The voters I wish to represent, regardless of whether they choose to vote for me or not, deserve nothing less.

I've been busy on the campaign trail again the past week ... meeting and talking with the people of Kamloops South Thompson.

 

As you know I, and fellow candidate for Kamloops North Thompson Ed Klop, both attended the Kamloops and Thompson Teachers Association / TRU Facility, all-candidates forum last Thursday evening --- as well as the Council of Canadians forum which was held on Saturday morning at the Kamloops Farmers Market. 

 

Regretfully neither BC Liberal candidate, Todd Stone or Terry Lake, choose to attend either of these forums. 

 

Getting out and 'earning' the votes of the people of Kamloops, is just one of the reasons why I did indeed attend these forums.

Another -- and perhaps of even greater importance -- is the respect that I feel is owed those who will be casting their votes on May 14th. 

 

Today, I would also like to take a moment and share an email which I received -- and the response I gave this individual: 

 

Hello, Mr.Sharp, my name is Taylor,  

 

I am currently doing a research project on the different political parties, looking for what they intend to do if they win.  On your webpage, you say "we need a change!". I would like for you to try to sell my vote to your party. Why do you think you are certain you'll win? 

 

Good luck, thanks  

 

I responded to this individual saying: 

 

Good morning Taylor, 

 

Thank you for contacting me, and for your question.  There is nothing certain about me, or any of my fellow candidates, winning election on May 14th.  I do believe however that we do need change, and that appears to be a feeling amongst many of the people here in BC.

BC Conservatives have a number of common sense ideas, which we believe can indeed provide a better education system, for students -- teachers -- and parents

The BC Teachers Federation recently asked the leaders of BC's political parties, their thoughts on a number of questions.  Here are the questions, and the responses made by BC Conservative party leader John Cummins. 


Question 1: Teachers are feeling battered after a decade of cutbacks and restrictions on bargaining rights. What can you offer that would restore some hope of improvement?  

I think that the reality is that, here in British Columbia, there is a crying need for people with the skills necessary to obtain the educational resources, if you will, necessary to lead productive lives and of course it starts right at the beginning, it starts in elementary schools, secondary schools, and then there has to be obviously the post-secondary institutions that are ready to help prepare these people to lead productive lives. 

We see now in British Columbia that that is simply not the case. We are having to bring people into this province to perform jobs that British Columbians are more than capable of performing but we don’t have the skilled people necessary, and I think that’s a reflection on governments’ commitment to financing adequately the education system and I don’t think that can continue. 

Teachers are obviously valuable members of our community, they’re the frontline when it comes to providing those educational services, and I think that government has to ensure that teachers are going to work each day with a positive frame of mind, which I know that they do, but without that lingering doubt that their value and worth is recognized by government and the public at large. 


Question 2: Are you prepared to restore full, free, collective bargaining right? 

Well, what I think we need to do—well it would be easy to say yes to that—but I think what we need to do is restore a positive relationship between teachers and bargaining agents and build a trust between the two. 

I would just hate to think that to solve these issues we have to go to strike, it certainly is negative and I’m sure that most teachers would feel the same way that that’s the last thing they want to see. I would rather see us at this point try to resolve our issues without having to resort to a strike; I think it’s counterproductive and it doesn’t do any one any good, whether it’s the students or the teachers. 


Question 3: Teachers’ salaries are falling further and further behind those of other provinces. What will you do about that? 

On the salary issue, I think that part of the problem is that the public loses a sense of where teachers stand in relation to other provinces and other professions.

Too often, in the bargaining process, the needs in the classroom are brought to the fore and the teachers, when it comes to their salary, the pay that they deserve, the jobs that they do, don’t get that public recognition or they’re not part of the discussion.  

I think in that sense there has to be a separation between the legitimate wage, pensions, and benefits demands of teachers and the legitimate pedagogical concerns. I think that if we do that it could help the public become aware of any shortcomings that there may be, and it makes it easier for government to address those concerns. 


Question 4: Bills 27 and 28 stripped the collective agreement in 2002. There has been a huge loss of classroom teachers and learning specialist teachers over the last 10 years. What will you do to redress the situation?  

Now for your entertainment ... "A conversation with Christy Clark and John Martin"

One day (one year apart), now BC Liberal candidate John Martin*, and BC Premier Christy Clark, had a conversation**.

 

For your entertainment, I now present this piece of satire entitled, "A conversation with Christy Clark and John Martin"

 

Christy Clark:
"So why is it if it wasn't okay for Jim and Mavis Clark to leave me and my brothers with a debt, why is it okay for our government to leave our kids with a debt?" 

