48.

Under Christy Clark and her BC Liberal government, the Legislative Assembly has been in session for an average of just 43.7 days per year.

Compare those numbers to a quarter-century ago, in 1987, when the legislature sat for 115 days. That number was not unusual - B.C.'s MLAs knew that they had to be at work in the Legislative Assembly to adequately represent their constituents.

Christy Clark's government seems intent on muzzling British Columbia's elected representatives. The Premier and the BC Liberals effectively have shut down the Legislative Assembly to keep MLAs from speaking up for their local communities and constituents.

Another troubling trend under the BC Liberals is the increasing centralization of power in the Office of the Premier.

It was not our MLAs who decided that the legislature this year would not have a Fall sitting - it was Premier Clark, alone, who said that she would rather travel to Asia on a trade junket that spend her time in the Legislative Assembly.

While she is travelling to distant and exotic lands, B.C.'s MLAs will be silenced - unable to stand up or speak up in the legislature for their constituents.

Under the BC Liberal government, our MLAs - the elected representatives of the people - have less and less say in the operation of our provincial government. Not surprisingly, the last decade has seen a sharp reduction - not only in our representation - but in the services provided to everyday British Columbians.

Residents living in rural B.C. have been especially hurt with the closure of dozens of schools, courthouses, forest district offices and other public facilities.

Dan Brooks and the BC Conservatives believe that British Columbians want to see a decentralization in power and decision-making. Our MLA's should have a greater, not lesser, say in how the provincial government works on our behalf.

British Columbians at the grass-roots level, moreover, must be empowered to make the decisions that affect their families, their jobs and their communities.

Dan Brooks is dedicated to increasing community participation in the political process.

Over the course of his leadership campaign, Dan will introduce exciting new ideas to increase fiscal responsibility and accountability in the provincial government, to rebuild the economy of rural British Columbia, and to decentralize decision-making by empowering grassroots British Columbians.

That's it for today, and for this week. I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops ... and I am a BC Conservative.

Dan Brooks announces candidacy for Leader of the BC Conservatives ... Campaign will emphasize issues in Interior, North and Rural B.C.

2013-09-12T13:07:00.002-07:00

Dan Brooks steps forward as first candidate
to lead BC Conservative Party

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - SEPT. 12, 2013 - Dan Brooks today announced his candidacy to become the new Leader of the BC Conservative Party.

"I am proud to declare that I am seeking to win election as the Leader of the BC Conservatives," said Brooks.

"I was born in B.C.'s North, I am raising my family in rural British Columbia, and I make my living off our bountiful natural resources. For too long, however, the people living in our province's Interior, North and Rural regions have been neglected, ignored by the decision-makers in Victoria.

"My campaign will focus on developing and being a strong voice for those British Columbians who believe that their interests are not being heard or represented in the corridors of power."

Brooks was born in Vanderhoof, B.C. and he later graduated from the University of Waterloo with a B.A. in Classical (Greek and Roman) Studies.

He returned to the North and in 1995 to operate a family business, Crystal Lake Resort Ltd., located north of the Chilcotin region and south of the Nechako River.

In the May 2013 provincial general election, Brooks was the BC Conservative candidate in the riding of Nechako Lakes. He obtained 12.6 per cent of the popular vote, ranking him fifth out of 56 Conservative candidates who contested the election.

Brooks also announced that his campaign office will be located in Kamloops.

"I believe BC Conservative members living in the Interior, North and Rural parts of the province will decide the next Leader of our party," said Brooks. "And Kamloops is ideally situated as a centralized location from which to run my leadership campaign."

BACKGROUNDER

Dan Brooks was born in Vanderhoof in 1975, not long after his parents - Fred and Carolyn Brooks - had moved to British Columbia from Alberta, and bought Crystal Lake Resort, a hunting and fishing lodge located southwest of town.

When Dan was eight, Fred, Carolyn and their children moved back to Alberta to operate the family farm while Fred pursued various businesses across BC and Alberta. The Brooks family would return each summer to Vanderhoof and in 1994 Dan began working at Crystal Lake as a guide.

After he turned 21, Dan decided that he wanted to make his home in northern British Columbia. He married an Alberta girl, Ellen Smith, in 1998 and together they raised their family at Crystal Lake.

Before taking up residence in northern B.C., Dan attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He initially enrolled in the Mathematical Science (Honours) program, but later transferred into the Classical Studies (Honours) program offered by the University of Waterloo.

Dan subsequently studied at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George to obtain the final credits towards his degree. He took courses in history and tourism management, among others, and in 2005 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies (Greek and Roman).

Dan also made the Dean's Honours List at the University of Waterloo. By that time he had been the sole owner-operator of Crystal Lake Resort Ltd. for about six years. The seasonal nature of Crystal Lake Resort allowed Dan the flexibility to pursue other small business ventures in construction management, logging, and innovative wood manufacturing, as well as volunteering in his church and community.

