LIBERALS VS. NDP ON WOMEN'S EQUALITY - INSIDE: 30% PUBLIC SERVICE CUTS? COMMUNITY VOICES BONUS DVD
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April 2009 A Publication of the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union www.bcgeu.ca
Agreement No. 40010201 Volume 57, Number 2
Liberals vs. NDP
on women’s equality
1
Inside: 30% Public Service Cuts? • Community Voices • Bonus DvD
In this issue:
THIS ELECTION...
Cover Story .......................... 4-5
Public Service Cuts .......... 6-7
Member-to-Member.......... 8-9
Make sure you vote
B
CGEU members know firsthand how much of our daily lives are
Best Place on Earth?..... 10-11 affected by the decisions made by the provincial government.
MLAs and cabinet make key decisions about our children’s care and
BCGEU Candidates......... 14-15 education, our roads and highways, our health care system, environ-
mental protections and many other important public services that
STV: Yes or No? .............. 16-17 British Columbians value.
Community.......... 12-13, 18-19 Your livelihood and your community are directly
affected by what happens in Victoria.
During this time of economic downturn, elections are
even more important. We need to think carefully about
who we trust to maintain the public services that our
The Provincial is published seven times a year by Solidarity
communities rely on while we navigate through these
Publications Ltd., Suite 206 - 4911 Canada Way, Burnaby, tough economic waters.
B.C. V5G 3W3
E-mail: theprovincial@bcgeu.ca We urge you to Most importantly, we must vote.
This issue of the Provincial is edited by Chris Bradshaw and
Teresa Marshall. Signed articles do not necessarily reflect
get out to the Every vote counts. In 2005, only 58 per cent of British
the views of the publishers. We cannot guarantee the
return of unsolicited editorial contributions.
polls and choose Columbians voted. A shift of only 2,780 votes in seven
key constituencies would have changed the outcome
a government that of the election, resulting in an NDP majority.
Provincial Executive will protect the
President: Darryl Walker services that you If all 60,000 BCGEU members vote, you will have a
Treasurer: Judi Filion serious impact on who forms the next government.
Vice-President: Michael Clarke provide to British
Vice-President:
Vice-President:
Dan Bradford
Colleen Jones
Columbians. We urge you to get out to the polls and choose a
government that will protect the services that you
Vice-President: Lorene Oikawa
Component 1: Dean Purdy
provide to British Columbians.
Component 2: Helen Lindsay
Component 3: James Cavalluzzo On May 12th decide who you trust to invest in public services that are the
Stephanie Seaman lifeblood of our communities. Make sure your vote counts.
Component 4: Brenda Brown
Component 4: Ann Chambers
Component 5: Betty Reid
Component 6: Doug Kinna
Component 7:
Component 10:
Component 12:
Mike Nuyens
Sandi McLean
Lori Joaquin
Register to vote
Component 17: Dave MacDonald To be eligible to vote in a B.C. election you must meet the following criteria:
Component 20: Byron Goerz
• be a Canadian citizen;
• be 18 years of age or older on election day;
4911 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3W3 • be a resident of your electoral district;
Phone: 604-291-9611
Fax: 604-291-6030 • have resided in B.C. for at least six months immediately preceding
1-800-663-1674 (toll free) election day.
www.bcgeu.ca
A component of the National Union of Public and General Forms to register are available at any Government Agent’s office, Election
Employees. Affiliated with the B.C. Federation of Labour and BC’s Victoria office and on Elections BC’s web site (www.elections.bc.ca).
the Canadian Labour Congress
If you have any questions or want to see if you are on the voters list call
elections BC at 1-800-661-8683.
2
COMMENT
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Darryl Walker
A chance for a better future
W
e’ve all got an important choice to make on May with the economic recession? And when the
12 that will affect the future of our province for going gets tough who will take steps to pro-
several years to come. tect our jobs, our families, our communities?
Who do we trust to invest in public services?
The economic downturn is on everyone’s mind.
And behind the economic crisis are some serious In the last election BC voters made sure
environmental problems that are quietly multiply- there was an effective opposition in the
ing in the absence of real change in the way we live and work. Legislature to oppose radical changes in
social and economic programs. This time
I’d have to say our provincial government squandered the let’s make sure there is an effective
opportunity in the booming economy to strengthen our skills base, government that works on our behalf.
create value-added jobs in resource communities and expand
important social services to communities. When it comes to who to vote for, I know
BCGEU members will make up their own
What I remember from two terms of Liberal minds. But for me there is a clear choice in
government is year after year of job cuts, this election. I believe we have an oppor-
underfunding, office closures, programs tunity for change and a better future with
winding up, and community wishes ignored. the New Democratic Party.
There was a lot of hot air about tackling
climate change, but not much has been done.
