The defeat of independent MLAs John van Dongen and Bob Simpson will be a serious loss to our province. They were sometimes more effective in drawing attention to flaws in government policy than the official Opposition.
Van Dongen’s relentless pursuit of truth concerning the B.C. Rail deal and the $6-million payout for the Basi-Virk legal fees is well known.
Recently he took a firm stand against Vancouver’s waste-to-energy plan.
Bob Simpson worked hard to prevent government gifting of thousands of acres of forests to giant companies. He also vigorously opposed the Pacific Carbon Trust which has siphoned off hospital and school funds and given them to corporations.
Not constrained by a party whip, they were free to speak on behalf of all British Columbians. Who will now battle for us when the Liberals discontinue money-saving programs like the Therapeutics Initiative? Government MLAs will be muzzled by the party whip.
We don’t know yet what NDP members will be instructed to focus on. Has the time come when all of us need to acquire the boldness and will to represent our views and concerns directly to the government?
Art Martens
