Now, for those of you who are undecided ... or in the Liberal camp because of fear ... I encourage you to ask yourself this question ...

The other day the following question was posted online:
"How can a 3 party system work when the socialist NDP garner a province wide 35+% vote consistently, and in most lower mainland ridings only lose seats by 100's of votes. PLEASE tell me how a three party system will work?"  

 

That's a good questions -- and definitely worthy of a response. 

 

I would have to say that it is then imperative for the remaining 65% to be EARNED by a party that clearly differentiates themselves from the herd in the center left.

 

The current BC Liberal government has really only shown themselves to be a 'slightly' slower moving version of the tax & spend / big government NDP.

 

BC Conservatives on the other hand have shown they do have a better common sense option.

 

Clearly it is up to voters to decide whether they wish to buy into the scare tactics of the BC Liberals, who in recent years have not had much in the way of positive government to offer. 

 

Or ... they can give a good look to the BC Conservatives who have put forward a platform of clearly defined policies using the common sense of British Columbian's.

 

I for one find it offensive the best that the BC Liberals have to offer as a reason to get our vote is ... "Vote for us, we're not the NDP" 

 

The next several years are indeed critical to BC --- so what do you say to the alleged 'balanced' budgets which nearly everyone believes to be untrue?

 

How do you feel about the BC Liberals adding a further $6.7 BILLION dollars to the provincial debt over the next 4 years (that's another 10% increase).  And how do you feel about the Liberals not even making an attempt to get debt under control and not 'starting' to pay it down until 15 years from now?

 

What we need, in my opinion, is better government accountability. 

 

We should have Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA's) who listen to the people who have elected them first and foremost (rather than having to do what the party says they must).  And ... we need government that says lets buckle down and figure out how to spend smarter -- not more. 

 

To me the option of both the Liberals and the NDP are, quite frankly, not really much of an option at all.

 

Neither one is willing to say YES to good resource development jobs that will create high paying jobs for our youth -- with the normal regulations that the environment ministry would call for (rather than listening to all the doom and gloom scenarios that have a billion and one chance of ever possibly happening.)

 

Let's stop training our young people for jobs that don't exist because of all the B.A.N.A.N.A. (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything) fear mongers. Right now ... many of our children and grand-children are having to leave BC, in droves, because there is no work for them here. 

 

That my friends is downright criminal! 

 

BC Conservatives are the FIRST provincial party I have ever joined -- and I only did less than 2 years ago AFTER seeing small 'c' conservatives could no longer support a lack of policies, principles, and leadership (in the BC Liberals Party) which I could support.

 

While we have been encouraged to do so, WHY on earth would we join any organization that does not fit with our ideals of small government, smarter spending, accountability and integrity.

 

The fact of the matter is I, and others, have been encourage by small 'c' conservatives within the (Liberal) party, to come over and join them in taking it over, and jettisoning the BIG "L" Liberals. I have to say, that does NOT sound very ethical to me.

 

If you believe in integrity and accountability in government, then join with others on our BC Conservative team, because those two things appear to not be on the radar of the BC Liberals.  They are not prepared to have discussion on them, and the proof is in their track record of recent years, which continues to this very day.  

 

Now, for those of you who are undecided ... or in the Liberal camp because of fear ... I encourage you to ask yourself this question:

 

"If it did not / would not lead to an NDP government, would you rather support the BC Liberals, or the BC Conservatives?"

 

I'm no mind reader but I think I have a good idea what your answer would be.

 

Now, consider asking your friends the same question, and see what they have to say.

 

There is one way to ensure we do not get subjected to more of the same we have had under the NDP and the BC Liberals.  Support the BC Conservatives, promote the BC Conservatives, get your friends and family to do the same.

 

There are MORE small 'c' conservatives, with a social conscience, out there than you realize.

 

Finally , and with all due respect to those who fear the only choice they have is between the NDP and the BC Liberals, remember this ... real change does not come from doing the same thing over and over again.

 

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops. 

 

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

"I believe John Cummins and I will take him at his word ... I will look after the concerns of my constituents over that of the party."

