Can we elect Green representatives in 2009?
Now more than ever the provincial legislation requires progressive Green voices within the legislature. Renewable energy and tax shifting programs that we have been champions of for over twenty years are in high demand.
Did you know that the BC’s corporate tax structure supports traditional fossil fuel firms more so than renewable energy firms? I am sure that it will come as no surprise that our provincial greenhouse gas emissions have increased dramatically with both the NDP government in the 90’s and the current Liberal government.
I have just returned from VEVA’s viewing of “Who Killed the Electric Car?” and my conviction that democratic legislatures need Green representatives and Green solutions is infinitely strengthened. The trend of elected officials representing the interests of corporations more so than the public will is increasing. Case in point is the BC Liberals and their re-introduction of coal fired power plants to appease donors to their election campaign funds.
Here in BC we require unique solutions and a unique partnership as we head into a 2009 election and prepare to host the world in 2010. Electing the same run of the mill Liberal government (whether it is with Premier Campbell or Premier Taylor) will not deliver the transformational policy changes that this province needs. Electing a NDP government is unlikely and economically dangerous considering their history of inept fiscal management.
To reassert ourselves as a province that leads on global issues of importance (like the reduction of greenhouse gases) we need a coalition government that includes elected Green representatives.
Will a BC Liberal champion biofuel tax incentives for marine or off road applications? Leaders of Premier Campbell’s own constituency in Vancouver Point Grey have resigned over his ambivalent attitude to climate change. Is it realistic to think that Campbell’s “head in the oil sands” attitude will provide real leadership on green house gas reduction initiatives? Alternatively, will a BC NDPer be able to navigate through the web of union bureaucracy to champion new social justice program like the Guaranteed Annual Income and help combat homelessness in Vancouver?
Unless Premier Campbell takes another cocktail-fueled drive in Malibu, thus impaling his chances of re-lection, the BC Liberals will likely win the 2009 provincial election.
Ms. James will need to take a leap of faith to lead her team to victory. Ms. James may or may not be know of the unlikely trump card that she holds in her electoral toolbox.
Let us hope that Ms. James is listening to the wise words of Corky Evans, David Chudnovsky, Gregor Robertson and possibly Mike Magee. Those NDPers are listening
to their constituents and victory in ’09 may involve internal party compromise.
