Both political parties are in the process of selecting a new leader.
So far the B.C. Liberal candidates have been very civil and are each giving an indication of what things may look like if they become leader of the party and form the next government.
In contrast the NDP are fighting amongst themselves and crying foul at every turn of events.
Then there are those who, according to the pollsters, are leading the pack, who seem to think they are fighting a provincial election to form government, not to become leader of their own party. They have told us nothing of what they stand for and intend to do for the province.
All they are talking about is what the other parties candidates have done wrong.
They all seem to have short memories of the decade of decline when they were actually in power.
But I guess with the NDP manifesto all who are party members should know their socialist agenda, and not ask questions as long as they follow the NDP constitution by declaring loyalty to “democratic socialist principles,” defined as follows:
a) The production and distribution of goods and services shall be directed to meeting the social and individual needs of people and not for profit.
b) The modification and control of the operations of monopolistic productive and distributive organizations through economic and social planning towards these ends.
c) Where necessary, the extension of the principles of social ownership.
Are we talking about state ownership of things like Ocean Falls, Fast Ferries or Skeena Cellulose? Or will this again mean all investors leave the province similar to what hit B.C. when the NDP were last elected and will they have the opportunity to own and run every business?
Walt Cobb is a freelance columnist for the Tribune. He is a former Liberal MLA, former Williams Lake mayor, and current president of the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce.