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Your Say: Comment on 2009 Election B.C.

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By: ctvbc.ca

Date:

CTV News wants to know what you think about this election race - send us your comments to battlegroundbc@ctv.ca or just click on ADD COMMENT.

What we NEED is HONEST politicians that will look after the people of BC and not worry about lining their pockets with our tax dollars.
We need stronger judges in the court system to deal with all this gun play! Stiffer sentences for criminals instead of this candy coated system we have now.
Politicians need to get public approval on salary increases, not just help themselves, and keep a better eye on companies such as ICBC and Translink so the public gets a fair shake!

AND we need more parties than two!!!

Carole
said

Why bother even having this election? Campbell is going to demolish the NDP and their leader... is it still that nagging woman with the whining voice? Did they replace her already? If Campbell was really going to do it right -- he should scrap the election and donate all this campaign funds to the homeless, and poor, that would cement his future indefinitely

Antony Hodgson
said

I think that whatever happens in this election, there will only be a few races around the province. That's one of the main reasons we should adopt BC-STV - it will eliminate safe seats everywhere and give us real races throughout the province. Imagine an election where voters everywhere actually mattered! Check out http://stv.ca for more details about the near-unanimous recommendation of the BC Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform. They had excellent reasons for choosing BC-STV.

fork
said

Battleground BC! You have to be joking! Where do you people come up with this stuff! Have you ever been on a battle field? well have you?

Ken Lawson
said

Liberals have to get rid of some dysfunctional candidates,ministers and deputy ministers if they want to have a majority. John Yap must go, we cannot have MLA's that waste their time and our money in places like China, the home of the Communists Thugs in Beijing, who are not welcomed to the 2010 games.

Keitha Gray
said

Reading about the paramedics in the paper, I don't like what I am seeing from the Government. Why are these people/paramedics being treated with such low class when in an emergency they are who we count on. Its about time the public sees what is happening behind the scenes to paramedics. I understand they have webpages we can all look at and learn what the Government has been doing to them.

To me it is the same old story, the ones up top make all the money. One man in the Government makes as much as 10 paramedics, even the highest paid and licenced of the paramedics. That’s ridiculous.

The government compared our paramedics to “health services” like laundry cleaners and janitors. They say paramedics don't deserve the same amount of pay as “Emergency service Workers” like Fireman and Police. When we call 911 in an Emergency, we are asked if we want Fire, Police or Ambulance. I'd say that means paramedics are Emergency Workers, not Health Service workers.

I would never wish anything bad on anyone but if a Premier or a Health Minister had a heart attack, would they want a laundry cleaner or a paramedics coming to help them. I'm 70 years old and if I ever have a heart attack I want a paramedic available to help me. A nice fireman to hold my hand isn't enough, and as things are going, I'd have to hope the police didn't think I was drunk or something with those tasers they have.

Time for the Government to get on the ball or on the bus!

Roger in North Van
said

BC is the perfect province for the STV. With only two major parties running STV would allow for a more acurate representation in Victoria. Perhaps a viable alternative to the Libs and the NDP will emerge. One thing for sure is that with STV the party that has less that 50% popular support could never have 100% control.

Ken Lawson
said

Regarding Gridlock, you can belame a Liberal for this. It was Carole Taylor and Ken Dobell then at the City of Vancouver that thought Skytrain was going to solve all our problems. It did not, since her time on City Council with her stupid comments. Can you name a new road or highway that built in the City of Vancouver, the answer to this day is NONE. Do expert these projects to be on time any time soon.

Ken Lawson
said

To Jim in Surrey, it is not possible to have a Honest Politician as you put it, because of the Candidate selection process in the Liberal Party of BC. That is why I have not renewed my Liberal BC membership, I did do not know where they find have these Clowns to run and many times their not even Party members and only become members after they have been selected candidates, the only process is nothing but a scam for those wanting to fill their pockets because they cannot find a job, they got their money from their parents, out of some country.

Cyndy-Coquitlam
said

I agree with Jim from Surrey...can someone explain to me why we don't have a Conservative candidate??? why ??

Adrian
said

I really can't stand Carole James. Her constant negativity and criticism of Campbell is getting mighty tiresome. Campbell on the other hand seems to be a lot more upbeat and positive.(and the far better choice for premier)

Linda from Langley
said

I recently moved to BC from Ontario, where I usually support the PC party. I am confused and would like to know why there is not a PC party to choose from here. There are so many things wrong with BC and this is just another reason this Province is NOT the "best place in the world". It seems the Canadian born citizens get shafted big time in this province.

Cyndy
said

I did some googling and I found the Conservative Party leader for BC. His name is Wilf Hanni. Now I have to ask, why does the Conservative party of Canada allow a shrinking violet of sorts, to lead this province. Nothiong personal against Mr Wilf Hanni but when I have to google to find the leaders name then he isn't very memorable. If they bring in a charismatic leader I'd bet that british Columbians would vote them in just to be rid of listening to Campbell and James ...only my opinion

Jim-Downtown Vancouver
said

I wanted to write to post a comment regarding the upcoming BC Provincial Election, So far neither party has impressed me all that much. Both parties should look at the basics, Reducing Poverty For All, Engaging the voters during and after the election and keeping promises. Both parties are of the same old, same old. So, at this point I am undecided....

MikeLondon
said

Given the circumstances, Campbell would likely be in real trouble. However, if Carole James were to win, she would be the first woman elected Premier in Canada. If Campbell falls because of the economic conditions, Nova Scotia should be watched carefully. The NDP is the government in waiting there as well. It will be fascinating for political junkies like me.

Tyler in Kamloops
said

You're missing a leader on the Provincial Political Party Leader List.

What about the BC Conservative Party? If CTV were to do a little research on the candidates they might be surprised at the caliber of some of them!

Robert Van De Meeberg
said

I won't be voting, supporting any party, will plant some vegetables in a guerrilla garden somewhere instead, Maybe find a place for some chickens, they smarter (including the cucumbers) than most politicians and public.

The scope of what faces "us" locally and globally beyond the capabilities of most of the general public to understand or want to deal with and all parties still dealing with attempting to maintain a broken economic and political system so it won't make much difference who gets in,

Though while the Liberal party is campaigning on maintaining established values, Status quo, Prosperity, What ever that is and for who? make them the least equipped to do anything about it other than perpetuate values that are devastating the entire world.

We need entirely different thinking and that also going against the face of what the general public thinks they want and need.....
Unity one of them and the partisan political system not offering that.

The simple and blind pursuit of material wealth contributes to too many environmental and social problems and not an ideal model for development.

Rob Van - Vancouver, World Citizen.

Karen
said

Where is CTV's green party coverage?

Mary
said

I'd like to see a YouTube of the BCR Trainman climbing down to say "Thank You" to the little lady who fought to protect BC Rail.

To me, it symbolized the whole situation, the whole 2009 BC election.

Where can I get that priceless moment on a YouTube?

Shevy - Frank
said

Where is CTV's green party's coverage?

Interestingly enough,we only see BC Liberals & BC NDP on our TV media. For instance, CTV has been very bias in covering anything with regards to Green Party.

However, they seem to forget what the green party accomplished by securing more popular votes during the last election and all the good plans they have for our children in future. Can anyone tell me why our media, especially CTV, have been so bias towards the party(Green Party) with the best ideas for our kids and their future?

Lois - Kamloops
said

Looking beyond and through all the smoke and mirrors that the election campaigning may bring, I believe clearly Carol James and the NDP have it right. Carole isn't whining. Rather, she is doing what our politicians should be doing, listening to and recognizing the fears and frustration of many of the citizens of BC regarding the troubles we are facing in our Province. High child poverty rates, increased homelessness and the lack of long term support for our citizens most in need, a poorly funded public health care system and long wait lists, poor advocacy for Seniors and I could go on. I think that the BC NDP are at least offering positive alternative policies and solutions to try and fix it. I haven't heard the Liberals recognize that we have these obvious problems and so how will they fix it if they don't recognize they exist? All said and done I'm hoping that BC citizens will come to their senses and support Carole James and the NDP come May 12th.

Sandy - Kamloops
said

I find it difficult to vote. The reason, as stated by Jim, there very few honest politicians. There are many problems plaguing our province that are serious. These issues being our health care issues (shortage of doctors, nurses and specialists), the homeless and families living in poverty, our schools or should I say lack of schools, the crime rate of our youth, drugs and the list goes on. We try to get some resolution by dealing with our MLA's but find that the political strings are strongly attached. People are afraid to take on the government or big corporations and for good reasons. They either get tied up in our legal system and dismissed in a way that makes them feel like they are not a person. We need to have good people in government. Those who are prepared to take the lead, take on issues and get results! Is it possible there are people like that out there who aren't tied to political strings?

Annie in the Valley
said

Those new to politics in BC should understand that the BC Liberals and their supporters are made up of individuals who think conservatively (comprised mainly of old Social Credit supporters who had nowhere else to turn when that party dissolved) While I support the federal Conservatives, I will not be voting for the BC Conservatives as I believe this will split the vote and the NDP will get in. The NDP drove our province economically into the ground when they were in power and while the rest of Canada and the world prospered, we had high unemployment and high taxation rates. People left this province in droves because there weren't any jobs to be had. I will leave this beautiful province and head to Alberta before I will live under their dominance again. As to Carole James, nothing comes out of her mouth but negative rhetoric. She never offers any real solutions or alternative. Only her union backers will have jobs and the rest of us will be taxed, taxed, taxed, just like before, to support them. Think what you like about Gordon Campbell but this province has had economic growth the likes of which hasn't been seen since the old W.C.Bennett days.

robert aikman
said

Rob - Elkford

CTV - why are you ignoring the BC Conservative Party and their leader Wilf Hanni? How about some news about what's going on with them?

Ken McLaren
said

re:Activist quitting puts NDP on carbon tax defensive
Updated: Fri Apr. 17 2009
why do you not put the retraction that the Vancouver sun did after this untrue story was published,just more proof of the bised reporting from all Canwest global outlets,another untruth Gordon Campbell's political advertisement that he had to undo the operating cost occured under the NDP in the ninty's NDP last to bugets were leaving the Campbell liberals with a $1.3billion surplus.his cost and his fudgeit bugets that is occuring right now will be the biggest BC has ever seen!GO

Greg Kimura
said

I look forward to hearing the debate between the candidates. However I despise the manner in which the moderator allows interruptions by others while one person has the floor. I suggest that the one interrupting party should be penalized by say, a time deduction. And each time the interrupter repeats the process, the penalty becomes longer, hence the time the person has to present his side of the story, it will become cosiderably shorter.

The continual interruptions just have to stop so that it becomes a half civil debate and not a free-for-all.

George Petty
said

Yes, I'd like to know when the liberal govt. is going to pay the permanently laid off skeena employees their severance pay as per contract. The interest is piling up with the debt.Thousands of ex-forest workers are waiting considering billions have been allocated from NAFTA for wood and pulp sold from Skeena.Ask them which way to vote.

A.B.Newton, New Westminster
said

To Gordon Campbell :- You said in 2001 you would not tear up contracts. You did. You said you would not expand gambling in BC. You did. You said you would not sell BC Rail. You did. You said the Convention Centre was on time and on budget. It wasn't by a long way. In view of these and many other lies from you why do you think anyone should believe one word that comes out of either side of your mouth?

