We believe in our people – and the willingness of the vast majority to be daring – in seeking solutions to the challenges which will face us

The election campaign is in its' final hours.  After everything you have heard from them, I ask; “Are either the BC Liberals, or NDP parties you believe should govern our province?”

 

Again, the questions asks if they “should govern” – not if they “can govern”.

 

Late last week both the NDP and Liberals ran full-page ads, in the same edition of the Kamloops Daily News, which attacked and tore each other down.

 

This is what THEY DO, rather than giving YOU a positive choice and option to support and vote for.  So here is the choice, which I ask you consider; the BC Conservative Party which instead wishes to build up the people of BC. 

 

I freely admit we do not have all of the answers, to the many questions and issues which face our province.  However, we welcome the opportunity to enter a dialogue -- with you – so that WE can work together for the betterment of our province.

 

We believe in our people – and the willingness of the vast majority to be daring in seeking solutions to the challenges which will face us in the coming months and years ahead. 

 

We believe in our potential … and we believe in our future as a province that can lead the country in jobs, prosperity, in working together to create new opportunities for the next generation which follows us, and in ensuring we lend a hand to those in need.

 

Tomorrow you have a choice.  

 

Do we want more of the same from the BC Liberals and NDP ... or a return to accountability in government. 

 

The polls seem to show that the vast majority of British Columbians; our seniors ... our families ... our children ... and small business people, are looking for an alternative and a return to government that gets down to the basics of good governance. 

 

The BC Conservatives are that alternative.  The alternative for smaller government, less taxes, and real family supporting job creation. 

 

I commit to you, that as your MLA, I will fight to control wasteful government spending. Government does not need to spend more … it does not need to spend less … it simply needs to cut waste and spend smarter.

 

To do that, I'm counting on your support.

 

I ask you to vote Peter Sharp, and together we can build a better BC to live, work and raise a family.

 

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

 

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!

Change for the better will not come from taxing and spending more -- as BOTH the Liberals and NDP have proposed.

Last night was the CBC / Kamloops Daily News all-candidates forum.  From coverage in the newspapers today one would be hard pressed to know that BC Conservatives attended, and actually had some important comments to make, but that's life.

Regardless, I would like to provide you with the opening and closing statements I made last night.

INTRODUCTION  

Good evening, and thank you for being here tonight.  

 

Earlier this year Terry Lake was quoted saying:  “What we do see, as we get closer to election, is that people are understanding what the BC Conservatives are all about ...”

 

Terry's implied threat, was there was something to be concerned about. 

 

Well let me tell you one thing here and now -- he knows that his implied statement was completely without a scrap of truth. 

 

In fact ... because WE BELIEVE IN BC ... and the people of BC ... I am proud to say our beliefs, principles and policies differ greatly from the BC Liberal Party. 

 

WE - as BC Conservatives - believe in clearly defined policies and programs that are affordable, effective, and accountable to each one of you.  

 

We believe you are entitled to full knowledge of the services government provides ... AND what they cost. 

 

After all ... how else can any of us know if we are getting good value? 

 

WE -- as BC Conservatives --  believe that our provincial government must operate with the highest standards of integrity and transparency.  

 

And we believe that governments at all levels ... are responsible to serve, and respect, all individuals and their families.  

 

In a matter of minutes I am sure that Kamloops South BC Liberal Todd Stone, will repeat Christy Clarks claim that top bond rating agencies have declared her budget as one which is balanced. 

 

That is a NOT true. 

 

Helmut Pastrick, the chief economist of Central One Credit Union says Moody's and other credit rating agencies examine budget projections ... they DO NOT verify them as balanced ... or not balanced. 

 

In fact, Queen University economist Donald Drummond, said Moody's actually raised concerns about the government hitting its balanced target. 

 

The provincial budget in February came with a 'claim' it was balanced ... but how does that square with a report from BC Statistics?  

 

Under this so-called balanced budget, BC Stats showed a further $6.7 billion in debt was about to be added -- another 10% increase -- over the four year budget projections presented in the legislature. 

 

I am proud to say I am a BC Conservative --- I am proud to say I BELIEVE in BC --- and I am proud to say that using common sense, WE CAN do better. 

 

Change for the better will not come from taxing and spending more -- as BOTH the Liberals and NDP have proposed.  

 

Instead it will come from getting back to basics and learning to spend smarter. 

 

I will come from MLA's who are truly free to be accountable to, and vote the wishes of, the people they represent. 

 

I HAVE the authority to do exactly that, by my party, and by my leader John Cummins.   

 

And ... I can assure you this is NOT a statement which either BC Liberal Todd Stone, OR the NDP's Tom Freidman, will be able to make to you.