 

JOHN MARTIN:

"The Liberal government has failed the people of British Columbia and has squandered trust with the public ..." 

 

Christy Clark:

"When you get into this borrow, spend, tax cycle, it's a trap." 

 

JOHN MARTIN:

"The best way to hold Christy Clark and the BC Liberal government accountable is by voting for the BC Conservatives ..." 

 

Christy Clark:

"I thought about what that mother was feeling for her daughter.  She aspired for her daughter. She made sacrifices to put that little girl in that dress. And to make sure that little girl would have an experience of life that she never had." 

 

JOHN MARTIN:

"I can’t think of a more crass decision (by Christy Clark) in the name of electioneering in light of this upcoming by-election." 

 

Christy Clark:

"Do we want to create a prosperity fund for our children that will mean over $100 billion over 30 years, $4 to $8 billion in new revenue every year? Because if we do that, we will surely be changing the future for our children." 

 

JOHN MARTIN:

" … a vote for the BC Conservatives is vote to send  Christy Clark’s Liberal government a message that people are tired of failed Liberal policies." 

 

Christy Clark:

"This is, have no doubt about it, going to be a hard-fought, close election. But every election can be won. But this one is one that must be won. Our kids are depending on all of us." 

 

JOHN MARTIN:  

“It is quite clear that the government is desperately trying to buy votes in this upcoming by-election with taxpayers’ money." 

 

MARTIN CONCLUDED:

"I have a simple message: if you want a common sense Conservative, vote Conservative.”

 

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops.

I'm Peter Sharp -- I'm a BC Conservative -- and I believe in BC!

 

* in April 2012 John Martin ran ,against the Liberals, as a BC Conservative Party candidate
** Please note, all quotes are accurate, and attributable to the person named.

Freedom of 'choice' in political donations of time, and money ... "Mr Friedman, is that something BC New Democrats agree with?”

“Strong-arm tactics” ... “Political shakedown”  

 

That’s what two British Columbia business leaders are calling an NDP fund-raising letter asking for a $5,000 “donation” to party coffers. In an April 20, 2013 Globe and Mail article, BC businessmen stated that they were on the receiving end of a not-so-subtle letter noting that these businesses had donated to the Liberal Party in the past. 

 

The underlying message seems to be—when we assume power, we’re going to remember our friends. The NDP have other friends —big unions.  

 

I'd like to ask fellow candidate Tom Friedman, if he can explain why he is fine with the BC Government Employees Union (BCGEU) leadership actively promoting the NDP in this election — and sending their members’ dues to the NDP election war chest? 

 

They have urged all their members to commit to volunteer on NDP candidate campaigns.  Has his party leader, Adrian Dix, not stated several times recently, that he is in agreement that unions and big business should not be donating to political party’s? 

 

Frankly, union members should not be pressured to support one particular party, but rather, be encouraged to contribute time or money according to their own individual political preference. 

 

The BC Conservative Party believes in freedom of choice in political donating, whether it is volunteer time or campaign contributions. Conservatives - through policy, principles and platform - have pledged to ban corporate and union donations, and allow only individuals to donate to political parties. 

 

We need a fresh approach to politics in this province, and we need an approach that does not put pressure on businesses ,or union members, to support one party over another. 

 

Mr. Friedman, is that something the BC New Democrats agree with? 

 

Political parties shouldn’t be in anyone’s 'pocket. -- it’s about freedom of choice. That’s a value that the BC Conservative Party stands for.  

 

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops. 

 

I'm Peter Sharp -- I'm a BC Conservative -- and I BELIEVE in BC!

Your participation in the democratic process is something no union, or political party, should take for granted.

Do we need to get big business and big labour out of political parties?

Most British Columbians seem to think, so if polls are right.

Unfortunately however the 'leadership' of the BCGEU fails to understand this, as they continue to promote and work for the NDP.

Is this something the individual membership the BCGEU has had a chance to approve?  A number of members, who have contacted me, say not.

Government should be there for the betterment of all people -- the leaders of the BCGEU however seem to think it is there to push their own personal agenda, as this portion of an email from them, promoting their "BCGEU Votes" campaign shows:
" ... up for discussion is everything from voter registration to the importance of electing a government that shares our values ... it is time for a change (part of NDP campaign slogan) ... we have the power to bring about change on May 14 ... get involved in this election ... offer to volunteer on a local election campaign. Whether it’s putting up signs, knocking on doors, or working the phones, there is plenty of work to be done.