WestofTheRockies
said

Some people are just never happy. Like Carole James does she have a platform other than ridicule & whining? Doesn’t sound like it. What is their vision for B.C.’s future?

How, after years of good economic growth & plans that to date have minimized the impact of the Global Financial crisis in B.C, could anyone envision Carol & her band of malcontents as a viable option. They have NO platform or vision for the future except perhaps taking more of my hard earned money to build nice free homes for those that don't want to work.

Carole bleats on about hospital beds & care for seniors, but tell us Carole, once the beds are there what are you going to do about staffing for them. You have a magic potion to create nurses to care for the people in those beds for example? What about doctors? Why not be honest and provide solutions. Ah, details who cares!

Hey Petty George, please explain why B.C. Taxpayers should fund Skeena employee's severance packages. Don't recall you contributing to mine a few years back. We have already spend a billion or so keeping that mill running since your pals the NDP decided it shouldn't close.

NAFTA is Federal what does it have to do with the Provincial B.C. Liberals? NAFTA is a Free Trade agreement and doesn’t collect any money. What billions are you talking about?

Don Chapman Mission, B.C.
said

I looked unsuccessfully on the site for the area to post a question for the upcoming debate. Not having found that I will pose my question here.

Since many people are concerned about the economy, I am confused about current government actions, which involve using taxpayer money and deficits to apparently stimulate the economy, while at the same time, engaging in spending restraint and cutting of expenses.

What makes some spending of taxpayer money stimulative, and others spending of taxpayer money wasteful?

For example, why is it apparently more stimulative to build a bridge or to do road work, than it is to build beds for an aging population? Why is an extra taxpayer dollar spent on planting trees, more stimulative than a dollar spent on increasing welfare rates or rates for provincial residents with disabilities?

Why is an extra taxpayer dollar spent on rapid transit more stimulative than an extra dollar spent on providing services for children in poverty?

In some of the 'reality checks' we see on the media, I would really like to see someone investigate the 'multiplier' effects of some of these various choices about how we stimulate economically, and I really would like to know how it makes sense in our efforts to stimulate the economy, to, at the same time, be trying to control expenditures. Is there any evidence that such decisions are made on the basis of real projected economic outcomes?

Leanne-Delta
said

Hello, I no i have written a big letter but read this some makes sence ye no

I think this whole thing is stupid #1 this is dirty politicts in some of this i mean is past elections the partys would give there ideas and things on radio or dabate ect. but would go out and have coffee after i mean this is dumb #2 We need an honest leader who would be able to deal with everything thrown at them and give money where it is actuly needed like schools, hospitals, police ect. because if we dont have these things then were gonna die #3 The stupid olympics what are you guys trying to do, put us on the map cause were already there like were spending money for nothing if we have good education, healthcare ect. then people will come on there own but in a crises like were having now, it would not be the best thing to have the olympics we are only gonna kill our selves doing this, i like the olympics and all but now would not be the best time . #4 the partys. The liberals and gorden cambell honestly i have no consideration for him i mean PEOPLE LISTEN he got caught for drunk driving and we have had him for the last few years, and what has he done NOTHING He is a complete idiot and we need change !!!!!. Carolle James, she is actuly the one i would put my vote on she has the best campaighn out of them all but she has a few things to work on like shes getting beat around by all of the other partys like a punching bag also she needs to go out and do some more things for the comunity. as for the green party i dont really care some of there things are stupid to.

Kezia Kazmar, Vernon,B.C.
said

I just heard the latest promise from The BIG MAN Campbell$ 300 milllion for aboriginal sports.... Whats wrong with finding some jobs for unemployed family heads???
I have lived in B.C. all my life and have watched the political scene with much interest In one or maybe more} of the comments it was said that the NDP ran this Government into a deficiet ,well what do you think the Liberals are doing , they have sold or will sell off anything that we as the people publicly owned so that the income to Victoria is less all the time.
They give themselves humungus raises then tell the working people that they cannot have a raise [bill 29]
WAC Bennet was the leader in false promises before this mad man took over [Campbell]. The lies are running wild from the Liberal leader as usual What can we expect from someone that will not step down from a prestigious postion after they have been charged with a felany ,DRUNK DRIVING , No matter where this felany took place it still makes the person a LAW breaker ,boy what an example for our younger generation .
Even Raif Mair ,a Social Credit Minister of several different portfolios has joined forces with the N>D>P> becausae of what The Liberals are planning for the sale of our rivers & even creeks of B.C. to who ? ? The U.S.A. ! ! ! !

Bill Pomponio
said

Bill --- Comox

In July 2002 Premier Campbell took it upon himself to rip the heart out of the workers of B.C.for what he did with the W.C.B. Disabilty for life pension. If you are working and get badly hurt on the job, they, the W.C.B. would give you a pension for life, but NOT now. You will only recieve it until you are 65 thanks to the Campbell Government. I know this first hand, because I am a victim. This is the only Province in all of Canada that treats their workers in this way, all the rest are for life. I, along with thousands of other workers, and voters want to know if Campbell has any plans in changing this policy before the
ELECTION or NOT.

Keith - Campbell River
said

This election scares me. My wife and I run a small janitorial business. We have seven employees. I remember how tough it was running the business when the NDP were in power in the 1990's. That was when times were relatively good (for the rest of North America). I can't imagine how bad it could get with the economy the way it is now and the NDP in power. I have looked at many of the NDP's policies and can only see how it will cost BC jobs. I have staff that if they lose their job with me (because of their poor social skills - the reason they work nights and alone) they will end up on welfare.