Now for your entertainment ... "A conversation with Christy Clark and John Martin"

One day (one year apart), now BC Liberal candidate John Martin*, and BC Premier Christy Clark, had a conversation**.

 

For your entertainment, I now present this piece of satire entitled, "A conversation with Christy Clark and John Martin"

 

Christy Clark:
"So why is it if it wasn't okay for Jim and Mavis Clark to leave me and my brothers with a debt, why is it okay for our government to leave our kids with a debt?" 

 

JOHN MARTIN:

"The Liberal government has failed the people of British Columbia and has squandered trust with the public ..." 

 

Christy Clark:

"When you get into this borrow, spend, tax cycle, it's a trap." 

 

JOHN MARTIN:

"The best way to hold Christy Clark and the BC Liberal government accountable is by voting for the BC Conservatives ..." 

 

Christy Clark:

"I thought about what that mother was feeling for her daughter.  She aspired for her daughter. She made sacrifices to put that little girl in that dress. And to make sure that little girl would have an experience of life that she never had." 

 

JOHN MARTIN:

"I can’t think of a more crass decision (by Christy Clark) in the name of electioneering in light of this upcoming by-election." 

 

Christy Clark:

"Do we want to create a prosperity fund for our children that will mean over $100 billion over 30 years, $4 to $8 billion in new revenue every year? Because if we do that, we will surely be changing the future for our children." 

 

JOHN MARTIN:

" … a vote for the BC Conservatives is vote to send  Christy Clark’s Liberal government a message that people are tired of failed Liberal policies." 

 

Christy Clark:

"This is, have no doubt about it, going to be a hard-fought, close election. But every election can be won. But this one is one that must be won. Our kids are depending on all of us." 

 

JOHN MARTIN:  

“It is quite clear that the government is desperately trying to buy votes in this upcoming by-election with taxpayers’ money." 

 

MARTIN CONCLUDED:

"I have a simple message: if you want a common sense Conservative, vote Conservative.”

 

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops.

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

 

* in April 2012 John Martin ran ,against the Liberals, as a BC Conservative Party candidate
** Please note, all quotes are accurate, and attributable to the person named.

Your participation in the democratic process is something no union, or political party, should take for granted.

Do we need to get big business and big labour out of political parties?

Most British Columbians seem to think, so if polls are right.

Unfortunately however the 'leadership' of the BCGEU fails to understand this, as they continue to promote and work for the NDP.

Is this something the individual membership the BCGEU has had a chance to approve?  A number of members, who have contacted me, say not.

Government should be there for the betterment of all people -- the leaders of the BCGEU however seem to think it is there to push their own personal agenda, as this portion of an email from them, promoting their "BCGEU Votes" campaign shows:
" ... up for discussion is everything from voter registration to the importance of electing a government that shares our values ... it is time for a change (part of NDP campaign slogan) ... we have the power to bring about change on May 14 ... get involved in this election ... offer to volunteer on a local election campaign. Whether it’s putting up signs, knocking on doors, or working the phones, there is plenty of work to be done.

... labour movement has won many gains at the bargaining table. But some gains can only be won at the ballot box. Between now and May 14 let’s work hard and elect a government that understands our values and will build a province of which we can all be proud ..."

The BC Conservative Party has put forward a platform that will benefit all British Columbians across the social-economic scale --- and in particular promote the kind of development that will require thousands of skilled union workers.
The NDP meantime have put forward positions that will stifle good high paying union jobs -- and yet the BCGEU calls them the friends of labor.

How does that make sense?

I'd like to encourage all voters to look closely at the platforms of each party -- and then make an informed decision.

Your vote does count -- your vote is important -- and your participation in the democratic process is something no union, or political party, should take for granted.

See what each of the party's has to offer -- investigate for yourself what each of them stands for -- and then decide which best suits your own personal beliefs.

BC Conservative Party: http://www.bcconservative.ca/what-we-stand-for/election-platform/

 

BC Liberal Party: http://www.bcliberals.com/news/in-the-news/ourPlan

 

BC NDP: http://www.bcndp.ca/ ... they do not appear to have platform posted to their website

 

BC Green Party: http://www.greenparty.bc.ca/green_book_2013

 

It is rather unfortunate that the BC NDP have not seen fit to have their policies and platform online.  I will leave it up to you to decide on why that may be the case.

I hope that our BC Conservative policies will resonate, in a positive way, with you.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at the campaign office at 324 Victoria Street in Kamloops.  You can also call the campaign office at (778) 471-4335.