From his earliest days working in the back-country, Dan was actively involved in land-use planning. A tireless advocate for tourism values in forest management, his accomplishments include helping to develop both the Vanderhoof Land and Resource Management Plan, and the Vanderhoof Sustainable Forest Management Plan.

In 2005, Dan organized local tourism companies and operators into a body called the Upper Nechako Wilderness Council. Since then, under Dan's leadership the UNWC has been instrumental in promoting tourism and ensuring that industry values were incorporated in land use decision through such things as the Visual Landscape Inventory, the Access Management Plan, Lakeshore Management, and Biodiversity.

A little over a year ago, while working in the back-country, Dan suffered a serious injury. The resulting surgery, months of complications followed by intensive physiotherapy gave Dan considerable time to contemplate his future - as well as that of his family and his native province, British Columbia - and to ponder the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

He made two important decisions. The first was expand his business to include marketing and consulting services to both the domestic tourism industry and to international clients.

While Dan remains the sole owner of Crystal Lakes Resort Ltd., an experienced guide has been retained to work directly with clients in the back-country. Dan, meanwhile, will focus his efforts on consulting and business development.

The second decision was to devote more of his time to public service. A few years ago, Dan became active with the BC Conservative Party, volunteering as a regional organizer and sitting on the party's board of directors. After his injury, he decided to offer himself, his passion and ideas to northern voters.

In early 2013, Dan announced his candidacy for the BC Conservative nomination in the Nechako Lakes electoral district. Later, he was acclaimed as the one of the party's candidates for British Columbia's 40th provincial general election.

Although not victorious, Dan received 12.6 per cent of the popular vote. That result placed him fifth among the 56 BC Conservatives who ran under the party's banner in May.

Dan again had time to reflect following the election. He now decided to dedicate himself to promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability in the provincial government, to advocating for residents living in northern and rural British Columbia, and to empowering everyday British Columbians by decentralizing decision-making.

On September 12, 2013, Dan announced his candidacy for the leadership of the BC Conservative Party.

Ellen and Dan Brooks have seven daughters who range in age from five to 14 years old. Their eldest is a First Nations niece of whom they have had guardianship since she was three.

Dan is devoted to his family and exceptionally proud of his children.

Dan Brooks to hold news conference in Kamloops on September 12

2013-09-10T15:38:00.002-07:00

Dan Brooks -- BC Conservative Party
leadership candidate?

Dan Brooks will hold a news conference at 10:30 am on Thursday, September 12 to address the election of a new Leader for the BC Conservative Party.

Brooks was a candidate for the BC Conservatives in the Nechako Lakes electoral district in the May 2013 provincial general election.

He obtained 12.6 per cent of the popular vote, ranking him fifth among the party's 56 candidates.

The BC Conservative Party will hold a leadership convention on April 11, 2014.

Date: Thursday, September 12, 2013
Time: 10:30 am

Location: Columbia Room

Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre

1250 Rogers Way, Kamloops, B.C.

It is up to BC Conservatives to show we are a party worthy of support

2013-09-09T15:35:00.001-07:00

I have to say that I am feeling MUCH MORE enthusiastic about being a BC Conservative these days. Despite not much in the way of news in mainstream media, the rumor mills are alive with talk of upcoming announcements.

That's why I am asking those outside, and inside the party, "Are you looking to create, and be part of, a true small 'c' conservative party with a social conscience?"

That is what I have always believed in, and hoped to see created in the BC Conservatives. And those of us who have stuck by the party, and who are now giving us a second look, are (I hope) looking to continue to grow and develope that kind of common sense alternative.

Dialogue. That is what people within the BC Conservative Party need to have. But it must be a respectful dialogue.

No any one person, or group, is the BC Conservative Party. We have had enough inner squabbles, and I for one am more than ready to say ... "So long good riddance to the past crap" ... and look forward to building the future of the party.

Personally I believe the party needs to grow from a support base and move out from there -- that means a solid foundation in the interior and north. I feel fairly certain some will not see eye to eye with me on that, however that's the kind of discussion and dialogue the party needs to have.

Just to be clear, I have not yet chosen who I will be supporting for the leadership of the BC Conservatives. That's because I do not even know yet who is planning to seek the nomination, other than rumors of Dan Brooks and Rick Peterson. I hope at least one or two others will step forward as well ... and I hope there conservative women considering the leadership as well.

Bottom line ... I'm looking to the future and working with a 'team' to create a vehicle that the people of BC can support . That said we as BC Conservatives, again in my opinion, have to clearly differentiate ourselves from the Liberals.

That will mean not just strong fiscal policies and a commitment to protect our social safety net ... but also prove to the people of BC (who are feeling disenfranchised and disbelieving of everything political) that we mean business when it comes to respecting voters, allowing for a healthy debate and discussion, and for MLA's to indeed represent their constituents.

Two years ago the BC Conservatives were on a roll ... and headed to what I felt to be no less than at least being the opposition side of the BC Legislature. Instead, WE let the party tear itself apart.

In the past, Conservatives at the federal level were their own worst enemy ... in BC we showed we were more than capable of letting that happen here as well.