STEVE IN COURTENAY
said

In my opinion, BC politics is like Canada's funniest home videos. You have the Libs against the dippers!!?? Aren't these two left leaning parties?? Weren't the dippers the same party that was ousted due to numerous scandals like Bingogate and Casinogate?? Didn't they also bring us the fast ferry fiasco?? Then you have the libs that seem to be slowly following the same path with cost over runs on the Vancouver convention center, Gordon Campbell himself getting picked up and convicted of impaired driving in Hawaii as well as Van Dongen having to step down because he can't control his speed. There's actually no-one to vote for in this election. Like I said at the beginning, BC politics is a joke. Where's the Rhino party when you need them.........

dale
said

The BC liberals are basically modelling their behavious after the Alberta pcs, Sell everything to the lowest bidder and let the taxpayers be held hostage by greedy oil and electrical utilities. The liberals also have the same environmental concerns as the Chinese government, ie NONE. They will sell all our water rights and then what??

Henry Lorteau
said

I think having this new electoral reform will be one of the best things to come out of this election.

Yan
said

Sorry people, the honest politicians are all in Alberta where they pay off the debt with the oil revenue, eliminated the health care cost, build ring roads and develop carbon capture technology. We BC here, take carbon tax and we still in debt... forest continue to give way to resorts... whether it's NDP or Liberal... BC is always in poor condition even during boom times. Can we bring in Conservatives to control spending and crime please?

Kenny BC
said

We need Conservatives!!!!
Alberta maybe cold in winter, but with the saving in taxes and national leading pay increase, people can go to Carribean for the sunshine. Under either NDP or Liberal, we have the rain and so broke we have to bear with the most sunless winter in Canada. Don't blame AB has oil profit, if it's Liberal / NDP, they would just spend it to buy votes, debts are there to stay for the generations to come. This is our poor BC rip off.

Stanley Kenner, Kimberley
said

It's too bad we don't have social credit here.
The carbon tax is only another way to cripple the already overtaxed small wage earner. It is comming to do I eat or I go to work to pay even more taxes on fuel so I can't afford to go to work.

A Guenther
said

The most important thing to me is to get Campbell and his entourage out of government... once that's achieved, then everything else will fall into place.

terry
said

With scandal after scandal and absolutely no attempt to answer any of the questions in any kind of relevant manner,Campbell shows his arrogance and disdain for the B.C. voter.In his TV commercials he speaks like a man with no grip on reality.He never addresses an issue and just speaks in flowery rhetoric that says nothing.Neither party impresses but it's definitely time for a change from blatant patronage and no morals of any kind.The Liberals have no concept of conflict of interest.

GMan
said

The economy is the most important issue to me. I want a government who knows how to lead British Columbia out of the current economic downturn. I DON'T want a party who promises "we'll fix that" to every single problem because we all know that's not going to happen. And I'm not interested in a campaign where the only tactic is to attack the other party of its leader.

Yvonne from Abbotsford
said

I would like to see the provincial legal system restore punishment as a deterrent to crime and dispense justice in a timely manner.
I would also like to see tougher punishment for street racing.
I believe these issues are on the BC Conservatives website and they seem to be the only Party that have these important items in their Policies.
It would have been nice to have seen Wilf Hanni, the Leader of the BC Conservatives, included in the recent debate.

Donna V
said

I find it interesting Gordon Campbell plans to tackle the gang problem without dealing with the poverty issues in this province, one of the reasons why kids enter a life of crime in the first place. I am also amazed that the Liberals are ahead in the polls; I guess selling BC out to private corporations doesn't raise any hackles? Odd...

Kathleen Pearce
said

For me, the most important issues right now are education, health care, environment and our justice system. I believe our economy will turn itself around.Lets improve our school curriculum and funding. Lets get this health care system back on track. In 100 mile, our hospital isn't able to function properly, our doctors are exhausted from working all day and then being on call at the hospital. Lets put the environment further up on the priority list - stricter industrial policies and enforcement; does anyone remember the word conservation? Lets build more prisons if we have to - the message criminals are getting is if you go to jail, its not for long, so its worth it. We need Gordon Campbell to continue but to pay attention to all of BC, not just the mainland! K Pearce, Bridge Lake,BC

Travis Rinas Fernie BC
said

How can the liberal party have a leader that shows such disrespect to the Ambulance Paramedics of BC.

VERNON, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - May 1, 2009) - Premier Gordon Campbell tossed a loonie at a striking ambulance paramedic Wednesday and told him, "Here, don't spend it all in one place." The unidentified paramedic answered, "Thanks a lot, that's half an hour's pay for me." BC Ambulance Paramedics get only $2/hr for on-call standby.

Gordon Campbell is not a leader but a bully.

R. Smith
said

We need a Govt that is going to get tough on crime, especially by youths. We also needs Prosecutors and Judges who are going to do their jobs and hand out the severe penalties costing the criminals in the wallet and therefore recovering most of the policing and court costs, instead of the law abiding taxpayers paying it. The BC Govt should be working with the local Govts to recover millions of dollars in outstanding bylaw fines which can include offences more severe then some of the Provincial violations.

dimitri
said

Im 13 and I cant vote but I should be allowed too because my middle school got so many cut backs its getting sad now we cant afford to fix the hole's in our roof we cant get new text books because the one we use for math is from 1998 and its all about the libreals and NDP in my class we had a vote and 27 out of 29 would have voted green every year green gets more votes and one day they will win but by the time they do the'l have so many problems to fix kinda like the Geroge bush than obama thing

"Fed-Up in Falkland"
said

Being open and accountable has all but vanished during the Liberal reign, having been replaced with arrogance, dishonesty as well as total disregard for the every day you and me tax payer. It's all about what they can do for themselves as well as their well heeled buddie's. I am sorry to say that due to my unwillingness to vote N.D.P. due to lack of solid leadership, have witheld my vote in the last two election's as I will also do this time as well !!