We have the highest levels of child poverty Special DVD
“Last election
voters made sure
in Canada. Vulnerable children are at risk,
and child protection services still aren’t ad- in this
there was an
equate. Homelessness is on the increase.
issue
effective oppos- The minimum wage will soon be the lowest in
A
Canada, yet the Premier took a 54 per cent special DVD
ition... This time wage increase. for BCGEU
let’s make sure members is
Laws and regulations that protect our
there is an effect- society and environment have been down-
included with this
election issue of the
ive government.” graded. Jobs that ensured compliance with
Provincial magazine.
employment standards, or protect air, water
and species habitat have been eliminated.
BCGEU president Darryl Walker introdu-
Now that we’re heading into tough times it becomes easy for ces the half-hour documentary “Broken
governments to say the economy has tied their hands. Promises”, which includes a bonus
half-hour documentary “Kids Can’t Wait
The Liberals’ pre-election budget made cuts in important – BC’s Child Care Challenge”.
ministries, and threatened job reductions. I wonder what public
services will look like after the election when the real economic Both videos were produced by the union.
bill starts to come in .
On May 12 I think we have to ask ourselves, who do we trust to deal
3
FEATURE
BC women need social and economic justice
P
remier Campbell continues to pump money three-quarters of these jobs were held by women.
into his Public Affairs Bureau — which has
a communications budget of $28 million this Contracting-out affects women
year. He has given huge wage increases to In health care, Bill 2 rolled back job security provisions
himself and his deputy ministers, and gen- and started wholesale contracting out of cleaning,
erous tax cuts to corporations. Meanwhile, dietary, and housekeeping services. Wages dropped
20 northern hospitals have been forced to stop offering more than 40 per cent for workers, mostly women,
maternity services. All operating funds for BC women’s who followed these jobs into the private sector.
centres have been eliminated.
In community living, the government is encouraging
A new report by UBC professors Gillian Creese and private care arrangements where compensation is
Veronica Strong-Boag maintains that Liberal policies lower, benefits eliminated, employment standards
and budget choices are biased against women. Still don’t apply, and union protection is gone. Lack of
Waiting For Justice: Provincial Policies and Gender funding and lack of services for adults with develop-
Equality in BC 2001-2008 shows many of the gains mental disabilities affects women, often seniors
made by women under the previous NDP government themselves, who are the primary care-givers for their
have been wiped out under two terms of BC Liberals. adult children who remain at home.
Women experiencing more poverty Dropping employment standards
British Columbia has the highest rates of poverty in Liberal government changes in employment standards
Canada. The UBC study directly links the increase in have affected women working non-union jobs.
women’s poverty and Liberal policies, like reductions in Minimum shifts have been reduced from four hours to
income assistance levels and low minimum wage rates. two hours; “overtime averaging” can mean a longer
Over 60 per cent of minimum wage earners are women work week; statutory holiday pay changes make it
but the Campbell government continues to hold harder for part-time workers to qualify and more than a
minimum wage at $8 an hour. quarter of all women in BC are in casual employment.
Changes in the Labour Relations Code have made it Enforcing employment standards has become more
harder for workers to organize, yet joining a union is difficult. Workers must confront their employer on their
one of the most effective ways for women to increase own, and the ‘self-help’ kit is only available in English.
their income. Women in unionized jobs earn, on
average, $2/hr. more than non-unionized women in
Inadequate child care funding
similar jobs. Pensions, benefits and job security are The government makes small increases to fund spaces,
also part of the union advantage. but refuses to provide the operational funds required to
reduce soaring parent fees, or to provide higher wages
According to the study, the provincial government has that would solve the shortage of qualified early child-
also reduced employment opportunities in sectors hood educators.
where many women work. They cut over 20,000 jobs
in the public sector in their first term in office; By comparison Quebec cut its poverty rate by 50 per
44
FEATURE
cent in the ten years since it introduced its provincial
universal child care system, and more women now
participate in the Quebec workforce, per capita, than Gains made by
anywhere else in Canada.
women under the
Health services cut NDP government:
The BC Liberals eliminated the provincial Women’s
(1991 -2001)
Health Bureau and cut funding for sexual assault
centres, local rape crisis lines and women’s addiction ✔ Wage lifts for child care workers
treatment services. ✔ First stand-alone Ministry of Women’s Equality
There aren’t enough long-term care beds or home ✔ Strengthened pay equity rights in B.C.’s
care and home support services. From 2000 to 2005, human rights code
the number of BC residents receiving home support
dropped 24 percent (even as the number of seniors, ✔ Student grants for women with dependants
a majority of whom are women, increased).