That time must end!

BC Conservative beliefs and principles are something that can resonate with a majority of British Columbians. That said ... it is up to BC Conservatives to show we have a party that is worthy of support.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative. The floor is now open to you.

Over the last decade, the BC Liberals have sorely failed to devise or implement serious land-use plans

2013-09-05T09:42:00.001-07:00

Dan Brooks, former BC Conservative
candidate for Nechako Lakes

Today's Conservative Thoughts piece comes from former Nechako Lakes BC Conservative candidate Dan Brooks.

A comprehensive and innovative Community Land Use Planning Initiative for northern communities needs to be a key priority for the government of BC. Land-use planning is a critical component of resource development. Yet, over the last decade, the BC Liberals have sorely failed to devise or implement serious land-use plans.

It is essential to engage communities in land use planning -- communities must have a greater say in how projects and resources are developed.

Any new initiative needs to have:

1. Clear Expectations - When new projects are proposed or under consideration, it is important that community expectations are clearly delineated in relation to how they benefit or impact stakeholders.

Communicating clear expectations is essential if stakeholder and community concerns are to be met. Land use planning is the best vehicle to convey those interests, and afterwards it will be up to businesses to determine if a project is viable given the community expectations.

2. Predictable Outcomes - Greater certainty is essential in attracting business investment for resource development. Project approval should be a predictable outcome if businesses meet the expectations set out for them through land use planning. Likewise, failure to meet those expectations should result in project rejection.

It is unfair to companies who invest millions in resource development to have a project rejected due to unpredictable vague platitudes about land use.

It is also unfair for communities, stakeholders and first nations, who are impacted by resource development, to see their values marginalized or diminished by insufficient measures used in response to their concerns.

A Community Land Use Planning Initiative also needs to include the creation of a dispute resolution mechanism; the establishment of measurable land use objectives and standards for values; and, provincial policy reviews based on input.

A Community Land Use Planning Initiative, such as this, will show leadership by taking a proactive approach. It will let communities chart their own futures, and will encourage economic development by attracting greater investment.

When communities engage in land use planning -- that sets clear expectations with predictable outcomes for industry, the public, stakeholders and first nations -- everyone wins.

Again, these are the thoughts of BC Conservative Dan Brooks. Do you agree ... disagree? What are your thoughts on this topic.

Conservative Thoughts

Well To Be Honest, Math Was Never One Of My Best Subjects In School ...

Sadly, Another Candidate Has Been Denied Due Process, And The Right To Let Their Name Stand

“Is there really NO class size limits anymore?”

What a coward ... what a two-faced babble mouthed clown

Now before anyone says I am teacher bashing, I am NOT

Today I am the Scout Troop leader, and every Scout night, I measure my actions by the way my scout leader taught me

I have enough Drama in my life right now, and I don't really need to add any fuel to the fire

B.C. Conservatives lauded by leadership candidate - Dan Brooks relays resource platform in South Cariboo

Peterson Outlines Ten "Power Smart Tips" for Premier Christy Clark

A message from BC Conservative Party 'member' Alan Forseth

Forseth endorses Brooks for Leader, joins team as Campaign Manager

She is the Premier of British Columbia, and as such, she leads a 'team'

I read BC Premier Christy Clark's column yesterday in the Kelowna Daily Courier (Bringing Canada To Kelowna), and one thing immediately struck me in the just the first few sentences: "I" did this ... "My" this ... "My" that ...

Dan Brooks is not taking the safe route in presenting his plan, and for that, he gets praise from me

RICK PETERSON: "What this sector needs is clarity and decisive action from the government"

To all my BC Conservative friends ... and in particular Dan Brooks and Rick Peterson ... "Pursue your goal. Opinions be damned.”

'Social Responsibility', or caring for one and other, is a two way street

Rick Peterson offering "New Voice, New Leadership, New Direction" as the theme for BC Conservative leadership bid

What political party said "The sacrifices made to get our financial house in order must not be sabotaged by future increases in government spending"

REMINDER to BC Finance Minister Mike de Jong: Moody's examines budget projections ... BUT do not verify them as balanced ... or not balanced

“The expansion of gambling in BC has only hurt the non-profit sector. The greater the BC Lottery Corporation revenue, the worse it gets for charities”

WHAT ... a 50% increase?? Did I just get a clerk that didn't know what she is doing -- or is that indeed what they now cost? Well it didn't take long for a friend to confirm that:

Dan Brooks leadership campaign to focus on three core issues

Dan Brooks announces candidacy for Leader of the BC Conservatives ... Campaign will emphasize issues in Interior, North and Rural B.C.

Dan Brooks to hold news conference in Kamloops on September 12

It is up to BC Conservatives to show we are a party worthy of support

Over the last decade, the BC Liberals have sorely failed to devise or implement serious land-use plans

I read BC Premier Christy Clark's column yesterday in the Kelowna Daily Courier (Bringing Canada To Kelowna), and one thing immediately struck me in the just the first few sentences:

"I" did this ... "My" this ... "My" that ...