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



FOLLOW-UP:
Since posting this late last night, the Globe and Mail has a piece online from Gary Mason: "NDP letter asking for donations has some businesses seeing red".  This letter is just one more reason for the call to have only 'individuals (not business or unions) to be the ones to support the party's they believe in:

NDP Leader Adrian Dix likes to talk about a balanced approached to governing. It now appears that philosophy extends to fundraising as well.

Some members of the B.C. business community are questioning the message they say is embedded in a fundraising letter that the New Democrats have been sending out to people who have financially supported only the B.C. Liberals in the past.

The missives are being sent out under the name of Jan O’Brien, provincial secretary of the party, but Mr. Dix’s imprimatur is prominent. The letter begins by informing the recipient that building a relationship with the business community is a top priority of the NDP Leader. It talks about how the prospective B.C. premier believes a strong private sector is key to economic development in the province – in other words, he is not a wild-eyed advocate of the communist collective.

And just so the recipients understand they would not be the first business leaders to make such a donation, the communique makes it clear that Mr. Dix has appreciated the support he’s received from other members of the financial sector. In an attempt to dispel any concern that an NDP government would favour unions, the letter says a Dix administration would include everyone at the table.

Then Ms. O’Brien gets to the point.

The letter documents the donation total that the recipient – or his or her company – has made to the Liberal Party over a specified number of years.
“It is our hope that you will adopt a balanced approach to your support in the lead up to the election in May,” it states. “I am asking your organization to make a contribution in the range of $5,000 now to show your commitment to a balanced approach to government.”

It then provides a link to a secure website where the person can immediately make a contribution.

At another time, those receiving a letter of this nature might have thought nothing of it. But in the context of the current election, one in which the New Democrats are decided favourites, it takes on a different hue.

Those getting such a dispatch might be forgiven for thinking they were being sent a pointed directive: We know who you are, we know who you’ve supported in the past, and it might be wise given the current political environment if you made a little donation to our party.

“You could say this is normal politics or you could say it’s a not-so-subtle strong-armed tactic,” said one business person who received the letter but did not want his name used. “[It’s implying], ‘You have never supported us before, but we’re going to win, and we will remember who did and who did not help us this time.’”

Another business person characterized the letter as a “political shakedown.”
It will not surprise you that the NDP says that was not the intent at all. The letter was simply intended, Ms. O’Brien told me, to reach out to corporations that have shown in the past they are willing to donate to political parties to see if they would consider the NDP.

“As part of the democratic process, political parties fund their campaigns with political donations,” Ms. O’Brien said. “But people have a choice, absolutely. We’ve just asked them to take a balanced approach to campaign donations.”
But that’s not what the letter says. It effectively states that the company should donate to the NDP as well as the Liberals in the name of taking a “balanced approach to government” – not campaign donations. Ms. O’Brien did not seem completely comfortable trying to explain what the letter meant in that regard. Or that it implies that people shouldn’t have a choice – that they should donate to both main parties.

And, of course, that’s wrong. People should be able to donate to whomever they want, and they certainly shouldn’t be leaned on by officials of parties that may soon take office and told that they should send some cash their way.

If there is any good news in all this, it’s the fact that should the NDP form government, it has vowed that donations from corporations and unions will be outlawed. Let’s hope letters such as the one Ms. O’Brien authored will be a thing of the past as well.

I challenge my BC Liberal opponent Todd Stone to tell the people of Kamloops South Thompson ... 'How will BC Liberals get any different fiscal result from not making any kind of real change?'

Today BC Liberal Premier Christy Clark told voters here in Kamloops, and around the province, that we are headed in to the “the most important election in modern history”.

 

I couldn't agree with her more! 

 

The writ has finally been dropped, and I'm sure it is a relief to all British Columbians, because several key things seem to be weighing heavily on the minds of people here in our Kamloops South Thompson riding.

 

BC debt to rise additional $6.7 Billion under Liberals

The Liberal Platform doesn't address the financial problems which THEY have created, and banking on the possibility of future billions of revenues from liquefied natural gas is a risky bet. 

 

BC Liberals still fail to understand government has to learn how to spend smarter!

 

I think the BC Liberals need to take one of the 'Game Sense' suggestions, from the BC Lottery Corporation, to heart.

Wondering if you can win back losses by playing more? It's possible, but unlikely. Chances are the more you play, the more money you'll lose. "Chasing losses" almost always leads to bigger losses.

 

If I apply that to BC Liberal fiscal planning and management, then it says to me, "Doing things the same way gets the same results!"

 I challenge my BC Liberal opponent Todd Stone to tell the people of Kamloops; 'How will BC Liberals get any different fiscal result from not making any kind of real change?