✔ Funding for women in Trades and Technology
Barriers to education ✔ Publicly funded before- and after-school care
saves families $1100 per child per year
Skyrocketing tuition fees and barriers such as high cost
of living prevent many women from pursuing post- ✔ Access to safe abortion services
secondary studies. Trades training incentives for
women were lost when the Industry Training and ✔ Access to midwifery services through the
Apprenticeship Commission was dismantled. Medical Services Plan
✔ Established BC Women’s Hospital and
Choosing a future that includes women Health Centre
The Campbell government’s “stimulus” budget has ✔ First BC government to have equal repre-
very little for women. The spending on “shovel-ready” sentation of women and men in Cabinet
infrastructure projects will create jobs in construction,
transportation and trades; jobs overwhelmingly ✔ Number of transition houses and safe homes
performed by men. for women doubled
As the authors of the Still Waiting For Justice report ✔ Survivor benefits to all spouses of workers
ask, “where is equivalent additional funding for infra- killed on the job
structure jobs in social service areas that employ large
numbers of women such as education and health care,
✔ WCB legislation and Employment Standards
protection for domestic workers
or the creation of a much needed child care program?”
The full report is available on the B.C. Federation of
✔ Improved Human Rights legislation and policy
on workplace discrimination
labour website at www.bcfed.com/publications
55
NEWS
What’s next for B.C.’s
public service workers?
investing in social infrastructure like public services,
the government made concrete cuts in key ministries,
and targeted a further $1. billion in cost savings that
needed to be made within the 200/10 budget year.
Initially, government representatives said the budget
squeeze would result in no layoffs. Then the worst
T
case scenario escalated to an overall five per cent
cut in jobs.
he future for the public service
in B.C. is emerging as a key Then Premier Campbell dropped a
issue in this election for the bombshell. In a Kamloops radio interview
many BCGEU members who Feb. 24, Campbell said there will be public
work directly for the provincial service job reductions of up to 30 per cent
government. in the next five or six years.
At stake are thousands of jobs and the The upheaval that would result in the public
potential for wholesale reductions in vital service would be like a tornado, the Premier
services for the public, which come at a said. “It’s picking us all up and it’s throw-
time when most ministries are just starting
“In a Kamloops ing things out in all different directions that’s
to recover from the deep cuts made during radio interview going to be dramatically different,”
2002 to 2005. Feb. 24, Campbell Campbell told listeners.
The latest controversy was triggered in said there will be Meanwhile, hundreds of BCGEU members
February when the Campbell government public service job in the public service have been engaged
made budget decisions that put the pub- in discussions on workplace online polls
lic service under intense pressure. Unlike
reductions of up and surveys, and contributed postings to
other governments in Canada that ran sig- to 30 per cent in BCGEU president Darryl Walker’s blog at
nificant deficits and maintained services to the next five or www.bcgeu.ca/presidents_blog.
offset the economic downturn, the Liberals
tabled a budget with only a small deficit. six years.” And the government’s proposal for a
voluntary reduced work week has helped fuel the
And instead of recognizing the stimulus value of debate. Contract language for a voluntarily shorter work
66
NEWS
week has been in our contract since 174, so the union The Premier’s tornado comments about the 30 per
is not opposed to sitting down with government to talk cent reduction in the public service also raise longer
about their proposal. BCGEU leaders are meeting with term issues, like whether the Liberals sees much of a
government officials to talk about this issue and our future for the public service.
ideas on how government can generate more revenue.
And in the meantime, Victoria is signalling to every
But our experience over the past 35 years, is that young person who might consider working for our
workers in the public service have had no end of province that there’s no place for them in the B.C.
trouble trying to get approvals to use these provisions public service of tomorrow. That’s not the message
because there aren’t enough people to do the work. we should be sending.
Wielding the axe What are
BCGEU
• Staffing levels in children and families will be cut by more than
two percent this year;
members
• Environment ministry funding will fall by more than nine per
saying?
cent in 200/10 and deeper cuts will “I find it offensive
follow in the next two that our Liberal government thinks
budget years; that after getting voted in they can
slash civil servants jobs by over
• Forests and range allocations 30 per cent then vote themselves
will be cut by nearly five per significant raises, then come to the
cent, with additional deep front line employees, the people
cuts to follow; who get the governments work done,
• Ministries of Agriculture and
and ask us to take less money for
Lands, and Energy, Mines and
the same work.”
Petroleum Resources will take “We live from pay cheque to pay
major hits starting in 2010; cheque and for me a reduced work
• Significant cuts will be made
week is not positive and I would
to corrections and sheriffs
not participate.”
services, highways “If there aren’t enough people now
maintenance, commercial to do all the work that management
vehicle inspection keeps piling on us, how would
and legal aid. reducing the work week help to
get the work done?”
77
NEWS
M2M campaign reaches out
to members at home
Local 408 chairperson, volunteered on the campaign in
Cranbrook.