... labour movement has won many gains at the bargaining table. But some gains can only be won at the ballot box. Between now and May 14 let’s work hard and elect a government that understands our values and will build a province of which we can all be proud ..."

The BC Conservative Party has put forward a platform that will benefit all British Columbians across the social-economic scale --- and in particular promote the kind of development that will require thousands of skilled union workers.
The NDP meantime have put forward positions that will stifle good high paying union jobs -- and yet the BCGEU calls them the friends of labor.

How does that make sense?

I'd like to encourage all voters to look closely at the platforms of each party -- and then make an informed decision.

Your vote does count -- your vote is important -- and your participation in the democratic process is something no union, or political party, should take for granted.

See what each of the party's has to offer -- investigate for yourself what each of them stands for -- and then decide which best suits your own personal beliefs.

BC Conservative Party: http://www.bcconservative.ca/what-we-stand-for/election-platform/

 

BC Liberal Party: http://www.bcliberals.com/news/in-the-news/ourPlan

 

BC NDP: http://www.bcndp.ca/ ... they do not appear to have platform posted to their website

 

BC Green Party: http://www.greenparty.bc.ca/green_book_2013

 

It is rather unfortunate that the BC NDP have not seen fit to have their policies and platform online.  I will leave it up to you to decide on why that may be the case.

I hope that our BC Conservative policies will resonate, in a positive way, with you.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at the campaign office at 324 Victoria Street in Kamloops.  You can also call the campaign office at (778) 471-4335.

I'm Peter Sharp --- I'm a BC Conservative -- and I Believe in BC!



FOLLOW-UP:
Since posting this late last night, the Globe and Mail has a piece online from Gary Mason: "NDP letter asking for donations has some businesses seeing red".  This letter is just one more reason for the call to have only 'individuals (not business or unions) to be the ones to support the party's they believe in:

NDP Leader Adrian Dix likes to talk about a balanced approached to governing. It now appears that philosophy extends to fundraising as well.

Some members of the B.C. business community are questioning the message they say is embedded in a fundraising letter that the New Democrats have been sending out to people who have financially supported only the B.C. Liberals in the past.

The missives are being sent out under the name of Jan O’Brien, provincial secretary of the party, but Mr. Dix’s imprimatur is prominent. The letter begins by informing the recipient that building a relationship with the business community is a top priority of the NDP Leader. It talks about how the prospective B.C. premier believes a strong private sector is key to economic development in the province – in other words, he is not a wild-eyed advocate of the communist collective.

And just so the recipients understand they would not be the first business leaders to make such a donation, the communique makes it clear that Mr. Dix has appreciated the support he’s received from other members of the financial sector. In an attempt to dispel any concern that an NDP government would favour unions, the letter says a Dix administration would include everyone at the table.

Then Ms. O’Brien gets to the point.

The letter documents the donation total that the recipient – or his or her company – has made to the Liberal Party over a specified number of years.
“It is our hope that you will adopt a balanced approach to your support in the lead up to the election in May,” it states. “I am asking your organization to make a contribution in the range of $5,000 now to show your commitment to a balanced approach to government.”

It then provides a link to a secure website where the person can immediately make a contribution.

At another time, those receiving a letter of this nature might have thought nothing of it. But in the context of the current election, one in which the New Democrats are decided favourites, it takes on a different hue.

Those getting such a dispatch might be forgiven for thinking they were being sent a pointed directive: We know who you are, we know who you’ve supported in the past, and it might be wise given the current political environment if you made a little donation to our party.

“You could say this is normal politics or you could say it’s a not-so-subtle strong-armed tactic,” said one business person who received the letter but did not want his name used. “[It’s implying], ‘You have never supported us before, but we’re going to win, and we will remember who did and who did not help us this time.’”

Another business person characterized the letter as a “political shakedown.”
It will not surprise you that the NDP says that was not the intent at all. The letter was simply intended, Ms. O’Brien told me, to reach out to corporations that have shown in the past they are willing to donate to political parties to see if they would consider the NDP.

“As part of the democratic process, political parties fund their campaigns with political donations,” Ms. O’Brien said. “But people have a choice, absolutely. We’ve just asked them to take a balanced approach to campaign donations.”
But that’s not what the letter says. It effectively states that the company should donate to the NDP as well as the Liberals in the name of taking a “balanced approach to government” – not campaign donations. Ms. O’Brien did not seem completely comfortable trying to explain what the letter meant in that regard. Or that it implies that people shouldn’t have a choice – that they should donate to both main parties.

