I’m concerned that many British Columbians are more focused on “change” for the sake of change rather than electing the party most likely to foster job creation and financial stability.
Our province’s resource endowment has always been a mainstay of both jobs and the generation of revenues needed to fund social programs. From what I have seen and heard, an NDP government would rev-up spending while stymieing resource development through endless environmental reviews or by just saying “no,” driving investment to other provinces and other countries.
We need new mines and gas fields, pipelines, refineries, ports and processing plants to replace jobs lost by tech change and by events like the pine beetle catastrophe
Economic development and the protection of the environment are not mutually exclusive. Yes, we must be good stewards of our beautiful province, but we do have the technology to move the economy forward in an environmentally responsible manner.
We also need to focus on balancing the provincial budget, rather than taking money away from social programs to fund rising interest costs.
Have the Liberals done everything right? Certainly not. The introduction of the HST by the Campbell government was badly handled.
And while there is a natural inclination for people to vote to change long-governing parties, it’s important not to let the NDP sleepwalk to victory without thinking about which party is likely to create jobs and not burden today’s young people with a mountain of debt.
I’m not asking that you agree with me, only that you think through the full consequences of your choice carefully. And then get out and vote on May 14.
Gwyn Morgan, Victoria
Editor’s note: Gwyn Morgan is a retired businessman who lives in the Greater Victoria region. He is the former chair of SNC Lavalin, and is a director on the boards of several other large corporations, including EnCana Corporation. He has served as an advisor to Christy Clark.