Rob -Richmond and a upset bus driver
said

My thoughts are on transportation and why the Liberals do not feel compelled to speak on the environment and their platform on reducing carbon by taking cars off the road and putting more buses out there for all to use. The reason I bring this subject up is that I am a bus driver working in the trenches of Vancouver. With some very old buses that are trying to be friendly to our planet. But with all that is happening in today's world our new translink board that is not elected and our current mister of transport have made no attempt to place any orders for new buses which currently we are about 500 short of just making the cut. What we need is More Buses Now not later and with more U-Passes being given out next school year and no new buses coming I have no idea how these students are going to get their schools. So please let your candidates know that MORE BUSES are needed NOW not later.

Henry Lorteau, New Westminster
said

Next time someone talks to the liberals ask them why new westminster is going to be laying off 60 people from the district?

Cameron, Squamish
said

It seems to me that no matter who gets elected someone somewhere will be ticked-off. I believe all the have to work together in these hard times.

Dennis from Victoria
said

I have never voted NDP in my life.

However, this might be the first!

Voting for the Greens will be wasting my vote, spoiling my ballet just wont happen.

Sure as heck don’t want to vote Liberal this time around.

I do my part for the environment. The money is better spent in my pocket.

The economy will turn.

Where are the PC candidates???

Why are we stuck on 2.5 parties?

Mr. Campbell still has the 1% purchase tax on new homes which in my option penalizes the (younger) people who want to own their home or anyone else wanting to improve their quality of life..

This so called Carbon tax belongs in our own pockets, not in any government’s hands. Since it was adopted, I have not seen any cash back.

This is penalizing everyone in this province.

Our resources are presses; keep them ours and ours alone.

I’m sick to death of having to pay more taxes in this province period.

From what I see is some idiot in the party stays up all night thinking of ways to sock it to me.

The Olympics is another fiasco that we’ll never find out about or will we?

Whom ever Our leader shall be, try going on the TV several times a year to give us the current outlook, rather than showing up the day before the election

Promising some thing or another if I vote for them.

Carol Mohrsen
said

What is on the Voting ballet besides people to vote for. Is it a secret? Why is it initiles SVT ?? What is it about? Nobody knows. Why not put it on the news?? Representation by population? Voters have a right tro know!

Doug Morneau
said

I have a question for the Leaders' debate that will air this Sunday, May 3rd from 5:00pm-6:00pm

What is the #1 most important issue/challenge facing the Province of BC in the coming 4 years?

Why do you feel you and your party are the best choice for voters?

C. Razis
said

Questions to the leaders: In the last 12 months what books have you read?

Jack, Lake Cowichan
said

To whom it may concern.

Please ask this question of all the candidates.

On Vancouver Island we have a very valuable asset owned by and organization by the name of the Island Corridor Foundation. The asset is the E&N rail corridor. This asset has the potential to take cars and truck off the road save polution and wear and tear on the highway. The railway infrastructure is in need of some infrastructure funds namely $100million dollars. The need is great but the benefits are greater. These dollars are split in three. 1/3 from the Fed govt 1/3 from the province and 1/3 to be identified by the corridor owner.
The question if your party becomes the next Govt in BC are you prepared to put up your 1/3 to support the upgrade to the rail corridor?

Sam Reynolds, Mill Bay
said

Ms James,

The NDP is somewhat faced with the stigma of being the party of taxes, deficit, and debt, all three of which could create an environment which is hostile to business growth. In an era where this province's economic future is uncertain, how will you promote the growth of business while keeping the treasury's books balanced?

Colin, Burnaby
said

On the roads today, I see more and more driving errors and aggressive driving. With changes to the roads like more roundabouts and new signs, and signals. I think it is time for everyone to revisit the rules of the road before they obtain a renewed drivers license. What would your new government do to ensure that everyone in the Province of British Columbia was driving with more caution and road knowledge?

Estelle Dufresne
said

Please consider the following questions for the leaders’ debate:

How do you propose to support childcare in this province?... considering:

Many families of young children have difficulty accessing day care spaces

Few all day kindergarten spaces exist in the province.

Many parents have difficulty accessing before and after-school care for their children.

Most employers, including the provincial government and provincially funded agencies, do not provide the option of flexible work hours for their employees.

Funding for supported child care is inadequate resulting in parents of special needs children not being able to access day care or preschool spaces that provide the appropriate level of staffing and stimulation for their children.

All of above result in:

excessive financial and emotional strain on families due to sub-standard care, parents having to leave the work force, and/or parents giving up family time to work alternating shifts or one parent working two jobs.

Employers (including the provincial government, health authorities, school districts, municipalities) dealing with the costs of losing highly trained employees or being unable to deal with staff shortages in key areas such as health care, police forces and transit bus drivers.

How do you propose to support vulnerable children (Aboriginal, special needs, ESL, poverty and mental health issues) graduating from school and becoming productive members of the work force?

Thank you for considering these questions and issues.

Gunpreet Singh
said

My question is on mental health.

While doing research on suicides amongst South Asians in Canada I found a lot of research being done this subject in the U.K.; U.S.A.; Malaysia and South Africa. But to my surprise, no studies have been conducted in Canada. During my research, I also came across the fact that there are a few, or no, culturally sensitive alcohol and drug, and family counselors in B.C. Why is this so?

Thank you.

