VaughnPalmer
@VaughnPalmer
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Vancouver Sun's provincial affairs political columnist, based in Victoria.
Joined January 2009
Congrats to Vancouver Sun's Lisa Cordasco for questioning Dr. Bonnie Henry on COVID-19 test stockpile and not backing down when Dr. H claimed "urban myth." Health Ministry confirmed more than 1 million tests were indeed in storage.
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If people in health care professions don’t recognize efficacy of vaccines “you are probably in the wrong profession” says Dr Henry.
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Divided country? Most Canadians voted for parties that supported carbon pricing, saw no rush to balance budget, proposed no cuts to federal spending or immigration, raised no doubts about access to abortion and whose leaders marched in pride parades. Just saying.
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Rob Shaw asks David Eby a great question: if the Conservatives are as uniformly awful as he says -- racists, crackpots, appealing only to billionaires -- how is it that the New Democrats are in such a tight race with them? .Eby doesn't really answer.
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Day one summary: NDP increased lead in its closest seats. Conservative lead shrank in its closest seats. NDP appears on track for bare majority (47 seats) and shot at 48 seats. Conservatives could drop to 44 or even 43 seats. Two Greens unchanged.
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John Rustad's moderator tells reporters no questions except on chosen topic of day or they will be cut off. Les Leyne, Times Colonist, tests this edict and gets cut off. I've not seen that happen with David Eby, who takes questions on all topics.
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Rustad's Nuremberg clarification: 20 years in politics, he "misunderstands" question linking COVID-19 mandate to Nazi war crimes trial? "Clarifies" position weeks afterward. Conservatives worry candidates going off message. They should worry about Rustad.
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Why hasn't BC declared a state of emergency already? ."Tomorrow we have a cabinet meeting and I fully expect decisions will be coming out of that meeting," Mike Farnworth said Tuesday. Like the poor dears couldn't convene an emergency meeting Tuesday?.
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David Eby on involuntary treatment. "We can't wait," he says Sunday, 4 years after his predecessor brought in legislation for involuntary treatment, 2 years after he himself proposed it. But now is the time to take action, five weeks before election day.
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Good to see Conservatives standing up for Elections BC. Party president, one MLA elect as well. Got same impression from John Rustad when I ran into him in Victoria Saturday night: expecting NDP minority or possible majority. He expressed no doubts about Elections BC.
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John Rustad says he will put out a statement when final count is completed. But confirms he has no concerns about how Elections BC has been doing its job.
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#bcpoli. In the wake of Victoria evicting John A Macdonald statue, reader in Ottawa sent along apt comment from the first PM Trudeau: “I do not think it is the purpose of a Government to right the past. It cannot re-write history. It is our purpose to be just in our time.".
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The system worked: registered to get vaccinated in five minutes just after 8 AM as advertised. For those surprised that I qualify as over 65, please be advised that the picture on my twitter account is from my high school year book.
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So national NDP leader says calling an election in mid-pandemic would be wrong. Cases are rising, people are afraid. Did he mention this to John Horgan when he was out here campaigning for BC branch last week?.
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“today we challenge ourselves to end street homelessness by 2015.” Newly elected Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson, Dec 8, 2008.
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John Rustad doesn't want to talk about it: at news conference Monday repeatedly asked, repeatedly ducks questions about his regrets over getting vaccinated, his 'so-called vaccine' comment and his view that it was a tool for population control.
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John Rustad wouldn't say if Brent Chapman would be in cabinet. First they'd have to let him out of his office. He was barricaded there while Conservatives accused Global TV's Grace Ke of trespass. For visiting campaign office in an election campaign.
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Yes, NDP platform mentions John Rustad twice as often as David Eby. Another telling detail: no mention whatsoever of what's-his-name, who won 2020 election, governed through the pandemic and left Eby a $6 billion budget surplus which he promptly spent.
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BC capital reels in white hell: city’s only snowblower booked to 2022. Neighborhood kid demands up front payment in bitcoin to shovel walk. Send mittens, scarves, junk food.
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Did not read offending op ed piece until this AM, when it had already been denounced by many colleagues. What struck me was that it was dead wrong. Canada has managed to incorporate diversity in a way that might teach other countries a thing or two.
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This explains a lot: New Democrats managed pandemic communications by "strict central control of messaging, actively discouraging any questioning or challenging of provincial health officer," Dr. Bonnie Henry.
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Six children die from the flu. CTV first reported 6 pm Tuesday, near as I can determine. Dr. Bonnie Henry did not confirm via media release until 5:57 pm Thursday. Issue not who got scoop but whether parents could/should have been warned sooner.
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“Convert to long-term rental or sell your units” -Premier David Eby advice to owners with multiple units in short term/vacation rental market in light of legislation introduced today.