And, of course, that’s wrong. People should be able to donate to whomever they want, and they certainly shouldn’t be leaned on by officials of parties that may soon take office and told that they should send some cash their way.

If there is any good news in all this, it’s the fact that should the NDP form government, it has vowed that donations from corporations and unions will be outlawed. Let’s hope letters such as the one Ms. O’Brien authored will be a thing of the past as well.

BC voter states: "It is like a slap in the face, just like it is to every other BC skilled trade worker, that has to work elsewhere "

The other day, my Campaign Manager received an email message from a young woman. This is what she had to say. 

I am yet another skilled trade worker that has to work in Alberta, despite all the false ads claiming "skilled trade labor shortage" by the Liberals.

The only job creation they have made are the jobs for the people shooting and starring in the false ads. My favorite ad is "Candace is an electrician and a mom"

Pffft!!

As a female electrician it is like a slap in the face, just like it is to every other BC skilled trade worker that has to work elsewhere." 



BC Premier Christy Clark.  Do those looking for work, and having
to leave BC to find it, pasting on a big smile like this?

I find it utterly appalling that under the management of Christy Clark, and the BC Liberals, this is the situation that many of BC's best and brightest find themselves in.

But that is not the ONLY comment I have received. Here's another one that came in to me. 

My son is another example of a person training and working in Alberta because there is none here in BC. 

He is training to be a welder and is now a 2nd year apprentice working in a shop building tanks for the pipeline. He moved to Alberta when the film industry was drying up. 

He is thriving there, just fine in Grand Prairie.

Sadly, these are not just two isolated incidents -- this is happening all the time -- as this message shows:

I have two married Granddaughters in Alberta and one grandson that works in all three provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan).  I know what you mean.
When elected as the MLA for Kamloops South Thompson, I pledge to be part of the BC Conservative team that WILL undertake to turn this situation around; in a real and meaningful way. 

The people of BC -- our sons and daughters -- neighbors and friends -- deserve nothing less from the people they elect to serve them.  

BC Conservatives believe in British Columbia. We believe in our people, their willingness to be daring and innovative, our natural resources and our geographic advantages. We believe in our potential; we believe in the future. 

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops.

I'm Peter Sharp -- I'm a BC Conservative -- I BELIEVE in BC.

I challenge my BC Liberal opponent Todd Stone to tell the people of Kamloops South Thompson ... 'How will BC Liberals get any different fiscal result from not making any kind of real change?'

Today BC Liberal Premier Christy Clark told voters here in Kamloops, and around the province, that we are headed in to the “the most important election in modern history”.

 

I couldn't agree with her more! 

 

The writ has finally been dropped, and I'm sure it is a relief to all British Columbians, because several key things seem to be weighing heavily on the minds of people here in our Kamloops South Thompson riding.

 

BC debt to rise additional $6.7 Billion under Liberals

The Liberal Platform doesn't address the financial problems which THEY have created, and banking on the possibility of future billions of revenues from liquefied natural gas is a risky bet. 

 

BC Liberals still fail to understand government has to learn how to spend smarter!

 

I think the BC Liberals need to take one of the 'Game Sense' suggestions, from the BC Lottery Corporation, to heart.

Wondering if you can win back losses by playing more? It's possible, but unlikely. Chances are the more you play, the more money you'll lose. "Chasing losses" almost always leads to bigger losses.

 

If I apply that to BC Liberal fiscal planning and management, then it says to me, "Doing things the same way gets the same results!"

 I challenge my BC Liberal opponent Todd Stone to tell the people of Kamloops; 'How will BC Liberals get any different fiscal result from not making any kind of real change?

 

BC Liberals say the budget over the next three years will be balanced, and yet according to a Ministry of Finance document, it showed Total Provincial Debt was expected to rise a further $6.7 billion dollars -- that according to the budget they released just two short months ago.

SHAME on you for the lies and arrogance. You can't trowel on enough of that to hide and mask the truth any longer!

So, how many watched the Christy Clark Show last night at 7pm on Global TV? 
Win, lose, or draw, Clark definitely will be deserving of the Best Female Actress award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television’s new CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS, which recognize excellence in film, television and digital media productions.

 

I had been thinking of possible comments I might make, but to tell you the truth after seeing the first and only three comments my campaign manager, Alan Forseth, made -- I think he really did capture the spirit of what many were thinking.