ECONOMY MOST IMPORTANT...VOTE BCL
said

THAT IS WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO ME. THE ONLY PARTY THAT WILL LOOK AFTER US AND BC IS THE BC LIBERALS.
Even if you don't go for Gordon Campbell think of all the good MLA's BC Liberals have. My MLA is excellent and attends to all subjects immediately.
The people who support NDP will be very very sorry if they get it. I lived in BC and seen how they performed when in power in the past, I never want to experience this again and believe me it will be worse under Carole James.She lacks experience and is no Leader. Save our beautiful BC and give a lot of thought about voting NDP...Mark my words if you support NDP...you will regret it for the next 4 yrs.
People, give a lot of thought to this before you go to the polls.
KEEP BC STRONG
Dawn

Roger De Pieri
said

I am really disgusted at the BC Liberal Candidates who are NOT showing up for the All Candidate Meetings in their respective riding's. It’s extremely disrespectful to the constituents in that riding who take the time to go out and listen to the debate so they can make an informed decision in the upcoming election. It should be mandatory that they attend or they should be booted out of running by Elections BC. I was at my meeting last night in Vancouver-Kingsway and Bill Yuen couldn't make it last night or any other day for that matter. This is apparently a trend across many ridings and the BC Liberal say it’s a riding decision not to attend!!! Ya Right!!! Silence is a virtue I guess.... Arrogant and disrespectful to say the least!

YAH! JOHN YAP 4 MORE YEARS
said

TO: KEN LAWSON,
LOOKS LIKE YOU AND A GUENTHER GOT YOUR TRAINING FROM CAROLE JAMES. You 2 are always on here bad mouthing someone or something....
John Yap is dysfunctional....I doubt it!!!!!He is very genuine, honest and is helpful to all his supporters....You couldn't find a better politician than him...Have you ever met him? If u have a problem you should be a man and talk to him about whatever your problem is...You would be surprised as he would solve it for you..John will be elected with no problem, I have never until now heard anyone say a bad word about him. I am very fortunate and happy to be in his riding.
If NDP got into power you would see people moving out of BC like the last time they were in power and you will have 4 years of poverty as they will have BC in a deficit in no time again.
Have a good day, do yourself a favor and say something nice for a change it might change your attitude.
Only BC Liberals can manage our Province in this Economy Crisis.

cheryl
said

My biggest concerns are the threats of oil and gas exploration off our Coast, along with the tanker traffic and the sale of our rivers. The Liberals seem intent on selling whatever they can, as fast as they can.

paul foulkes
said

I don't believe we should be adopting the STV. England has been bedrock of democracy over the ages and the STV has not been adopted over there! If it was such a great system, all the democracies would have adopted it! That is all I have to say about this!

Lori- BC
said

OK people, do your homework on the political spectrum in BC. We have a conservative party: The Liberals.

The most important issue is homelessness. This issue has been completely ignored this election, which is surprising as it is closely related to the economy.

Owen Abrey
said

This is a personal, open letter to the province electorate:
Owen Abrey on May 9th, 2009 at 11:17 am:

I suppose I am the modern prospector. I am part of the exploration industry that employs thousands of people with excellent wages. Anyone with an inkling of intelligence, or failing that some measure of economic theory knows the phenomenal spin-off effect we have in the province. Probably unappreciated, we are the leading edge of multiple billions of dollars of wealth creation for the province and the nation.
The reckless comments by the NDP, which even indicated their intention to expropriate all mineral rights in the province, have such a profoundly negative impact for people like me. You know the ones: the little guys, the hard workers that the NDP are supposed to be looking out for? (sic) The ones that against incredible odds, may one day see at the fruit of their labour fantastic paying UNION jobs, that everyone knows has been the life blood of that party forever.
The NDP are like Bad Vampires, who will not stay dead. Please BC! PLEASE Wake up and deny them our province! They will suck the life out of it. For me the issue is life or death. I really think if the NDP get in again, we will be committing suicide, or murdering hope and opportunity for another generation. It will kill me thats for sure. And I, unfortunately have only one life to give.

John Murdock
said

I don't care much for Campbell, but he is better than any N. D. P. Premier we have had. They just run up bills that the Liberals have to end up paying. We could have had a convention centre for nothing if Harcourt had approved gambling and Clarke and his ferries,the taxpayer will pay for years for something we can't even give away.

Cathy
said

To Linda from Langley:

We probably don't have a large number of PCs here because most BC'ers are left of centre or right of centre. Also, most people who live here are racially tolerant, open-minded, and fair.

----------

Linda from Langley wrote:
I recently moved to BC from Ontario, where I usually support the PC party. I am confused and would like to know why there is not a PC party to choose from here. There are so many things wrong with BC and this is just another reason this Province is NOT the "best place in the world". It seems the Canadian born citizens get shafted big time in this province.

Cathy
said

Sorry Yan:

Claiming that all honest politicians are in Alberta is quite the stretch: It's already been reported in the news that health care costs are skyrocketing in the dirty oil province. And "carbon capture" is like sweeping daily soot under the rug for someone else to find or choke on.

--------

Yan wrote:
Sorry people, the honest politicians are all in Alberta where they pay off the debt with the oil revenue, eliminated the health care cost, build ring roads and develop carbon capture technology. We BC here, take carbon tax and we still in debt... forest continue to give way to resorts... whether it's NDP or Liberal... BC is always in poor condition even during boom times. Can we bring in Conservatives to control spending and crime please?

Trevor
said

follow the BC election twitter talk at http://politwitter.ca/province/bc with over 50 BC MLAs, candidates and multiple search terms indexed.

See the list of BC candidates with twitter here: http://tinyurl.com/c2p4co

yuo
said

i wish a tsunami wash out BC mainland, all the drugs, pots, crimes, corrupted gov't are washed away. start clean again.