“Talking with members, their number one issue has
been the reputation of this B.C. government with their
‘slash and burn’ policies. The elimination of our mem-
bers’ jobs, tearing up of contracts and decimation of
government services in this area is still fresh in their
minds,” said Komer.
B
CGEU activists visited the homes of more Members told Komer they don’t trust this government to
than 2,106 fellow members in commun- bargain fairly, based on the recent 200 budget. “They
ities around the province in February and fear another round of cuts, privatization, and conces-
March, as part of an important Member- sions. They’re concerned about being able to provide for
to-Member at Home outreach. their families with a fair wage, and about the hardships
that will be felt by their clients and the public.”
Union volunteers spoke with members
on their doorsteps in the Saanich, Courtenay, Maple Canvassers heard members voice concerns about
Ridge, Kamloops, Cranbrook, Vernon, Terrace, Prince privatization of liquor stores, contracting out health
George and Lower Mainland areas. The mission was to services, the lack of affordable child care and the failure
talk to members about key workplace concerns, bar- to regulate highways maintenance contractors.
gaining and election issues. Volunteers also updated
members’ e-mails and addresses. Many members shared stories of how the Liberal
government’s actions have hurt their families. Some
It turns out that BCGEU members had lots to say on even decided to get involved in the campaign.
the doorstep. Paul Komer, a health care worker and
“I’ve never been
politically active
before, but when
I was at a basic
steward course,
we were asked if
we were interested
in helping out with
this campaign,”
said Krista Dunn, a
liquor store worker
“I want to make in Courtenay and
sure we elect a a new Local 502
steward. “I really
government that think it’s important
understands the that workers get
value of protecting out to vote in this
election.
public services,
so I decided to “I know a lot of
people worry about
KAMlooPs M2M@hoMe — Back l-r: Mel Greco 1705, Medhi Salem 105, Brenda Klassen 305, Valerie
Henderson 305, BC NDP Leader Carole James, Merina Csercsics 305, Brenda Dunn 705, Tokla Shaw
get involved.” privatization. I want
305, Danae Theobold Support Staff, George Buis 2005. Front, l-r: Frank Anderson Staff Rep, Shawna to make sure we
Tolhurst 405, Angela Reed 305, Andree Beauchemin 705, Kari Bepple 305, Joanne Harder 1205. elect a government
8
NEWS
that understands the value of protecting public servi-
ces, so I decided to get involved.”
Member volunteers also distributed ‘B.C. needs child
care to work’ lawn signs, and distributed information on
how members can register to vote.
Annette Taylor, a 703 member who works for Legal
Services, summed up her experience: “It was a lot of fun
talking to members about the issues that matter to them.
But the best part is actively participating in democracy
— knowing each person has the ability to make a differ-
ence. Every change starts with a single step.”
M2M @ home volunteer TEAMs — (left top) Area 01 team: Bottom l-r:
Ian Teeple, Cindy Ingram, Leanne Whitfield, Susanne Francoeur. Top l-r: CJ
Conroy, Tony Sprackett, Richard Ziemianski (left bottom) Area 03 team: Front
l-r: Leah Squance Staff Rep., Paula Dribnenki Staff Rep., Ho-Ying Kui 403,
Kathy Tones 303, Jane McDermott 703, Rose Chee 403, Wayne Chee 403,
Diane Carter 403, Nadine Coughlan 1203. Back: l-r: Caroline Kent 303, Dave
Iorizzo 103, Annette Taylor 703, Gillian Rutherford 303, Deborah Doyon 303, Ken
Wong 203, June Baptiste 203. (right top) Area 02 team: Front l-r: Ken Gourlay
502, Dan Cross 1002, Carol Schmitz 1702. Second l-r: Leah Squance Staff
Rep., Mike Scott 102, Diane Droski 502, Krista Dunn 502, Adam Doll 502, Craig
Demo 102, Nick Day 302. Back l-r: Lynda Reid Staff Rep., Maggie Campbell
502, Glenda Elliot 502, Earlene James 302, Steve Thurber 502, Dennis Bailey
302, Tom Smith 502. (Right bottom) Area 11 team: l-r: Dal Bains 111, Mark
Unger 611, Bhopinder Manhas 311, Chris Mikulasik 311, Chelsea Vaneck 311,
Dawn Dreher 311, Aaron Ekman Staff Rep.
9
10 10
11 11
COMMUNITY
Member wins recognition
for social work and activism
I
It’s not often someone is rewarded for standing up
against prevailing attitudes and speaking their mind.
But that’s exactly why long-time BCGEU member
Connie Kaweesi is recipient of the 2009 Bridget Moran
Award from the British Columbia Association of Social
Work Northern Branch.
