Freedom of 'choice' in political donations of time, and money ... "Mr Friedman, is that something BC New Democrats agree with?”

“Strong-arm tactics” ... “Political shakedown”  

 

That’s what two British Columbia business leaders are calling an NDP fund-raising letter asking for a $5,000 “donation” to party coffers. In an April 20, 2013 Globe and Mail article, BC businessmen stated that they were on the receiving end of a not-so-subtle letter noting that these businesses had donated to the Liberal Party in the past. 

 

The underlying message seems to be—when we assume power, we’re going to remember our friends. The NDP have other friends —big unions.  

 

I'd like to ask fellow candidate Tom Friedman, if he can explain why he is fine with the BC Government Employees Union (BCGEU) leadership actively promoting the NDP in this election — and sending their members’ dues to the NDP election war chest? 

 

They have urged all their members to commit to volunteer on NDP candidate campaigns.  Has his party leader, Adrian Dix, not stated several times recently, that he is in agreement that unions and big business should not be donating to political party’s? 

 

Frankly, union members should not be pressured to support one particular party, but rather, be encouraged to contribute time or money according to their own individual political preference. 

 

The BC Conservative Party believes in freedom of choice in political donating, whether it is volunteer time or campaign contributions. Conservatives - through policy, principles and platform - have pledged to ban corporate and union donations, and allow only individuals to donate to political parties. 

 

We need a fresh approach to politics in this province, and we need an approach that does not put pressure on businesses ,or union members, to support one party over another. 

 

Mr. Friedman, is that something the BC New Democrats agree with? 

 

Political parties shouldn’t be in anyone’s 'pocket. -- it’s about freedom of choice. That’s a value that the BC Conservative Party stands for.  

 

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops. 

 

I'm Peter Sharp -- I'm a BC Conservative -- and I BELIEVE in BC!