Henry
said

Economy - What will our new government do to attract foreign investment, create more jobs, and help the local business to survive this troubled economy. Crime - What will our new government do to deal with drug trade, gun violent on our street. And what will our new government do to make us feel safe walking down the street again!

maggie dauphinee, pI
said

There really is very little choice, regarding what party to vote for. I have found the Liberals to be less than honest.
I am concerned about the environment and how the gov't will protect it. The Liberals have cut back on too many staff, such as conservation officers, are trying to sell off our waters, privatize our precious resources, give us limited access to our grown lands etc. The carbon tax does not help. Living in the Interior it has not stopped people from driving. We drive great distances to go to work and shop and have no alternative transportation. The tax should never have been put on home heating.
I would like to see a party who offers more incentives for alternative energy, so that it is affordable for people with lower incomes.
I work in care homes and the Liberals ignored our contract, gave a 15% wage cut then gave their administrators a 18% wage hike. He does not value the every day joe, especially women. Care homes is an important issue since he has cut back on so many beds, yet has only opened up a few affordable beds. The rest are for people who can afford over 2,500.00 month care, leaving many seniors to take up residence in our hospital hallways. Care homes that he has closed, are renovated, opened up for a couple of yrs,closed again, renovated, opened up again...Campbell has no compassion or understanding for the working stiff.
I don't know if the NDP will be any better but we must give them a chance.

MadCanadian
said

Good to see Gordo buys BC. Is no one upset about the purchase of signs from Oregon and not BC? These people in Oregon are also the ones trying to stop BC imports of lumber. Nice job Liberals.

Judy
said

In his years in office Campbell hasn't smiled once, now every time you turn on the news he has this sick, fake grin on his face. As for Bennett, every local paper has at least 3 ads, saying he's ONE OF US. I for one can't wait until it's over.

Liberals will not get my vote !!!

George Donnelly
said

The Liberal Government is acting like it is a business. Cut back on expenses and maximize profits. They do this by getting rid of roads to the local governments but keeping the taxes that they have taken for from us. Given away railways stocks but kept the railway properties as assets, gave away tree farm licenses as freehold land to build housing without any benefit to the tax payers, making the bc ferries a private company and keeping the buildings and terminals as assets, by the way who owns those 100 shares that the government doesn't own they own 10,000 shares?

Dennis from Victoria
said

Binky
said

Prison in Burnaby, Bankrupt BC or hippies - I have no idea who to vote for.

Charles
said

I don't think Campbell will demolish the NDP Carole. In fact, a record turnout usually indicates major change. Maybe you haven't needed to work for $8.00 an hour like all the others. After eight years or more, the only that went up was Campbells salary by 54%.
MY PREDICTION - NDP MAJORITY

Pardeep - Surrey
said

I am completely in favour of the NDP reign this time. Education is the most important issue to me as I will be entering a post secondary institution within 4 years. Recently, a notice was distributed all across the Surrey school district stating that the BC Liberals have cut the school budget, and that we should carefully consider our candidates for this election. Next year, over a week of class instruction has been cut due to the budget cut. According to voteeducation.ca the BC Liberal Education Platform is receiving a FAIL grade overall. The NDP has Honour Roll status with As and Bs in areas like minimum wage, tuition fees, funding, financial aid, and public transit. I am very disappointed to see that the Liberals just don't care. I'm a member of a district leadership program, and whenever we suggest a great idea to the trustees, an idea that could change our schools for the better, we always get the same response: "We don't have enough money." It's a shame.

Anthony
said

Why is there not a representative of the green party as part of tonight's discussion? This is very unrepresentative of all parties concerned in this election and leaves people who heading in the last hours to vote that there are only two choices worth considering.

Pardeep - Surrey
said

As a high school student, I am very interested in the results of this election because I am planning on entering/studying at a post secondary institution within the next 4 years. Education is the most important issue to me, and I don't think that Mr. Campbell and the Liberals are going to help me out. I've visited voteeducation.ca to help me make my decision. This website grades each party on their platform on education.

Report Card on the BC Liberal Party Platform:

According to this website, the Liberal platform is FAILING in important areas like tuition fees, financial aid, funding, and minimum wage. The Liberals are receiving a mere C+ in the public transit area.

Report Card on the BC NDP Party Platform:

The NDP Platform has received an A in financial aid and minimum wage, and a B in the rest. I find that impressive.

Report Card on the BC Green Party Platform:

The Green Party hasn't clearly outlined their plan on education.

As for now, I am hoping that the NDP will win. They actually appear to care about our education.

Bob
said

For those asking about the BC Conservative Party please pay attention. The BC Cons are no more than a side show put on by old washed out political has-bins who have no idea about how to run a modern political party and are equally out of step with what British Columbians find important. The BC Cons are wanna-bee politicians playing to the very few who will listen to them. Unless they get a new leader, new board of directors, and new direction they will never be a contender in BC. So lets stop asking about them because there really is no them.

JR in BC
said

Another 4 years without the NDP. Thank god!

kelly w
said

The only worthwhile vote this election was between the two electoral systems. In the next election honorable politicians need to tackle important issues instead of each other. It is the future we are voting for, not the past.

Fred-Victoria
said

You know so much has been made about the rough shape of the forestry industry in this election. However there should be more attention on all the great things the Harmac mill is doing in Nanaimo. I agree the industry is in very rough shape, but we should look at that employ model as the way of the future because the are doing so well. I know CTV has covered this story and I hope you will continue to do so.

Cheryl
said

My Grandfather fought in WW 1 and told all of us grandchildren that we must vote in every election. My grandfather explained how important it was, as he unfortunalty seen first hand the attrocities of an undemocratic regime. We are very fortunate to live in Canada and BC for that matter. However if we do not quit acting like sheep and saying bah bah when major issues come up our province and country will reamain in uproar. If I were to start my own party I would fire all the buracrats and start over, so that when a MLA picks the phone up in their office to resolve a problem they are able to do so. Right now the MLA Asst. speaks to several people and then has to tell the constituent that they are not able to help them. We need to give our elected people more power to take the best care of their riding.
Thanks Cheryl

Max from California (with relatives in BC)
said

I'm pretty sure the Conservatives are a part of the BC Liberal coalition. That's why they don't seem visible in provincial elections. But I don't know; I'm just an American. Go Sex Party.