The award commemorates the values and courage of the late
Bridget Moran, a spirited and outspoken social worker who
committed her life to working for social justice. Connie Kaweesi was awarded the 2009 Bridget Moran Award
from the BC Association of Social Work Northern Branch.
Moran made headlines in the 160s for her public criticism of
government social policies. She was suspended from her social
work position, then won reinstatement. She
rejected the offer and chose to work instead included silencing the voices of women
with the local school district and hospital. when they want to speak out and be
She also became a best-selling author. advocates for those who most need
support.”
“It’s a huge honour to be nominated by my
peers for this,” says Kaweesi. “I remember Kaweesi has three children, and a grand-
hearing Bridget Moran speak, years ago. She daughter. She became a BCGEU member in
was an incredible advocate for the Stoney 185 while working in the Ministry of Social
Creek people and all northern social work- Services and Housing in Prince George.
ers. I remember how inspiring she was.” “This govern-
Kaweesi was cited for her many years as
ment has chosen
a leader in social work in Prince George to provide more
and Fort St. John, her influential role as an opportunity for the
instructor at Northern Lights College and the
University of Northern BC, and her record of affluent – to those
community activism. who already have
As a researcher, Kaweesi has co-authored
shelter, food and
important studies on women’s health and clothing – while Susan Harney
Chairperson
employability. She is currently an instructor taking away from Coalition of Child Care
and Chair of Academic and Career Technol- Advocates of BC
ogy Programs at Northern Lights College the most marginal-
“Since Campbell came
in Fort St. John. ized persons.” to power things have
gone from bad to worse
Kaweesi is also politically involved. She for child care. First, he
serves as treasurer of the provincial NDP North-Peace constitu- cancelled the school-aged
ency, is the financial agent for former BCGEU member and NDP child care program. Then
candidate Jackie Allen in the upcoming BC election, and is federal he cut $40 million from the child care budget.
treasurer for the Prince George-Peace River NDP association.
His government only began to replace these
cuts with federal child care transfer funds. When
“I think in many ways the most disenfranchised persons in our
Harper cancelled these payments, BC was the
society have felt the brunt of cuts by the Campbell Liberal govern- only province to pass the cuts onto families.
ment,” Kaweesi comments.
Child care is in crisis. Parent fees are sky high.
“This government has chosen to provide more opportunity for the Wages are so low that early childhood educators
affluent — to those who already have shelter, food and clothing are forced to leave. Wait lists can be years long.”
— while taking away from the most marginalized persons. That has
12COMMUNITY
Stronger public sector jobs and
services best answer to recession
By Marc Lee
T
Art Kube
he hurt is on. As global markets tank and real estate val- President, Council of Senior
ues plummet, BC’s economy is clearly in recession, with Citizens Organizations of BC
all major economic indicators headed in the wrong direc- “The actions of the
tion. This means the provincial government will have to Campbell government have
do much more to lean against these strong headwinds, hurt seniors in a great
and in particular, guard against rising unemployment. number of ways like the
cuts to Pharmacare, and
Most troubling is the rapid rise in unemployment. A year ago, BC’s the privatization of seniors
unemployment rate was just over 4 percent. By February it had hit care facilities.
6.7 percent, its highest level in five years, and higher than the 6.2
By reducing homecare and home-support, they
percent forecast in the BC Budget tabled that same February. have forced seniors into care-facilities sooner than
necessary. And they have refused to implement
As households retrench on their spending and business balks at the recommendations of the Premiers’ Council on
making new investments, the only major sector that can step into Aging and Seniors.
the breach is the public sector. Unfortunately, the 200 budget
plans for cuts to ministries outside of health care, education and Another four years of the Campbell government
social services. Moving ahead with those cuts would be a mistake would do irreversible damage to the social
that would increase unemployment and reduce incomes at the Infrastructure of BC.”
worst possible time.
In almost every community the public sector employs a major share supports of various types), the closure of
of the local population, typically accounting for between 20-30 a mill would turn many a community into a
percent of local income (according to BC Stats). This includes civil ghost town.
servants in federal and provincial ministries, but also teachers, doc-
tors, nurses, social workers and so on. All totaled, the public sector Some are now arguing that in the current
is the number one source of income in many communities in BC, economic crisis, the public sector needs to
and in the major resource communities it is a close number two. tighten its belt by downsizing operations,
and jobs. But that would only worsen the
Which is why the budget cuts delivered by the Liberals in their first pain, and lead to a longer and deeper
mandate (between 2002 and 2004) hurt so much. The impact of slump. If anything we need more public
those cuts has been masked by a boom in resource extraction and sector income to be a stronger counter-
exports due to high commodity prices and due to accelerated cuts weight that sustains BC communities.
in response to the mountain pine beetle.