 

So, unvarnished and unedited, this is what Al had to say last night:  

 

 

Comment #1 

Just watching the taped version of Christy's 1/2 hour info-mercial. Well right off the bat I'll ask the same thing Christy that you did ... "Why is it okay to for our government to leave our kids with a debt?"

YOU SHOULD be ashamed you've left us worse off. Your Liberal government has doubled our debt :(  

 

 

Comment #2 

Christy Clark asks: "Do we want look after our kids future -- do we want to give them choices, that they're going to want to have, to run their future -- or do we want to take away their future by saddling them with debt?"

 

Good grief ... is she really serious? How can a government that has been so completely wasteful with taxpayers resources seriously ask that question. THIS is what BC Conservatives have been asking -- because it is BC Liberals that have INDEED doubled the provinces debt -- just as the NDP did --- and BOTH of them HAVE seriously jeopardized our children's futures!

 

Shame on you Christy Clark for NOT being to embarrassed and ashamed to try and pull off that kind of phony BS! 

 

 

Comment #3 

Oh my goodness ... I'm only 5 minutes in and I don't know if I can stomach any more of this trite revisionist look at the BC Liberals. She says she wants to balance the budget so we don't saddle our children with debt?

 

Well excuse me for asking -- but what do you call the new $7 billion you will be adding to the debt over the next 3 years, if your Liberal government is re-elected. 

 

That's no magical number drawn out of thin air by the way Christy -- that IS from the BC Ministry of Finance records.

Many moons ago an old fart was asked what he thought of politicians. He replied "They should all be drowned at birth". I think he had something there.

This morning, I received an email from a voter in the Kamloops South Thompson riding.  He was passing along the words of a friend of his, regarding news that the government had allowed a contract with the teachers to be negotiated, that included unlimited massage sessions on the taxpayer tab.

The language in the email was strong so I am only going to included the opening sentence ... and then the close of what he had to say:

 

just heard a clip on the news that has me setting my hair on fire!

 

The blame must go to the Ministry of Education who negotiate on our behalf and allow this totally unacceptable &$^%$#@$ to happen!  I am reminded of the justification for raising MLA salaries, “in order to attract the best and the brightest” Duh?

This is, in my tiny perfect mind  just another example of “serve two terms and hit the pension jackpot”! As soon as we understand that as the primary agenda of our politicians we will be better able to deal with it.

Clearly what we need sometime in the future (after you and I have gone on to our reward) is a Maggie Thatcher to get rid of the unionized monopolies that are driving BC into bed with the Greece’s of the world.  Another NDP govt in BC  will surely revive the underground economy and drive good things away.  

How the hell did we allow ourselves to get into this stupid mess?

 

Now first, I wish to say that I do not agree totally with what this person had to say -- however I can understand the frustration that has driven then to have such a strong negative thought, and opinion, of the political process.

Now, the individual that sent me the email also had their own thoughts to share, and again I am going to pass them on for you to read:

 

Peter:

This is from a friend of mine who has a way with words.  The language is a bit strong but, if you intend to swim in the cesspool of BC politics, you will get used to it.

I do not read contracts because my eyes glaze over quickly, but my friend has a keener eye on him than most.  The government negotiators who permitted this "benefit" to be included in the last go-around with the BCTF should be publicly exposed for the incompetents that they are.

I sure pine for the days when we had the Social Credit Party running things.  They too were no angels and shifty at cutting corners BUT at least the province was humming and not wallowing in debt.  Sadly, they imploded.  Our only hope is a resurrected BC Conservative Party, one who closely resembles the Socreds.

Deep down the NDP and the Liberals have the same DNA but, like competitive kids in a family, they don't get along.  And, they have proven, over and over, that they cannot be trusted to live up to their fiduciary duties.  Thus the province keeps going further and further into debt. 

Our crown jewel of Crown Corporations, BC Hydro, has been raped and robbed so often that, in the real world, would be bankrupt.

So, it is no surprise that this perk (massages) was permitted to sneak into the last BCTF contract.  One only has to look at the competency of the players.

"BC Liberals Todd Stone and Terry Lake, and New Democrats Kathy Kendall and Tom Friedman, are all welcome to campaign with the slogan 'we'll spend more and tax you more"

Today the BC New Democrats Finance Critic, Bruce Ralston, rolled out the party's election campaign budget.  A plan that will see increased taxes, and deficit budgets for at least three years.
Said BC Conservative Party Kamloops South Thompson candidate Peter Sharp, "They have indicated they not only plan to increase corporate taxes, their plan also includes an attack on individual British Columbians.""Their plan" he continued, "Will add a further 2.2% on personal income taxes for the so-called wealthy."

