As they were in the BC Liberal Party’s leadership race, business issues will be key in a successful run for leadership of the BC New Democratic Party. NDP members are scheduled to cast their votes in the party’s leadership race on April 17. In this second instalment of a three-part NDP leadership series, Business in Vancouver surveys the five candidates on their vision for the province, policies that distinguish them from the current government and infrastructure spending. In the first instalment (issue 1117; March 22-28), they discussed health care, balancing budgets and government spending. Next week: attracting investment to B.C. and cutting red tape.
Adrian Dix: More social and economic equality as we improve public education, housing access and health care. A higher standard of environmental quality as we improve pollution standards, solid waste reduction, urban/suburban transit and planning and resource use management, including reforestation. Higher investment in research and development and access to post-secondary education. More economic security as we stop the Liberal attack on working people and concentrate instead on creating new jobs and economic opportunities.
John Horgan: We can build a province that develops our natural bounty wisely, ensures that economic growth benefits everyone, makes certain all children develop the skills they need for the global economy and engages the public in a meaningful way. We need to explain how and why decisions benefit the public interest.
Mike Farnworth: BC’s government must build a strong, dynamic economy where government works with our partners to produce the jobs and development we need to succeed. We must recognize that when prosperity is shared and sustainable, all British Columbians benefit. Key to achieving that will be developing a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy, putting sustainability at the forefront of all public policy decisions and modernizing our education system. That will also help us be more productive
Dana Larsen: Social justice and environmental sustainability will become more influential in our public policy as urban areas densify and move toward more rapid public transit while rural areas experience the economic benefits of increased local food production, local processing of resources, and increased access to education and investment.
Nicholas Simons: BC is a province of immense natural beauty and rich resources. We must steward our environment and economy to ensure future generations inherit the richness we enjoy. An active and engaged citizenry, the embracing of democratic principles and the celebration of diversity will be trademarks of this province.
Dix: I would favour evidence-based public initiatives over the sell-off of B.C. interests particularly in health care, energy policy and Crown corporations. Second, I would end the Liberals’ practice of breaking major campaign promises such as those on the HST, respecting signed contracts and BC Rail.
The BC Liberals have allowed the legislature to sit only four days since last June 3. They have reduced access to freedom of information and hidden major initiatives. I support open government and democratic institutions.
Horgan: My campaign has focused on building and articulating a plan that delivers on four key priorities:
- promoting economic growth that benefits every British Columbian;
- implementing real environmental protection and support for the green economy;
- providing education and training opportunities for young people; and
- delivering real, open and honest government.
Farnworth: I would run government in a much more open, collaborative and inclusive way. Government must work with its stakeholders and partners to make effective policy changes and advancements. Second, I would ensure sustainability is front and centre for public policy decisions. It is time to use carbon tax revenue to invest in sustainable public transit initiatives like the Evergreen Line. Third, I would tackle B.C.’s shameful child poverty record and appoint a minister in cabinet responsible for a comprehensive poverty reduction plan with legislated targets.
Larsen: As premier, I would move our government’s focus away from big business and toward the families, small-business owners and people of our province. I would return corporate taxes to 2001 levels and introduce a new 11% tax on income over 250,000 and use that revenue to balance our budget and increase education funding 10%. I would re-nationalize BC Rail, BC Ferries and all aspects of BC Hydro and ensure these Crown corporations serve the best interests of the people of this province.
Simons: I will reduce centralized power in the premier’s office and let ministers do their work. Let’s empower bi-partisan legislative committees to inform and review provincial policy, have more free votes (except confidence votes) in the legislature to reflect constituency wishes and embrace a smart, long-term approach to social issues.
Dix: I would:
- expand transit in urban areas by applying carbon taxes to green initiatives;
- provide more schools in areas of rapid growth, such as Surrey, and seismically upgrade schools; and
- improve bandwidth capacity and access to electricity in underserved rural areas such as the North Thompson.
Horgan: I would focus on seismic retrofits and eliminating portables in our school system, building real public transportation options and ensuring that transportation infrastructure is capable of getting B.C. goods to international markets.
Farnworth: First, transit and transportation. We need to make transit options like the Evergreen Line a priority. I also support expanding transit options across the province. Second: schools. B.C. must fast-track the seismic upgrades needed to protect our students in the event of a major earthquake. Finally, a rural and northern B.C. development strategy.
I would invest in a new
Northwest Mining Trust, to ensure revenue sharing exists to reinvest in economic
development.
Larsen: First, the South Fraser Community Rail system for commuters. Second, the Evergreen and Broadway SkyTrain lines. Finally, the expansion of rail for transportation of goods to and from the Vancouver, Delta and Prince Rupert ports.
Simons: I would complete:
- seismic upgrading of all schools and fire halls in B.C. to ensure they are safe;
- transit infrastructure for Metro Vancouver (Evergreen line, buses and light rail where appropriate); and
- renovation of St. Paul’s Hospital and long-term care facilities.