Marc Lee is a Senior Economist in the
The public sector provides a major bulwark against bad economic BC Office of the Canadian Centre for
times. Without all of those public sector jobs (and public income Policy Alternatives.
13COMMUNITY
JAYNIE CLARK BYRON GOERZ
BCGEU Director of Advocacy Local 2011, Component 20
and Human Resources chairperson, Fort St. James
BC NDP Candidate municipal councillor
Burnaby-Lougheed riding BC NDP Candidate
Nechako Lakes
I’ve talked to a lot of people who
tell me they’re fed up with the As Tommy Douglas once said,
Campbell Liberals. I’ve seen the There is lots of work to be done,
damage this government has if we are to achieve the kind of
caused in our workplaces and society people have the right to
our communities and I want to change it. BC has had expect. I have not seen the BC Liberals creating this
the highest child poverty rate in Canada for five type of society and we need strong voices from all over
consecutive years. During that time Gordon Campbell BC demanding a better province.
gave his senior bureaucrats a 43% pay increase.
I believe government should put people’s priorities I’m looking for solutions that mitigate the current
before those of their political backers. challenges while looking for new opportunities for
economic growth in the region. While this is happening,
It’s not going to be easy to restore everything the we must ensure that community services are not only
Liberals have cut, but the first priority should be maintained but enhanced.
assessing the immediate needs of working families to
assist them in making ends meet. I have years of technical experience in the forestry
sector , which is critical to BCs economy. And what I
We need to elect a government that will stand up for us. also bring to Victoria is local government experience in
I have 20 years’ experience as an advocate — represent- a small resource community that has fought to maintain
ing BCGEU members, as well as serving on committees its community services. I understand the issues work-
at the Law Society of BC, the Labour Relations Board, ers are facing. Our area needs a voice in Victoria that is
and a number of other organizations. I have a record of willing to speak out on issues that affect the North.
service: to workers, to women and to my community. I I have that voice and the experience behind it to make
care about people. And I know how to get things done. a real difference.
LEANNE SALTER JACKIE ALLEN
Local 602 Shop Steward Local 1210, former
Component 7 executive
BC NDP
member, shop steward
Parksville-Qualicum
BC NDP
I’ve lived here all my life and Peace River North
don’t like seeing the damage
the Liberals have created in I want to bring a different voice
this community--they’re not to the decision-making table
helping my neighbours, or my family. They don’t especially on poverty issues.
listen to the people who live and work here. We need to take actions like
raising minimum wage, addressing homelessness,
I’m concerned about the contracts Campell has providing jobs and job security.
signed on public-private partnerships. I’m concerned
about the loss of our crown corporations, BC Hydro, I live in a forest-based community and Liberal inaction
and forestry practices – they’re hurting B.C. has decimated the forest industry here, that’s had a
huge impact on families, including my own.
I understand how important it is to have leadership
that’s positive and encourages public involvement… We have had a government for eight years that has not
I understand the value of having a union to fight for all listened. I will listen; I will ask questions; I will do my
workers and want to bring the same value to Victoria homework, and I will represent working families
– having a government that works for all its citizens. of Peace River North in Victoria.
14COMMUNITY
JULIANA BUITENHUIS
Local 303 executive member,
Provincial Executive Young
Worker Committee member
West Vancouver-Sea to Sky
BC NDP Candidate
I work for a non-profit agency Joe Foy
and see the effects of the National Campaign Dir. Western Canada
Liberal government every day Wilderness Committee
— the lack of affordable “The government’s failure to enact endan-
housing, low minimum wage, gered species legislation has put BC’s most
families that can’t afford food. vulnerable wild plants and animals on a
dangerous slide towards extinction.
I want to be part of a government that works for positive
change — to make sure women and children have Along with the weakening of forest practi-
access to health care, day care, and affordable housing. ces laws, it has resulted in loss of critical
habitats and a crash of population numbers for some forest
I bring a fresh perspective to politics. Sea-to-Sky has dependant species, such as the spotted owl.
been my home for over twenty years. Our environment — source of all of our wealth and well being
— is being ruined. Our commonly owned assets, such as B.C.
I’ve seen the social and environmental effects of Hydro are being spit up and sold off. If that isn’t reason for
having a government that doesn’t listen to the a change, what is?”
people who live here.
MIKE GILDERSLEEVE IAN MCLEOD
Local 604, shop steward, Local 503
former 604 executive member BC Conservative candidate
Maple Ridge-Mission North Vancouver-Lonsdale
BC Green Party candidate
Under the present government,
I have run in the past two B.C. doesn’t have good leader-
provincial elections and the last ship, doesn’t have accountabil-
federal election... I see a need ity and is ethically challenged.
for change.