Calls by BC Conservative for 'smarter spending', rather than more spending, seem to have fallen on deaf ears.Said Sharp, "I have already been informed that right now -- today -- people are looking at their options in terms of where they plan to live in the very near future."

"The BC Liberals put in their 2013 budget (which passed in the legislature on March 5th), that they are going to increase the tax on incomes over $150,000 by 2.1% in 2014."

"This is not just a platform plank of the BC Liberals.", continued Sharp, "It's law.  And now we have the provincial New Democrats announcing a tax increase of 2.2%." "I am already hearing, from reliable sources, that people right here in Kamloops are seeing their accountants to see how much lower taxes would be in Alberta.  That's because of the 2.1% increase the BC Liberals have already approved -- never mind the even higher increase Ralston is proposing under the New Democrats."

Currently, on incomes over $135,000, the top tax rate is 43.7%. This new increase would make the top rate 46.8% on incomes over $150,000. By comparison, the top rate in Alberta is 39%. The closer you get to 50% marginal tax rates, the more people are going to start running away from BC."Let me say as plainly as I possibly can, 'Neither the NDP, or the BC Liberals, should be in control of the public purse strings'."

"I believe John Cummins and I will take him at his word ... I will look after the concerns of my constituents over that of the party."

Kamloops South BC Conservative Peter Sharp

In a recent issue of Kamloops This Week, columnist Dale Bass took the position that no politician works in the best interests of their constituents, but instead slavishly follows the party line. 

Given recent political practice, it is not hard to see where such blatant cynicism comes from.  Nevertheless, the “tarred with same brush” approach is inherently unfair to those politicians who do genuinely work hard, often behind the scenes, for those they represent. 

I was recently asked what one change I would make if elected. This is what I had to say.

"…it would be to show the people of Kamloops South Thompson that government
really  can represent them.  We now have more and more people becoming apathetic,
and who no longer believe it makes any difference if they vote or not."

"I want them to see that they can have input into the decision making
process, and that government really can be accountable to them.”

 

With regard to the Ajax Mine project, I had a lengthy discussion with party leader John Cummins over how I, as a potential Conservative MLA, could (and should) handle the issue.  Here is my summary of that conversation:John Cummins told me that I should tell my constituents that when the environmental reports are released, to definitely consult with all constituents to seek their input. From the beginning, that is exactly what I have said I will do. 

I will not only do it on this issue, I will do it on any major issue of concern to the people of Kamloops South Thompson!"

I believe John Cummins and I will take him at his word.  I can state truthfully that I will do just that, I will look after the concerns of my constituents over that of the party.

Like Big Bird says: "One of these things just doesn't belong"

Big Bird, "One of these things is not like the other"

John Les, soon to be retired BC Liberal MLA, and former Minister of Small Business & Economic Development and Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor-General, spoke over the weekend to the financial well-being of British Columbia, under the Liberal government of Christy Clark.

Les stated, "British Columbians really don't want more debt.  I think at the end of the day they are going to choose the BC Liberal policies of balancing the budget, and keeping our spending under control."

He went on to say, "They (the NDP) would spend a lot more money, as government, than we have.  Now it's not easy to keep your spending under control ... it's also extremely important to keep your spending under control ... that's what we've been doing."

BC Liberals say the budget over the next three years will be balanced, and yet the estimated Total Provincial Debt for 2013 / 14 will be $62,689 billion --- that will rise to $69,428 by 2015/ 16 (see official BC Fiscal and Debt Summary). 

On the weekend I happened to have a chance to hear the opening remarks of Michael Campbell, from the program Money Talks. What he had to say really caught my attention.

Michael Campbell ("Money Talks" - April 6th, 2013)
"While it is our obligation to pay taxes, is there any obligation for governments to spend the money efficiently? We have a lot who don't think that's the case."

Now as I say, those words caught my attention.  That's because while the BC Liberal government is forecasting a SURPLUS budget this year of $197 million dollars, we're NOT hearing a word from them about the fact our total provincial debt will be rising to $62,689 BILLION dollars!

That's keeping spending under control?