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#bcpoli Theatre of the absurd. BC to Alberta: We don't want your oil. We'll stop it. Alberta to BC: You can't do that. We'll see you in court. Plus we'll cut off your oil. BC to Alberta: You can't do that. We'll see you in court.
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John Horgan advice on record gas prices: "Think before you hop in the car. Do you need to make that trip?" His masterstroke in 2017 was getting rid of bridge tolls. He understands why people need their cars. Has me wondering if he's losing his touch.
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Another proud moment for Horgan government: Surrey council, following NDP government lead, approves $10 application fee for information that belongs to the public.
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#bcpoli. BC Liberals were in office for two referendums by mail. The same safeguards against fraud that were in place then are in place now. Liberals making damn fools of themselves suggesting otherwise.
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Justin Trudeau's two-word answer to a four hour long ethical roasting from the former justice minister: "Stephen Harper.".
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First test of Kevin Falcon’s decision to change name of BC Liberals…and it is a fiasco.
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John Horgan claims first phase of museum makeover, research and collections building, is on time and on budget. His own government's budget documents show it is not: a year behind schedule and 27% over budget already.
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Bruce Banman recklessly accuses premier of sneaking to Ottawa to meet with PM. Eby was actually visiting his ailing mum in Toronto. There in a nutshell (metaphor intended) is why some voters might hesitate to support BC Conservatives.
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Premier Horgan: "I am one voice at the cabinet table." If you think guy who hires and fires ministers and who (to hear him tell it) singlehandedly called the election is only 1 voice, can I interest you in buying the dam under construction at Site C?.
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Protesters still blocking driveway and ceremonial entrance at legislature. I guess they have not gotten the news from federal and provincial governments about the allegedly "historic" and "breakthrough" agreement with the Wet'suwet'en.
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#bcpoli BC Liberals call it an "investment in education."Actually the unavoidable consequence of a humiliating loss in the courts. .
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John Horgan suggests he doesn't have a problem if people go to a cabin within their health region this weekend. Not my understanding of the stay local guidelines.
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Passing of a press gallery legend: Jim Hume died this morning in hospital in Victoria age 98. Columnist for Victoria Times Colonist for many years. Wrote a blog to the end. Generous mentor to me and many others. Thoughts to his six sons.
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BC legislature buildings closed to public for second week. But New Democrats decide to let some of the protesters come in To the buildings. Surprised, apparently, that they wouldn't leave. Have to call in the police. Your government in action.
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Hypocrisy on parade: while NDP promotes affordable housing, party president opposes project in his own, vacation back yard.
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New Democrats release schedule for museum replacement. Consultations, design begins in two years. Construction starts in four years. Why the rush to close existing facility by Sept. 6?.
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So New Democrats improved position in the three key ridings. If trend continues in Surrey-Guildford, they could flip the seat and end up with a bare majority of 47 seats.
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Amateur hour in legislature. New Democrats launch debate on Bill 7 without tabling promised amendment to remove offending section four. 30 minutes into debate government realizes it has screwed up. House in recess while government gets its act together.
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Premier John Horgan joining Dr. Bonnie Henry and Adrian Dix for COVID-19 vaccine briefing Wednesday. Horgan left media conferences to Henry and Dix when second wave was grim. Now that good news is at hand, he's seeking a piece of the action.
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Lisa Cordasco, Vancouver Sun, asked for one of interviews that Dr. Bonnie Henry was doing at year end. Never heard back. Shocked if government played favourites in granting interviews with Dr. Henry.
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Ex-Green leader Andrew Weaver says on Twitter that with Eby joining Singh in opposing carbon tax, he will be supporting John Rustad as the more trustworthy alternative. Also endorses Stephen Andrew, Conservative running in his former riding of Oak Bay.
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BC government gets 1st credit rating post-outbreak: DBRS confirms AA (high), stable outlook, same as 2019, despite deficit projected at 3.3% of GDP. Reflects underlying economic strength, fiscal discipline, entered downturn with strong balance sheet.
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David Eby claimed Selina Robinson ouster "joint decision." Not so. He pushed her out, made final call. No wonder she stayed away when he announced.
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#bcpoli John Horgan still insisting that most of the unknowns about the three systems will be decided by boundary commission. Not so: most will be decided by a committee where NDP and Greens will have a majority of the votes.
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Favourable showing for NDP in three ridings supports Chad Skelton analysis that these late votes skew NDP.
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rumor mill: bc election speculation now in overdrive. call as early as thursday of this week (voting day oct 15) to thursday of next week (oct 22). Will deny this tweet if it doesn't happen, bronze it for my memoirs if it does.
