Student Debt: The Next Bubble to Burst?
During this fall’s legislative session the provincial government introduced legislation to simplify the student loan application process. Included in the legislation was an amendment to the “Infant Act” which will allow students who are minors to get a student loan without a parent or guardian’s guarantee. continue reading
November 2, 2011The Unsustainable Job Plan
A fundamental shift occurred when Premier Clark announced her job plan. She placed BC’s economic future squarely on the shoulders of unsustainable resource extraction industries, while diminishing the role sustainable resource sectors can play in job creation.
Ultimately, mining and oil & gas extraction are unsustainable continue reading
September 14, 2011It’s Disposable Income, Stupid
During the 1992 election, Bill Clinton won the U.S. Presidential race in part due to his election slogan: “It’s the economy, stupid.” The point being that the critical focus of a President (and hence the U.S. Government) should be on creating a robust economy which creates continue reading
July 21, 2011Bio-Economy
Back in April of this year I began lobbying the government to investigate how BC can take advantage of the rising ”bio-economy” because I believe we can be world leaders in it; creating new investment opportunities, jobs and community benefits from new industries while supporting and enhancing our continue reading
July 20, 2011Trickle Down or Shake Down?
By happenstance I put on a Bruce Cockburn CD last night while I was thinking about how to capture my thoughts on the recent U.S. debate over their debt ceiling and a report issued by the Conference Board on income inequality in Canada.
The title for continue reading
June 29, 2011Austerity Measures in Our Future?
It’s hard to watch the images of the rioting in Greece and not feel like I’m watching a rerun of the Canucks riot in Vancouver; the images of riot gear clad police fighting against mostly young people involved in damaging public and private property are eerily continue reading
June 15, 2011The HST Debacle Continues
During the short legislative session I raised the possibility that the HST Referendum would be interrupted by a mail strike and that a strike of any length may create the possibility of a legal challenge to the referendum outcome on the grounds that Elections BC could continue reading
June 2, 2011HST – Information for you
For further information regarding the HST, please visit the following websites:
Access to the independent panel report, information on the government’s proposed changes to HST, and more.
Information from the provincially funded group opposing the HST: www.fighthst.com
Information from the provincially funded group promoting staying continue reading
May 13, 2011Ranching
The Ranching community has been struggling for some time. While it’s good news that prices appear to be firming up, the industry has multiple challenges that need to be addressed to ensure it will continue to be a viable industry for generations to come. Recently, I supported continue reading
May 9, 2011Agriculture: Meat Regulations
I continue to work with the Ministries of Health and Agriculture to ensure that the new meat processing regulations continue to be adjusted and adapted to meet the real needs of local processors. Recently, I worked collaboratively with the government to get some adjustments to the continue reading
May 4, 2011Agriculture: Cattlemen’s Agri-Recovery Request & Predator Control
I’ve written a letter of support to the Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources asking the provincial government to support the BC Cattlemens Association’s request for an Agri-Recovery program for British Columbia. I’ve also asked for funding for a more robust continue reading
March 23, 2011Politicizing the Budgeting Process
If a federal election is called this week, British Columbians will be in the untenable position of having both a provincial and federal budget that have neither been debated nor voted on. Both governments will be operating on interim finance measures; able to spend taxpayer’s money continue reading
March 3, 2011The Answers Lie in Rural BC
I’m glad the Liberal leadership race is over; maybe we can get back to governing now, starting with a real budget as soon as possible.
I wish Premier-designate Clark well and am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. I’m eager to see the continue reading