British Columbians must indeed be wondering about the so-called 'under control spending' brought up by John Les on Saturday afternoon, as well as these additional words he had to say:

"Dinner with the Leader" ... a night of good food and great company

BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins

KAMLOOPS CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

The Kamloops BC Conservative Party Constituency Associations invite you to join them for, "Dinner with the Leader" ... a night of good food and great company.

Join BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins on Tuesday April 30th in the Banquet Room at Vittorio's Italian Restaurant (1820 Rogers Place).

Doors open at 6pm -- Dinner at 6:30pm -- Door prize -- Silent Auction -- and more.

Tickets for this special event are just $35.00 each and must be purchased in advance.

Tickets are available at the campaign office weekdays between 10am and 2pm (324 Victoria Street), or by calling (778)471-4335. You can also email your ticket request to sharp4mla@gmail.com.

Please bring a friend, and help support the BC Conservative campaign here in Kamloops.


A message from the Peter Sharp Campaign Team
We're BC Conservatives -- We Believe in BC
Help us keep Kamloops Sharp

We appear to be at opposite ends on this; however that does allow us to have a frank and meaningful dialogue and discussion. That is as it should be

Just the other day I received an email from an individual with concerns for the environment, and dismayed by the BC Liberal governments decision to freeze the amount of the Carbon Tax for the next 5 years (should they be re-elected).

As many of you well know, the BC Conservative Party has long been opposed to the Carbon Tax, and it's non-identical twin the Pacific Carbon Trust.

Neither in my option, have done anything to protect the environment, or reduce our carbon footprint.  They have however, been a huge drain to the pockets of residents of BC -- especially those living in the interior and the north.  They have also pulled millions of dollars from the budgets of schools and hospitals -- money that would have been better spent in the classroom, or providing direct medical services.

I'd like to share the conversation I had, and encourage and invite you to let me know your thoughts:


Dear Peter Sharp, 

Backing off on the carbon tax and freezing it at current levels for 5 years does not demonstrate a meaningful commitment to meet our provincial Climate Action targets. 

On May 14, I will be voting for a candidate who shows strong leadership on climate change by committing to expand and increase the carbon tax. The resulting new revenue could be used to reduce emissions, create jobs, and diversify our economy. 

For more information on the three-point plan that makes sense to me, please visit http://www.betterfuturebc.ca . 

Please consider discussing this with your party’s leadership. 

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Gisela R



Good evening Gisela ... 

With all due respect, the carbon tax has always been nothing more than a TAX, false wrapped in phony mislabeled environmentally friendly re-cycled gift wrap. This was a TAX grab plain and simple, it has done little if anything to reduce our carbon footprint (which they said it was going to do), and it has unfairly penalized hundreds of thousands of people because of where they live.

Those with little or poor access to transit pay extra on gas and diesel to get to work ... those outside the lower mainland pay more to heat their homes because of the added carbon tax on gas and oil heating products ... and again those outside the lower mainland pay more for the goods they purchase for their families (groceries, clothing, furniture, etc) because of the increased shopping costs with the added burden of the carbon tax.

Economists and environmentalists alike have said it is little more than a sham and a scam.

You have my pledge to do everything I can to ensure we do our utmost to preserve and protect our environment, however supporting the Carbon Tax will certainly NOT be one of them. 

Sincerely
Peter Sharp,
BC Conservative Party candidate
Kamloops South Thompson  



Thanks for your response.  Obviously, we disagree quite strongly on this.  I personally believe that driving up the price of carbon is one of the most effective tools to reducing carbon use.  People buy more fuel-efficient cars every time the price of gas goes up, and that’s exactly the kind of behaviour change we need if we are to reduce our GHG emissions. 

Can anyone explain -- in a way that is logical and can be understood by taxpayers -- how BC Liberal voodoo math works

The BC Liberals say the budget over the next three years will be balanced, and yet the estimated Total Provincial Debt for 2013 / 14 will be $62,689 billion, and that will rise to $69,428 by 2015/ 16 (see official BC Fiscal and Debt Summary) 

Taxpayer supported interest on the Provincial costs us 4.1 cents of every dollar the government earns.  That will rise to 4.2 cents in 2014 / 15 ... and increase again to 4.3 cents in 2015 / 16. 

The BC Liberal government is forecasting a SURPLUS budget this year of $197 million dollars --- that while at the same time being very quiet about the fact the total provincial debt will be rising to $62.689 BILLION dollars. 

For the following year, they indicated they would have a SURPLUS budget of $211 million dollars -- meantime the total debt, taxpayers are on the hook for, stand at $66,548 BILLION dollars. 