 

BC Liberals say the budget over the next three years will be balanced, and yet according to a Ministry of Finance document, it showed Total Provincial Debt was expected to rise a further $6.7 billion dollars -- that according to the budget they released just two short months ago.

SHAME on you for the lies and arrogance. You can't trowel on enough of that to hide and mask the truth any longer!

So, how many watched the Christy Clark Show last night at 7pm on Global TV? 
Win, lose, or draw, Clark definitely will be deserving of the Best Female Actress award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television’s new CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS, which recognize excellence in film, television and digital media productions.

 

I had been thinking of possible comments I might make, but to tell you the truth after seeing the first and only three comments my campaign manager, Alan Forseth, made -- I think he really did capture the spirit of what many were thinking.

 

So, unvarnished and unedited, this is what Al had to say last night:  

 

 

Comment #1 

Just watching the taped version of Christy's 1/2 hour info-mercial. Well right off the bat I'll ask the same thing Christy that you did ... "Why is it okay to for our government to leave our kids with a debt?"

YOU SHOULD be ashamed you've left us worse off. Your Liberal government has doubled our debt :(  

 

 

Comment #2 

Christy Clark asks: "Do we want look after our kids future -- do we want to give them choices, that they're going to want to have, to run their future -- or do we want to take away their future by saddling them with debt?"

 

Good grief ... is she really serious? How can a government that has been so completely wasteful with taxpayers resources seriously ask that question. THIS is what BC Conservatives have been asking -- because it is BC Liberals that have INDEED doubled the provinces debt -- just as the NDP did --- and BOTH of them HAVE seriously jeopardized our children's futures!

 

Shame on you Christy Clark for NOT being to embarrassed and ashamed to try and pull off that kind of phony BS! 

 

 

Comment #3 

Oh my goodness ... I'm only 5 minutes in and I don't know if I can stomach any more of this trite revisionist look at the BC Liberals. She says she wants to balance the budget so we don't saddle our children with debt?

 

Well excuse me for asking -- but what do you call the new $7 billion you will be adding to the debt over the next 3 years, if your Liberal government is re-elected. 

 

That's no magical number drawn out of thin air by the way Christy -- that IS from the BC Ministry of Finance records.

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.

Here is what I plan to do. I am going to trust in the process

The concerns Kamloops residents have regarding their health, and the health of our community ... and ensuring we do everything possible to maintain and project our environment ... are high on the mind of many people in the area; people from all walks of life.

This of course is due to the AJAX mine proposal, which has been under discussion for some time.

For anyone interested, there is an organization called the Association for MineralExploration British Columbia and a lot of general information regarding the benefits of mines in BC can be found there.

As I mentioned in a commentary, I posted online March 11th ("I'm still not anexpert, but I'm willing to learn"), I attended a public forum in Kamloops which was hosted by Kamloops Moms for Clean Air. 

This led me to meet with one of the staff members at KGHM International, Jean-Paul Salley (External Affairs Specialist), to talk about the AJAX mine project.

Again as I mentioned on March 11th, I'm no expert, but I did fill another several pages with notes from my discussion with Jean-Paul.

At the moment, the proponents are in the process of working towards satisfying the application process for environmental standards, and there are a total 41 valued components which must be met.

In meeting with Jean-Paul I had a strong sense, and feeling, of sincerity when he spoke to a belief in responsible development, and that the project must be done responsibly. 

As Jean-Paul Sallery said to me, "KGHM International is committed long-term, to this project, and the community.  I can assure you that all activities will be done responsibly, in keeping with the company's ethos and legacy." 

That, I think, is one of the reasons why KGHM International has their doors open to meaningful dialogue regarding the mine project.

I also asked about what kind of thresholds would be looked at, not just by the mine proponents, but by those who will be involved at the provincial and federal levels, in doing the environmental assessment studies. As I suspected, the threshold levels will be much higher.  That's because of the mines proximity to the city of Kamloops.

In layman's terms, that sounds to me like a higher level of accountability and scrutiny.

Should the mine clear the environmental assessment, conducted by both the BC Environmental Assessment Authority and their Federal counterparts, there will be a number of checks and balances put in place.  Furthermore, each agency will conduct its' own investigational study, and make recommendations to their respective level of government.

I'm all for that!

This will provide the opportunity for a distinct separation of powers.  It will also see the best minds coming together, in an educated conclusion, either for -- or against -- the AJAX project.

Look ... I have to tell you, I don't know if the AJAX mine proposal is one that should go ahead in our community.  Here's what I do know; all we have at the moment is raw data.  There is nowhere near enough information, on which to base a decision, on what will be a VERY IMPORTANT choice for the people of our city.