Respect for the process in our election
Thank you to everyone living in B.C. following the election. I saw no news reports of demonstrations or rioting while we waited for the eventual results.
No matter how people voted, we respected the process to determine the final count. It’s an attitude we should expect and be proud of as British Columbians.
Judy Dryden
Victoria
The best outcome, for the election, maybe
Having seriously considered the option of not voting in the recent election, I did what I believe a lot of others did. I voted for the party I thought was the least objectionable.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
Pending the outcome of two judicial recounts it now appears we will have a government with a razor-thin majority.
For a province that appears to be split down the middle politically, this could be the best outcome.
A strong opposition will keep the government in line and will perhaps encourage some cooperation and collaboration.
I believe this is a better outcome than a minority government where two novice MLAs potentially hold the balance of power, or as a recent letter writer put it — “achieving a voice and having an influence other MLAs could only dream about.”
I believe that’s known as the tail wagging the dog.
Pat Jackson
Victoria
All parties must work together now
As British Columbians we face an array of huge problems that no single party can solve alone.
The election should serve as a wake-up call to the NDP. Nearly half of the province disapproves of their track record. Clearly the NDP have failed to address and solve almost every single serious issue plaguing our society.
The only way to make any real progress toward solutions is for all three parties to work together. Time to find common ground and to develop practical solutions. Time to think outside the political party box.
Time to get rid of the ideological silos and actually improve the lives of citizens.
The people are waiting. Don’t let us down
Richard Smith
Saanichton
We need a new health minister
After 10 days of uncertainty, we learn that British Columbians have given another mandate to NDP and David Eby to address the challenges facing the province.
The thin majority is an important reminder for the premier that British Columbians are disappointed with the lack of progress of his NDP in addressing many of key social issues, including health care, housing and a cleaner economy. It is a call for a change in direction.
Crises in health care are not going to go away unless there is a renewed effort to address the underlying issues. Health care consumes more than $26 billion of taxpayers’ dollars but the results remain frustrating — many do not have a regular physician, hospitals are overcrowded, wait times are unbearable and many ERs don’t have staff to operate 24/7.
Eby must reflect on the message implicit in the outcome of the election and appoint a new health minister with a different vision and foresight to help improve health care in the province.
The new minister should review the bureaucratic framework through which health care is delivered to British Columbians.
The structure of health care bureaucracy under Adrian Dix over the past four years has been concerning.
We cannot run the Ministry of Attorney General without having some lawyers on board, nor can we run the Ministry of Auditor General without accountants, but why then it has been possible for the minister to run the health care system that is intrinsically clinical in nature without any clinicians on board to inform health policies and programs?
Eby needs to bring fresh oversight into health care. A new vision for health care and a clinically informed plan to address health care challenges facing British Columbians are long overdue.
Paramjit Singh
Victoria
At least they do not have tinfoil hats
Criticism about two unknown Green MLAs joining an experienced and progressive government is laughable. If we had a B.C. Conservative government we would have 47 complete unknowns including a tinfoil hat contingent.
David Vernon
Oak Bay
Facts really matter in election discussion
Re: “Urban-rural divide in this election,” letter, Oct. 25.
When Premier David Eby said there was a “clear majority” of progressive votes, he must have been referring to the fact that NDP votes plus Green votes equals a majority. Conservative votes plus Green votes also equals a majority. It can’t be discounted that, factually, most people in the province did not vote NDP.
Nor should 43.57% of voters be automatically written off as emotional and opinionated without presenting convincing facts. Living in a rural community is not sufficient to show that someone makes their decisions based on emotions rather than facts.
Rosalia Carlson
Saanich
What fate awaits BC United?
With the final votes now counted, and BC United having no seats in the legislature, what will happen with the BC United party?
Asking for a friend.
Jonathan Stoppi
Saanich
Reserve the trails for pedestrians
I live close to Mann Avenue, and use it more than once most days either by car, bus or on foot.
I am excited to report that since the bike lanes became active about two weeks ago I have seen two cyclists using them; one about a week ago as I drove along Mann and one this week as I walked across on the Colquitz Trail.
Meanwhile, I nearly got run down on the trail by two people speeding along on powerful electric motorbikes, ones without pedals.
Now that the cyclists have their splendid safe paths, could we please have the trail reserved for pedestrians?
Jonathan Manthorpe
Saanich
Long-term residents in these condos
The argument by condo owners that their property values have decreased because they are no longer able to use them as short-term rentals is ridiculous.
I live in one of the buildings with one of the claimants, and my property value has not seen a decline.
And the claimants say that the condos were purpose-built for short-term rentals and are not suitable for long-term residential use.
Again, ridiculous. I’ve been living in my condo since 2006 and so have many of my fellow owner-occupants.
Our building also has numerous long-term tenants.
It’s unfortunate that their revenue stream has taken a turn, but I wouldn’t think all is lost.
The condos can be sold or rented long-term.
Karen Burton
Victoria
Gone off the rails in removing cars
Re: “Council backs car-free 6-storey rental to replace Broughton parking lot,” Oct. 25.
The story says “Coun. Stephen Hammond said while he supported the project, he still feels approving residential buildings without parking is ‘bonkers.’ ”
I certainly agree with Hammond. I believe Victoria councillors have gone off the rails in their quest to remove cars from the city landscape.
Even renters have a need for cars, or will have, and all that will happen is they will find a parking spot and occupy it, further removing ability for downtown shopping.
To suggest they move to another rental where parking stalls might be present defeats the whole purpose of having a rental home at a price one can afford.
Not all of us have the ability to take a bus shopping nor can all renters carry their purchases home nor do all local stores offer delivery; of course, where does a delivery van park is the question, what with reduced street parking due to bike lanes and such.
Robert Holloway
Victoria
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