Kamloops South BC Conservative Peter Sharp

In a recent issue of Kamloops This Week, columnist Dale Bass took the position that no politician works in the best interests of their constituents, but instead slavishly follows the party line. 

Given recent political practice, it is not hard to see where such blatant cynicism comes from.  Nevertheless, the “tarred with same brush” approach is inherently unfair to those politicians who do genuinely work hard, often behind the scenes, for those they represent. 

I was recently asked what one change I would make if elected. This is what I had to say.

"…it would be to show the people of Kamloops South Thompson that government
really  can represent them.  We now have more and more people becoming apathetic,
and who no longer believe it makes any difference if they vote or not."

"I want them to see that they can have input into the decision making
process, and that government really can be accountable to them.”

 

With regard to the Ajax Mine project, I had a lengthy discussion with party leader John Cummins over how I, as a potential Conservative MLA, could (and should) handle the issue.  Here is my summary of that conversation:John Cummins told me that I should tell my constituents that when the environmental reports are released, to definitely consult with all constituents to seek their input. From the beginning, that is exactly what I have said I will do. 

I will not only do it on this issue, I will do it on any major issue of concern to the people of Kamloops South Thompson!"

I believe John Cummins and I will take him at his word.  I can state truthfully that I will do just that, I will look after the concerns of my constituents over that of the party.

Like Big Bird says: "One of these things just doesn't belong"

Big Bird, "One of these things is not like the other"

John Les, soon to be retired BC Liberal MLA, and former Minister of Small Business & Economic Development and Minister of Public Safety & Solicitor-General, spoke over the weekend to the financial well-being of British Columbia, under the Liberal government of Christy Clark.

Les stated, "British Columbians really don't want more debt.  I think at the end of the day they are going to choose the BC Liberal policies of balancing the budget, and keeping our spending under control."

He went on to say, "They (the NDP) would spend a lot more money, as government, than we have.  Now it's not easy to keep your spending under control ... it's also extremely important to keep your spending under control ... that's what we've been doing."

BC Liberals say the budget over the next three years will be balanced, and yet the estimated Total Provincial Debt for 2013 / 14 will be $62,689 billion --- that will rise to $69,428 by 2015/ 16 (see official BC Fiscal and Debt Summary). 

On the weekend I happened to have a chance to hear the opening remarks of Michael Campbell, from the program Money Talks. What he had to say really caught my attention.

Michael Campbell ("Money Talks" - April 6th, 2013)
"While it is our obligation to pay taxes, is there any obligation for governments to spend the money efficiently? We have a lot who don't think that's the case."

Now as I say, those words caught my attention.  That's because while the BC Liberal government is forecasting a SURPLUS budget this year of $197 million dollars, we're NOT hearing a word from them about the fact our total provincial debt will be rising to $62,689 BILLION dollars!

That's keeping spending under control?

British Columbians must indeed be wondering about the so-called 'under control spending' brought up by John Les on Saturday afternoon, as well as these additional words he had to say:

We appear to be at opposite ends on this; however that does allow us to have a frank and meaningful dialogue and discussion. That is as it should be

Just the other day I received an email from an individual with concerns for the environment, and dismayed by the BC Liberal governments decision to freeze the amount of the Carbon Tax for the next 5 years (should they be re-elected).

As many of you well know, the BC Conservative Party has long been opposed to the Carbon Tax, and it's non-identical twin the Pacific Carbon Trust.

Neither in my option, have done anything to protect the environment, or reduce our carbon footprint.  They have however, been a huge drain to the pockets of residents of BC -- especially those living in the interior and the north.  They have also pulled millions of dollars from the budgets of schools and hospitals -- money that would have been better spent in the classroom, or providing direct medical services.

I'd like to share the conversation I had, and encourage and invite you to let me know your thoughts:


Dear Peter Sharp, 

Backing off on the carbon tax and freezing it at current levels for 5 years does not demonstrate a meaningful commitment to meet our provincial Climate Action targets. 

On May 14, I will be voting for a candidate who shows strong leadership on climate change by committing to expand and increase the carbon tax. The resulting new revenue could be used to reduce emissions, create jobs, and diversify our economy. 

For more information on the three-point plan that makes sense to me, please visit http://www.betterfuturebc.ca . 

Please consider discussing this with your party’s leadership. 

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Gisela R



Good evening Gisela ... 

With all due respect, the carbon tax has always been nothing more than a TAX, false wrapped in phony mislabeled environmentally friendly re-cycled gift wrap. This was a TAX grab plain and simple, it has done little if anything to reduce our carbon footprint (which they said it was going to do), and it has unfairly penalized hundreds of thousands of people because of where they live.

Those with little or poor access to transit pay extra on gas and diesel to get to work ... those outside the lower mainland pay more to heat their homes because of the added carbon tax on gas and oil heating products ... and again those outside the lower mainland pay more for the goods they purchase for their families (groceries, clothing, furniture, etc) because of the increased shopping costs with the added burden of the carbon tax.

Economists and environmentalists alike have said it is little more than a sham and a scam.

You have my pledge to do everything I can to ensure we do our utmost to preserve and protect our environment, however supporting the Carbon Tax will certainly NOT be one of them. 

Sincerely
Peter Sharp,
BC Conservative Party candidate
Kamloops South Thompson  



Thanks for your response.  Obviously, we disagree quite strongly on this.  I personally believe that driving up the price of carbon is one of the most effective tools to reducing carbon use.  People buy more fuel-efficient cars every time the price of gas goes up, and that’s exactly the kind of behaviour change we need if we are to reduce our GHG emissions. 

What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

Recently I was contacted by Rajeshwari (Raj), Managing Editor, for Insight, a publication with Glacier Media Group. Insight is a bi-monthly regional publication that highlights the Indo-Canadian lifestyle and community.

The reason he contacted me, was to ask if I would provide responses to a number of questions he was posing to other candidates in our area.  I was delighted to have the opportunity, and I have decided to also share these responses with you today. 


l. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?  

It would be natural to answer this with what most people would expect to hear; that would be the protection of Health Care, Education, and Social Services.  These are certainly very important, however there is something else which I believe tops all others -- that is the issue of accountability and integrity in government.

This is not something new, but with all the scandals plaguing the BC Liberal government, it is once again at the forefront for many people.  Words are easy to say, and I too have been accused of issuing 'motherhood statements'; however I know the principles and commitment of BC Conservative members -- MLA's are first and foremost to represent the wishes of the people who have elected them to office.

This is something which I take very seriously, and something which was just re-enforced to me again in a personal way by our party leader John Cummins when he was recently in Kamloops. 

I believe in the everyday common sense of British Columbian's, and it is that common sense that will go with me to Victoria when I am elected.


2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province? 

If there was just one single major change I could make, that would be to be able to show the people of Kamloops South Thompson that government really can represent them.  We now have more and more people becoming apathetic, and who no believe it makes any difference if they vote or not.  

I want them to see that they can have input in to the decision making process, and that government really can be accountable to them. 


3.  What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate? 

Kamloops is my home by choice, and it is where my family and I have resided for over 20 years. 

I have served my community as a policeman, a city councilor, a member of the Thompson Nicola Regional District board of directors, as chairman of our regional hospital district board, plus 15 other committees and local non-profit community groups and organizations. 

Through these opportunities I have been able to put my own personal skills to use in a number of ways.  More importantly however, I have learned from others how to better serve my community by seeking out the wisdom of others, and then putting that knowledge to practical use. 

Now retired, I believe I have the time, the energy and the desire to be the elected 'representative' for the people of Kamloops South Thompson. 


4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the "ethnic" vote like Indo-Canadians?  

We are all Canadians -- we are all British Columbian's.  Some of us have lived here for several generations, and some are relative new-comers who will have the opportunity to add to, and become part of, the growing fabric of our province. 

There is no one individual, or ethnic group, that should be singled out for a special focus by unethical backroom manipulators within some political party's.  To do so, in my opinion is one of the most disrespectful things that a political party can do.  


5.  What is the most important issue facing in your riding today?

There are a number of important issues for our riding, however I believe the biggest is the problems confronting Doctors, Nurses, and other front-line workers and staff at Royal Inland Hospital. 

We now have a situation where the top 13 administrators of the Interior Health Authority are earning $3.3 million dollars a year -- an average of a quarter of a million dollars each.  In fact, there are over 2,600 people in administrative and executive roles, who are supervising a staff of 18,000.  One for every 7 people seems a little excessive to me, and I think we would be better served by having more front line people.

Meantime will have an aging hospital that had an entire operating room closed and its equipment removed -- 100s of beds closed ... patients being looked after in hallways, and an Emergency Room that itself is in a state of emergency time and time again. 

We need to, I believe, listen to the people providing the most direct level of service to see how things can be improved, where changes need to be made, and how we can get more doctors and nurses into the interior, northern and rural communities that are desperately under-served.  


Do you have a question you'd like an answer to?  I'd like to encourage you to contact me; I'll do my very best to provide you with an answer. 

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops. 

I'm Peter Sharps -- I'm a BC Conservative -- and "I Believe In BC!"

"13 top ranking executives with Interior Health Authority earning over $200 thousand dollars per year" ... average salary is a quarter million dollars

Public sector salaries in government Crown Corporation and Agencies continue to rise across the province -- including within the Interior Health Authority (IHA). 

News out today shows that there are currently 13 top ranking executives with the Interior Health Authority now earning over $200 thousand dollars per year. 

The lowest is making in excess of $218 thousand dollars a year ... the highest, over $355 thousand.  These executives are making a combined total of $3.3 million dollars a year. 

While all this happen, Premier Christy Clark continues to enjoy her taxpayer funded photo-op tour of the province making announcements of 'far-in-the-future' projects that will never see the light of day. 

The Interior Health Authority, responsible for Royal Inland Hospital, has overseen the closure of a fully equiped operating theater, hundreds of beds, the reduction of front-line workers, and a never ending litany of 'emergencies' within its' own ER. 

In recent weeks, we have had ER Doctors on the record saying just how bad things are.  The emergency room, and the hospital, regularly runs at over 100% capacity. 

I have heard from one person after the other praising doctors, nurses, and other front-line staff for making a valiant effort under what has to be extremely trying conditions.   How can the staff of RIH perform their duties when the ER is continuing overcapacity, and patients have beds in hallways. 

The latest Public Sector Salary Report now shows the Interior Health Authority with a total of 26 hundred and twenty two (2,622) people in administrative roles -- that for 18,500 doctors, nurses, and other front line workers.

Our BC Liberal government is transitioning from being called on for its ethical actions -- to now becoming a nationwide joke

Sadly, our current BC Liberal government is transitioning from being called on for its ethical actions -- to now becoming a nationwide joke. 

Today in the National Post, people across the country are reading an article entitled: "Dear Diary: Christy Clark apologizes for smallpox, Head Tax, seagulls"

Monday: Ethnic scandal — bah! I don’t even consider this a setback.

If the East Indians and the Chinese won’t play ball, it just means we’ll just have to double-down on our strategies for mental patients, the elderly, gays, cyclists, baristas, MySpace users and black dwarves under 40.

There’s also the hipster vote: I think we can score a few ridings around East Vancouver if we convince them to vote for us ironically.

And get me some natives. The pleasant ones; not the blockade-y kind.

CLICK HERE to read the rest

Stories and articles like this, can only come about when the people no longer have a belief that government is serving anyone but themselves.

I hope you will join us on the campaign trail, as OUR BC Conservative Party puts forward one planks after the other, in a platform focused on returning accountability, and common sense, to government.

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops!

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

Says Peter Sharp: "You say tomato, I say tomahto"

News today from Statistics Canada shows that BC unemployment is now at 6.3 percent – expect the BC Liberal Party to shout that from the rooftops.

 

“There really has been no change from last month. We lost thousands of jobs a month ago – and this month, statistically at least, it seems those people are employed again.”

 

The figures noted are from the latest survey results by Statistics Canada, but they tell a different tale than what BC Stats indicates on page #2 of the latest BC Monthly Labour Force Data.

 

“I really don't see anything in the most recent information that should give the BC Liberals anything to take credit for, in fact I suggest the best thing to do would be silent.”

 

“BC Stats shows that actual unemployment for February 2013 is sitting at 6.7 percent. In fact, if you look over the record of unemployment in BC, over the past decade, it too remains little changed. We have a 10 year average of 6.4 percent.” 

 

Will the current Kamloops BC Liberal MLA's, Kevin Krueger and Terry Lake, be able to make this spin in a way that looks good for the current government? 

 

"For all intensive purposes, both Statistics Canada and BC Stats are in agreement; there has been little or no change to employment in BC during the past month – and in fact over the past decade. I honestly don't see any good news with those numbers.”

 

“The line we all recall goes 'You Say Tomato -– I say Tomahto'.  That's what it seems we have here."

 

The BC Conservative Party is one with a clear common sense vision for our province. In the lead up to the 2013 provincial election, the BC Conservative Party will continue to release major policy planks – which will be part of a fully-costed election platform.

 

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops. 

I'm Peter Sharp ... I'm a BC Conservative ... and I BELIEVE in BC.

BC Conservatives will release their election-platform Budget and Fiscal Framework

STAY TUNED ... I am delighted to let you know that the BC Conservative Party will unveil "the most comprehensive, detailed" pre-election budget framework in provincial history. It takes place next Tuesday --- see the following:


LANGLEY, BC, MAR. 1, 2013 - The BC Conservatives will release their election-platform Budget and Fiscal Framework, for the years 2013 /14 through to 2017 /18, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, on Tuesday, March 5, at 10:30 am.

The Budget Framework provides an extremely detailed projection of government revenues and expenditures under a BC Conservative government. It also fulfills the BC Conservatives' long-standing pledge to repeal the Carbon Tax.

Moreover, unlike the recent BC Liberal Budget, which covers just a three-year period, the BC Conservatives' five-year plan extends through to the 2017 general election - thereby covering the entire mandate of the next provincial government.

"This is the most-comprehensive and detailed election-platform Budget Framework ever seen in British Columbia," said party leader, John Cummins. "We promised that we would present voters with a fully-costed platform - and we've delivered.

I will have more on this following the announcement on Tuesday ... Peter Sharp

The leadership of this government no longer seems to have any idea, of what is acceptable, and what is not.

The leadership of this government no longer seems to have any idea,  of what is acceptable, and what is not.

 

For Immediate Release: February 28, 2013

 

KAMLOOPS:  News stories today have again provided British Columbians with insight into why the BC Liberal government, nearing the end of their mandate, is so low in voter support.

One headline after the other has shouted one variation or other, of this one chosen by Global TV; "B.C. Premier Christy Clark apologizes, launches inquiry over government ethnic vote plan"

"While I am glad to see Premier Christy Clark has made the apology, we are all well aware it never would have been made if the government had not been found out.", commented Kamloops South Thompson BC Conservative candidate Peter Sharp.

This is just one more example, of the misuse of taxpayer resources; one which again shows Christy Clark's government is out of control, and NOT being accountable to us.

Sharp continued, "This of course raises, once again, the taxpayer funded partisan ads the BC Liberals are running.  These too, I believe, are something Christy Clark's BC Liberals also owe an apology for."

Nearly everyone, with the exception of BC Liberals backroom handlers, are in agreement these ads are wrong. 

"I believe given the partisan nature of this $16 million dollar government advertising campaign, it should in fact be fully paid back to taxpayer ... by the BC Liberal Party."

Day in and day out the people of Kamloops are saying, "The leadership of this government, and even some of its MLA's (including Kamloops South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger), no longer appear to have any idea of what is acceptable, and what is not.  Their time has come and gone."

"Voters in Kamloops, who believe in government accountability and integrity, should know they have an alternative in the BC Conservatives." Sharp concluded.

Contact:
Peter Sharp, Candidate
Kamloops South Thompson
Phone: (250) 319-5336