To the editor:
I am writing regarding Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod’s comments about local support for federal Conservative policies on economic development in story, headlined Cathy McLeod surveys resources issues, on page A5 of the Jan. 16 edition of the 100 Mile House Free Press.
McLeod’s comments are the usual Conservative mix of spin and half truths. There were about 1,000 returns out of a riding population of about 120,000 of which 600 were in favour of Conservative policies, which is less than a 1/10th of a per cent.
If one were to count households, then we have a return rate of about one per cent. That is not local support anymore than 40 per cent of the federal vote is a mandate.
Maybe the Conservatives need to go back to school and study some math.
Furthermore, the last questionnaire handed out by our MP asked a question about pipelines specifically and not economic policies generally. Poles quoted on Global News state that 60 per cent of British Columbians oppose the pipeline, while McLeod appears to be aiming to make it look like that 60 per cent of B.C. (or at least this riding) support the pipelines.
The timing of the poll is also suspicious. If an unfavourable outcome is expected, the poll during the holiday season when the general population has other things on its collective mind.
The 600 positive returns quoted are probably from people working for the Conservatives or vested interests.
Frank Hinz
Lone Butte