NONE OF THE ABOVE
said

The liberals do what they want how they want to do it, then say its what we want.The NDP are going to raise the min. wage which means in a time when its the hardest for small businesses they are going to have to lay-off 10%-20% of their employees.Both are a case of spoon fed people who have never lived the same type of lives as the rest of us. They do not understand our low to middle income lives. The green party is the opposite, no money, no experience.I want people in politics who want to make change not money. I wont be voting until someone says that he/she will base their salary on the the canadian national average or provincial average for provincial elections. This way we will get the right people in charge and if they want more money they can enable us to make more money.
(not sell off all of our assets or

Larry--Surrey
said

Again we have to face 4 more years of rhetoric and garbage from the Liberals. Is change too much for the people of this province. I not only speak of a different electoral system. In the next six to eight months when the final accounting of the Olympic spending comes to light and all those people working on the venues, no longer have a job we will see what is left of the economy. There is something seriously wrong with society when it prefers prestige and vanity over the basic needs of people.

Tina
said

I was at the polls today and not one person could explain the current system for voting or the single transferrable vote electoral system. Are people voting for something they know nothing about? It was discouraging to say the least.

Debbie Stewart Prince George
said

I would like the Liberals to know that they got in not because we trust them or like them but because we trust the NDP less. I personally voted with my nose plugged because the options I had in Prince George Valemont really stunk. I truely wish we had another viable opion.

Gregory Silvey
said

It looks again like BC has chosen to turn a blind eye to the destruction of our forestry, in the coming months as we see our economy continue to weaken, and jobs continue to be lost let me be on the record as saying that if Mr. Campbell does not begin to rebuild our biggest economic structure rather than export raw lumber, I as of now call for his resignation within 12 months of today. It is my hope that British Columbia regain the strength it had before the reign of Gordon Campbell.

John-Burnaby
said

If the NDP ever wants to be taken seriously, they might want to consider having something of substance to say instead of bashing the opposing party. "Vote for me, because the other guy sucks," just doesn't work for me.

Maria
said

I have to say that I feel that one issue that is not being taken into consideration is the boundary issues in Northern BC. In several areas the distance to travel to vote was outragious! Most felt 'why bother?" Who wants to have to drive an hour to vote when they live five minutes from a polling station? From there they would have to cast an absentee ballot that, in honesty means little in the counting. In Quesnel there was a family sent to Valemont to vote, another was drawn into Prince George.

Deb McWade
said

I have seen an update of Kamloops-North Thompson only 4 times all evening - Yes Wally is up by 29 votes, we know, there are a number of close calls - ONE of them is Kamloops-North Thompson; I had to go to my computer to find out what the heck is going on - get out of the lower mainland and off the island for crying out loud and look at the rest of the province!

Chantel-Penticton
said

As a BC Ambulance Paramedic, I feel I should be looking for a new job with the Libs back in power... Because, no one is obviously going to help us resolve or change our service in the near future. Help us keep our jobs that we love!

Sandra
said

Very disappointing. Although I believe Campbell should be in the spotlight to answer to us all when his precious Olympic fiasco blows up in our faces and pocketbooks for years to come. I did not vote Green but believe we should really pay attention to what she was saying.

Mark
said

I was doubly disappointed as I wanted change not only in gov't but moreso with our voting system. Now, accepting the results, I hope that Mr. Campbell and Ms. James have cooperative ideas, that the BC Liberals don't reject all NDP input, and that both parties listen to their constituents (whether they voted for them or not). I tire of party politics.

toddman
said

well now we have 4 of more BS and lies from Mr Campbell and his friends I hate this guy so much.

Gerry Kichok, Port Moody
said

I will never vote again. I was counting on BC-STV to pass and finally give my vote a voice but TV Ads convinced everyone I spoke to that they were too stupid to understand BC-STV or it would cost too much or they simply wanted the two party American style politics.

In line to vote the Older gentleman in front of me at the polling station told everyone he was he was going to pick the winner this time, because last time he voted for the loser and his vote did not count. While the man behind me was angry and ranting that he did his civic duty, "what a waste of time" and "I will just put an X in every box, that way everybody wins!". What upset the most was the fact that I was not even on the voters list. I was on the list in the last federal and provincial election but not this time and when I asked why I was told, “we have told everyone else, we have no idea why you are not on the registered voters list".

Seeing the exceptionally low voter turn out and being left off the registered voters list has left a bad taste in my mouth. Add that to the results and attitudes of other voters and it makes me feel like I am trapped in a lost cause. Ten years ago, I would never have considered not voting, I was involved with my party and knocking on doors as a volunteer trying to make a difference. Maybe I am just naive, maybe most people already know voting is a waste of time and that is why there was such a low turn out.

Why should I vote next time?

Joe
said

Couldn't stand Campbell. So I didn't vote for him. If the Liberals had a more appealing leader, they might have picked up 50% of the vote and over 60 seats. That James, an unappealing leader, received 42% of the vote and came as close as she did is an indication that Campbell is a drag on his own party.

Jeff - Surrey
said

The poor voter turn-out tells me that we need to take another look at STV. Let's tweek it, and refine it. Make the ridings smaller. People want their voices heard. People out there are afraid of losing the positive aspects of the present voting system.
Let's see STV version 2!

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Thousands head to the polls in British Columbia for the 39th provincial election on May 12, 2009

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