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David Eby promised “creative” solutions to problem of chronic offenders and random attacks. He’s announced a 120-day review by two experts. Perhaps the offenders and attackers can hold off for four months?.
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Quote of the week, maybe of the year, courtesy of Adrian Dix: "Be humble because I am telling you, wherever you are, Covid-19 doesn't care. It doesn't care about our speeches, it doesn't care how nice we are, it is relentless.".
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#bcpoli I have read the book that got Richard Zussman fired from CBC. Definitive account of incredible year in BC politics. Most news organizations would be proud. But not the CBC.
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Today marks the third anniversary of John Horgan taking the oath of office as premier of B.C. He has already outlasted most predictions (mine included) of how long his minority government would survive.
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Adrian Dix has fronted every COVID-19 update for since the beginning; strangely absent today. Left it to Dr. Bonnie Henry and her deputy to field questions about material in two leaked reports.
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One example among many: BC Railway still a going concern 20 years after all but 40km of track leased out to CN. 2 execs paid $500k between them to manage—what? Yet NDP says any attempt to rein in govt spending would mean firing nurses, teachers.
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#bcpoli. Gregor Robertson's legacy? Near total wipeout of his civic party in yesterday's election.
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John Horgan's botched economic recovery benefit: complaint after complaint about applicants told to provide more detail by mail, given 30 days to reply. Hardship for those who need the money, believed premier when he suggested it would be by Christmas.
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@DrJacobsRad Dr. Jacobs: thank you for this. Appreciate your willingness to file such a clear eyed report at the end of a long working day.
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Closing churches? Seattle mayor Ole Hanson did so in 1918. When pastors protested, he said: "Any religion that won't keep for a few weeks is not worth having." Reported in Seattle Times this Saturday.
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BC legislature closed to the BC public this morning. when house sits at 10 am it will do so without the public being allowed in to the public galleries. So it has come to this.
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Melanie Mark says $1 billion museum makeover will pay for itself. Did not see that cost accounting in the business plan but perhaps it is in one of the many passages that were redacted.
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breaking news on CKNW: the passing of George Garrett. legendary is over used in our business but never with him. And if George were here, he would have broken this news 20 minutes before everyone else.
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Bonnie Henry watch: Asked Friday what happens to public health orders that expire today. Wait for Tuesday she told reporters more than once. Then Monday new orders released with no explanation. After changes reported, gov't issues feeble rationalization.
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BC Ferries today reports first quarter results: traffic, revenue, net earnings all up. New Democrats nevertheless fired the CEO, at a cost of more than $1 million in severance. Clearly a political hit job by the premier's office.
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Fortescue withdraws plan to build $2 billion green hydrogen plant in Prince George. David Eby, having earlier endorsed project, now suggests departure is no big deal. like there are plenty of multi-billion-dollar investments where that came from?.
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BC breaks 200 cases for the first time. Can anyone doubt that this was the best possible timing for a provincial election?.
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US senate bill would allow Alaska cruises to bypass B.C. ports. Mar.24: John Horgan discounts bill as "blip" with "remote" chance of passing. May 13: Senate passes unanimously. Times Colonist Saturday: "US cruise ships step closer to bypassing Victoria.".
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As Dr. Bonnie Henry announces a shift to self-management on the pandemic, BC government fumbles, confuses communications.
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#bcpoli Senior legislature officers publicly humiliated, escorted from buildings by police, not charged, told nothing about accusations against them. Speaker and all 3 parties go along with this rough treatment. Public entitled to an explanation. None forthcoming.
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All that advance work for today's media conference on the schools: message boxes defined, Dr. Henry on hand, validators lined up. and nobody thought to provide the minister with a good answer for Lisa Cordasco question: "Where's the BCTF?".
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BC gets 2nd credit downgrade. Last week Fitch, this week S&P. Soaring deficit, debt blamed. John Horgan has repeatedly cited top-rank credit ratings as evidence of sound financial management. Finance Minister Robinson blamed Fitch downgrade on pandemic.
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The counting process: if political parties have any concerns, they are entitled by law to have representatives present.
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#bcpoli NDP government gets another glowing report from major credit agency. Moody's (1): Triple A rating, stable outlook, maintained. "Strong, diversified economy, ability to budget for surpluses, prudent fiscal management, fiscal policy flexibility.".
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Dr. Bonnie Henry suggests BC will open box, distribute rapid testing kits for home use: "Situation has changed. We're looking to repurpose kits we have here. looking at how we can do that now." Interview Thursday, Gregor Craigie, CBC On The Island.
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Moody's renews BC's top credit rating: triple a, stable outlook, best in Canada. This amid generally "negative" outlook for Canadian provinces "in view of fiscal effects of coronavirus as well as risks to economic growth, ongoing uncertainty.".
