The startling reversal of Christy Clark’s interests, as expressed in the June 22 Throne Speech, is more than just curious. In her contrived innocence she seems to have just discovered the needs of the citizens she has represented for years. Now, in a desperate attempt to hold onto her premiership, she is saying she thinks these are good ideas and there is money for them… money that has somehow magically became available in the last month.
I know, for many, our legislature seems precarious, but none of us have any experience with legislative parties working together. Indeed, on May 10 Christy stated that she learned from the election, “what the voters want is all parties working together.” Stunning that someone who has been working in the provincial government since 2001, just now figured out not only what voters want, but what her job is: to work with other MLAs to take care of the province for its citizens, not solely for corporations wanting to harvest profits.
If seats had represented the popular vote in this last election, Greens would have had 15 seats, and the NDP and Liberals would have each had 36 seats. So perhaps the new legislature will come closer to bringing forth bills truly representative of the people of B.C.
We will see if Ms. Clark continues to understand “what the voters want is all parties working together” once she is no longer premier. I am certain she will be under extreme pressure from the large corporations who have given millions of dollars to her party and her party base, both of whom she has now alienated.
However, I believe Ms. Clark’s insight expressed in her throne speech should bode well for B.C. and the current legislature.
Lois Eaton
Qualicum Beach
