If the percentage of ballots returned thus far in Metro Vancouver’s transit referendum is any indication, the majority of the region’s residents are indifferent to its transportation needs.
That bodes ill for B.C.’s long-term economic well-being. Transportation is far more than reliable bus service. It’s at the core of a region’s development potential. Resident awareness of that reality is critical to business success.
Elections BC must receive all referendum ballots by May 29, but, according to the region-wide tally at press time, roughly 58% were still outstanding.
The referendum understandably remains a hot-button issue.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has led the charge against approving a provincial sales tax increase to fund transit improvements and allocating more taxpayer dollars to TransLink, which it has called one of the country’s most wasteful government agencies. Also questionable is the provincial government’s decision to put Metro Vancouver transit funding to referendum rather than institute an equitable funding formula and the Mayors’ Council choice to generate the revenue from a PST increase rather than a gasoline levy.
But there’s no question the region’s transportation infrastructure needs significant investment to move commuters and workers efficiently throughout Metro Vancouver and goods through southwestern B.C. and across the country.
Small wonder, then, that the yes side in the referendum debate includes an unprecedented coalition of business, organized labour, environmental and health-care organizations.
Both sides in the transit referendum debate have legitimate arguments. Metro Vancouver residents, however, have no legitimate argument for not taking the time to consider what’s at stake for them and their business community and casting ballots in a decision that will be critical to the region’s economic future.
Apathy doesn’t cut it in the global marketplace. Enterprise and commerce will migrate to regions committed to ensuring their free flow is valued.
Casting a yes vote in the transit referendum recognizes the need for that commitment in Metro Vancouver.