We need to have government
The status quo is not accept- that is compassionate,
able, whether we’re talking about the environment, or accountable to people, in
government policy on Independent Power Producers favour of lower taxes. There should be no careless
(IPP), or social justice issues like having the highest spending such as the Olympics or selling BC Rail for
child poverty rate or issues of public transit. lower than market value.
On electoral reform, the Green party will be supporting We’ll bring in lower taxes for British Columbians and
STV (single-transferable vote) in the referendum, but responsible government spending. We won’t spend
urban sprawl, fiscal responsibility, protection of acqui- money irresponsibly, like the Liberals did on the
fers, and endangered species legislation are Convention Centre or carbon tax.
also priorities.
Also running: Donny van Dyk Local 1212, Skeena, BC Liberal candidate
No information was provided by this BCGEU member on his priorities for the election.
15BALLOT ISSUE
Will a Single Transferable Vote system
improve political representation?
O
ur current voting system is popularly known as
First-Past-the-Post (or FPTP), where one member is
elected for each of the province’s 85 electoral districts.
Whoever gets the most votes in an electoral district
becomes the area’s Member of the Legislative Assem-
bly (MLA). The political party that wins the most seats
usually forms the provincial government.
FPTP is regarded as a system that: encourages larger political par-
ties; tends to produce majority governments if there are two domin-
ant parties; is simple to understand; and maintains a link between
an elected representative and voters in his or her constituency.
The BC Single Transferable Vote (BC-STV) system was proposed by
the BC Citizens Assembly on Electoral Reform. STV received 57.7
percent of the votes cast in the May 2005 referendum, failing short
of the required 60 percent majority. The BC Liberal government
decided to hold a second referendum in the 200 election.
Seth Klein NO to STV
Director, Canadian Centre
for Policy Alternatives - BC The single transferable vote (STV) is only used in Ireland, Malta,
Tasmania, the Australian senate and a few municipalities. Hypothet-
“We’ve had reasonably
ical examples claim to show that BC-STV would give more propor-
strong economic growth
and low unemployment, tional election outcomes. In Malta where STV is used, there have
yet there has been growing been four occasions, including in 2008, when the party with the
inequality, poverty and greatest popular support won the fewest seats.
homelessness. We continue
to have the highest poverty Those who rank proportionality as important frequently prefer mixed-
rate in the country and the member proportional systems (MMP). When New Zealand changed
highest child poverty rate for five years running. its electoral system it held a nonbinding referendum asking whether
Some of the reasons are — welfare that is inad- their first past the post system (FPTP) should be replaced and, if so,
equate and inaccessible; a minimum wage that’s which of four systems people preferred. MMP received 70 percent
been frozen for eight years and shares the distinc- support, STV only 17 percent. British Columbians won’t be given the
tion of being the lowest in the country, the erosion of opportunity to vote on MMP, and STV is nothing like it.
employment standards so that vulnerable workers
find it harder to get their pay; and the contracting Adoption of BC-STV would merge the 85 single-MLA constituencies
out of thousands of health support workers’ jobs.” that will be used in the 200 election into 20 multiple-MLA electoral
areas. Under BC-STV it is possible to elect all the area candidates
16
16from one community, leaving others with no effective representation.
In the proposed seven-MLA Capital Region, a candidate would be
elected with just 12.5 percent of the vote, while in the Northeast, a
two-MLA region, a candidate would be elected with 33.3 percent of
the vote — creating essentially two different voting systems.
NO STV’s directors include former Social Credit cabinet minister
Bruce Strachan, former BC Citizens Assembly representative Rick Joyce Jones
Dignard and former Green Party Vancouver school trustee Andrea Community Co-chair
Reimer, now a Vision Vancouver city councilor. Other members B.C. Health Coalition
include former BC deputy minister Bob Plecas, and former NDP
cabinet minister Anne Edwards. NO STV’s position was endorsed “The current government has
by former Social Credit premier Bill Bennett and former NDP cut home support services,
closed hospitals, and shut
premier Dave Barrett, before the 2005 vote. For more information, the doors of public long-term
visit: http://www.nostv.org/ care facilities. They refuse to
make the necessary invest-
YES to STV ments to keep up with our
growing communities and our aging population.
The proposed BC-STV is a form of the Single Transferable Vote
system. BCGEU member Wendy Bergerud (and three other mem- Instead, they are introducing more privatization,
bers) served on the BC Citizens Assembly on Electoral Reform that promoting health sector P3s, increasing out-of-
chose this system. pocket costs for patients and putting fair,
affordable health care at risk.
Bergerud says, “there are many reasons to prefer BC-STV to First-
Past-The-Post. Our legislature will better reflect how we actually British Columbians deserve a government that is
going to protect and invest in Medicare and
voted – parties will get seats in proportion to the popular vote.
promote public innovations and public solutions
Governing party(s) will have to listen to more voices, including to our health care challenges.”
union voices, and build longer-lasting moderate policy.”