Hold on now ... don't get ahead of me.

And for the budget year 2015 / 2016 the BC Liberals (just two months ago) told us the could bring in a budget SURPLUS of $460 million --- BUT again the total debt shows another increase, this time to $69,428 BILLION.  

So let's see if I have this straight:

The BC Liberals say not only would they balance the budget over each of the next 3 years, they will also run budget surpluses.  

 

While they do this, the amount of money being paid from government revenue, to cover interest payments on the debt will rise from 4.1 cents per dollar, to $4.3 cents per dollar.
   

And the amount of the debt will also rise over the three years by another $7 billion dollars.  

Can anyone explain -- in a way that is logical and can be understood by taxpayers -- how BC Liberal voodoo math works.  

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops. 

I'm Peter Sharp -- I'm a BC Conservative -- and I Believe in BC!

What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

Recently I was contacted by Rajeshwari (Raj), Managing Editor, for Insight, a publication with Glacier Media Group. Insight is a bi-monthly regional publication that highlights the Indo-Canadian lifestyle and community.

The reason he contacted me, was to ask if I would provide responses to a number of questions he was posing to other candidates in our area.  I was delighted to have the opportunity, and I have decided to also share these responses with you today. 


l. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?  

It would be natural to answer this with what most people would expect to hear; that would be the protection of Health Care, Education, and Social Services.  These are certainly very important, however there is something else which I believe tops all others -- that is the issue of accountability and integrity in government.

This is not something new, but with all the scandals plaguing the BC Liberal government, it is once again at the forefront for many people.  Words are easy to say, and I too have been accused of issuing 'motherhood statements'; however I know the principles and commitment of BC Conservative members -- MLA's are first and foremost to represent the wishes of the people who have elected them to office.

This is something which I take very seriously, and something which was just re-enforced to me again in a personal way by our party leader John Cummins when he was recently in Kamloops. 

I believe in the everyday common sense of British Columbian's, and it is that common sense that will go with me to Victoria when I am elected.


2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province? 

If there was just one single major change I could make, that would be to be able to show the people of Kamloops South Thompson that government really can represent them.  We now have more and more people becoming apathetic, and who no believe it makes any difference if they vote or not.  

I want them to see that they can have input in to the decision making process, and that government really can be accountable to them. 


3.  What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate? 

Kamloops is my home by choice, and it is where my family and I have resided for over 20 years. 

I have served my community as a policeman, a city councilor, a member of the Thompson Nicola Regional District board of directors, as chairman of our regional hospital district board, plus 15 other committees and local non-profit community groups and organizations. 

Through these opportunities I have been able to put my own personal skills to use in a number of ways.  More importantly however, I have learned from others how to better serve my community by seeking out the wisdom of others, and then putting that knowledge to practical use. 

Now retired, I believe I have the time, the energy and the desire to be the elected 'representative' for the people of Kamloops South Thompson. 


4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the "ethnic" vote like Indo-Canadians?  

We are all Canadians -- we are all British Columbian's.  Some of us have lived here for several generations, and some are relative new-comers who will have the opportunity to add to, and become part of, the growing fabric of our province. 

There is no one individual, or ethnic group, that should be singled out for a special focus by unethical backroom manipulators within some political party's.  To do so, in my opinion is one of the most disrespectful things that a political party can do.  


5.  What is the most important issue facing in your riding today?

There are a number of important issues for our riding, however I believe the biggest is the problems confronting Doctors, Nurses, and other front-line workers and staff at Royal Inland Hospital. 

We now have a situation where the top 13 administrators of the Interior Health Authority are earning $3.3 million dollars a year -- an average of a quarter of a million dollars each.  In fact, there are over 2,600 people in administrative and executive roles, who are supervising a staff of 18,000.  One for every 7 people seems a little excessive to me, and I think we would be better served by having more front line people.

Meantime will have an aging hospital that had an entire operating room closed and its equipment removed -- 100s of beds closed ... patients being looked after in hallways, and an Emergency Room that itself is in a state of emergency time and time again. 

We need to, I believe, listen to the people providing the most direct level of service to see how things can be improved, where changes need to be made, and how we can get more doctors and nurses into the interior, northern and rural communities that are desperately under-served.  


Do you have a question you'd like an answer to?  I'd like to encourage you to contact me; I'll do my very best to provide you with an answer. 

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops. 

I'm Peter Sharps -- I'm a BC Conservative -- and "I Believe In BC!"