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BC United hasn't woken up to what is happening with electorate. Comms director tells Ian Bailey, Globe and Mail "BC Conservatives are a non-serious party who received 1.91 per cent of vote in 2020." File that for morning after next provincial election.
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Testing John Horgan claim of open government: Leaked BCCDC reports contain more pandemic detail than shared with public. West Moberly wins access to full Milburn report on Site C. Jobs ministry won't release business plan for $500 million investment fund.
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Horgan government announces strategy for hydrogen development in BC. When BC Liberals tried it -- hydrogen highway, hydrogen bus fleet -- Horgan, then in Opposition, called it "hydrogen hype.".
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Former NDP Premier Mike Harcourt says Eby government “setting aside years of local and regional plans” with “arbitrary, top-down changes in local zoning and development.” He and ex minister Marzari blast in today’s Vancouver Sun.
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Allan Fotheringham master of columns that were simultaneously devastating and funny. Last survivor of triumvirate that ruled BC political commentary from 70s to 90s: Jack Webster (CKNW, BCTV), Marjorie Nichols (Vancouver Sun) and Foth himself (Sun, Province, Maclean's).
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@tomhawthorn I love it that the engineering school in Milwaukee gave him an honorary degree, because Scotty had inspired so many young people to become engineers.
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#bcpoli Best taxes of all have misleading names: school tax does not go to schools; speculation tax does not actually target speculation; inheritance tax passed off as something else. Bridge tolls could have survived if they'd been called "child care support.".
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From same news conference where Eby flip flopped on carbon tax, he is flip flopping 2nd time on involuntary treatment. Aug 2022 running for NDP leadership, he favoured it. Once premier, he abandoned it. Now he's making an announcement Sunday on involuntary treatment.
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“I am one voice at the cabinet table,” says Premier. Yeah, right.
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@LazenbyAlec So they delay platform release to closing days of campaign, then have to change location twice and timing once. That should help dispel doubts about whether they are ready to govern, no?.
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John Horgan knew people needed to take precautions in heat wave: he, Dr. Henry and Dix talked about it before media conference Tuesday. But script called for a victory lap: and that's what Horgan took. Only later did he walk back comments on social media.
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Robo call to my home just now urges me to vote for Kennedy stewart for mayor of Vancouver. Did not know residents of Victoria could do that.
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John Horgan on BC health care waiting lists: "We need more cash from Ottawa it's as simple as that. PM and his team can't continue to pick and choose where they fund health care." Did Horgan say that to Jagmeet Singh before he signed power-sharing agreement?.
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The story so far: 1) John Horgan says "remote" chance US will pass legislation allowing cruise ships on Seattle-Alaska run to bypass BC ports. 2) US senate passes unanimously. 3) Horgan says it hasn't passed US house. 4) House passes as well. Next?.
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@j_mcelroy Fascinating to see Dr. Bonnie Henry's personal intervention to control the flow of information to the public: reminded of her refusal to cooperate with the investigation by the Seniors Advocate.
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#bcpoli On proportional representation, Horgan govt says look to many other jurisdictions that already use it and see how well it could work here. But does not make that argument on ride-hailing because BC is, er, "unique.".
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BC public service head Shannon Salter directs ministries to "embrace" workplace flexibility, expand work-from-home, including "full-time remote work." Come April 1, vacancies open to any one in "any community where ministry has existing office.".
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#bcpoli So to hear John Horgan tell it, LNG industry needs tax relief, BC LNG can help reduce emissions in China, no need for a moratorium on fracking, Site C power is needed and in any event project is past the point of no return. NDP version of BC Liberal clone speech?.
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New Democrats say unfair to ask them for relief from gas prices when Putin's fault. My guess people paying $2 plus per litre don't care about blame. They can't get at Putin so pressuring Horgan, who has repeatedly promised action on high gasoline prices.
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The silence of Murray Rankin: Adviser 1990s NDP gov't helped father BC landmark freedom of information law. Turns out he also sat on current cabinet committee that vetted amendments gutting aspects of FOI. Hasn't said 1 word of justification in legislature.
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Education Ministry says it reduced no. of students (only a half dozen) in back-to-school ad with Dr. Henry for "health and safety reasons." Ombudsman recently warned ministry to "certify in writing" all communications "accurate and not misleading." Oops!.
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#bcpoli. Fair vote BC: in 2009.referendum voters offered specific version of PR chosen independently and seat boundaries drawn independently. Unfair vote BC: in 2018 PR options chosen by politicians; no maps, more than 2 dozen working details deliberately withheld.
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Dr Bonnie Henry orders work reductions at Site C, LNG, TMX and other major projects. Order announced Dec. 23, dated Dec. 29. She cited COVID-19 concerns, numbers of returning workers, strains on northern health care system.
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