Under BC-STV, voters would elect between two and seven MLAs
per electoral district. The number of MLAs would not change, but
there would be 20 geographically larger electoral districts. count towards their second choice. Gener-
ally, voters will be able to rank two or more
Since two voters may not support the same candidate, multiple candidates from the same party, though they
MLAs are needed if most voters are to have an MLA they support. are also free to rank candidates from more
than one party. To be elected, a candidate
The current system often makes voters choose between the must reach a certain threshold of votes.
candidate they want to win and a candidate who has a better
chance of winning. BC-STV gives voters the ability to list their first BC-STV endorsers include environmentalist
and second choice and so forth. David Suzuki, Council of Canadians leader
Maude Barlow, broadcaster Rafe Mair, for-
Counting is done in rounds and the candidate with the least voters mer Reform Party leader Preston Manning,
after each round is removed. If a voter selects an independent can- and author Judy Rebick. For more informa-
didate or a less popular candidate who is eliminated, their vote will tion from this viewpoint: http://stv.ca/join
17COMMUNITY
BC Liberals’ WCB changes tilt playing
field in favour of employers
A
s BCGEU members get set to In the last six years, the Workers Compensation Board —
mark the April 28 Day of or Work Safe BC (WSBC) as it has been “rebranded” under the
Mourning for workers killed or BC Liberals — has:
injured on the job, we felt it
appropriate to highlight changes • rolled back benefits and cut enforcement;
made by the Campbell govern-
ment that have radically altered • relaxed penalties levied on employers and reduced the
workplace safety and the underlying worker assessments they pay; and
compensation system.
• made it almost impossible for workers to appeal WSBC
decisions — even when new medical
evidence comes to light.
Enforcement efforts, fines fall
The new BC Liberal system is characterized
by limited enforcement of safety regulations
in favour of a more conciliatory approach
Seamus Reid with employers, instead of holding them
Chairperson, Canadian accountable for killing or injuring workers.
Federation of Students BC “A worker who
was sexually In 2008, 160 workers were killed at work,
“Every year under the Camp- up from 13 in 2007. Reported injury claims
bell government, students assaulted on the have jumped from 156,000 in 2002 to
return to school to pay more
and get less. Per-student job was denied 174,000 in 2007.
funding has been cut in six a claim because Despite these trends, workplace safety
of eight budgets, resulting
in an overall decline of more the worker’s inspections decreased by 44 per cent,
than 12 percent since 2002. Meanwhile tuition fees response to the and penalties for violating the law fell
have skyrocketed to a record-high. by 45 per cent.
assault was not
Not only are the policies of this government failing acute, a WSBC The system to compensate workers was
students, they are failing BC’s economy, particu-
larly in this time of economic recession. British adjudicator also changed. The net effect is that workers
are now paid only 0 per cent of their
Columbians deserve a government that is commit- ruled.” average net earnings while they are off
ted to creating access to affordable and high-
quality public post-secondary education in BC.” — which means they pay a 10 per cent
penalty for being injured on the job,
18
18COMMUNITY
Changes part of legisla-
tive onslaught
The WSBC changes were
part of a legislative onslaught
from 2001 to 2005 when the
BC Liberals used their mas-
sive majority to push through Carleen Pickard
measures that were never part Director of Organizing
of their election platform. Council of Canadians
“The Campbell government
The compensation system
has intentionally weakened
was fundamentally altered all of our public services and
by legislation tabled in 2002 basically laid out the red
that featured several radical carpet for private ownership
departures from past practice, of that which was public.
including:
We see this in our public health care system, in
• severe restrictions on a municipal services and attempts to ‘outsource’
worker’s right to appeal a water service treatment, and through weakening BC
decision; Hydro and selling off hydro generation and access
to pristine rivers to the highest bidder.
• very narrow terms of
reference for the appeals tribunal, so that fewer decisions We know what the Campbell government stands for
could be amended even when new information is available; — and we’ve seen what happens when he’s given
license to run roughshod over the province.”
• fewer oral hearings are held; and
• the rehabilitation residence in Richmond has been closed as
were regional compensation offices in Williams Lake, Vernon, the worker’s response to the assault was
and Campbell River. not acute, a WSBC adjudicator ruled.
In another case, a teacher was violently
Post traumatic stress victims lose out and repeatedly threatened by students
One of the most insidious changes targeted workers suffering which included defecating on her notebooks
post-traumatic stress from an injury or incident on the job. and a threat to shoot her. In this case the
claim for post traumatic stress was upheld
The new rules say a worker is entitled to compensation for mental — but appealed by the employer.
stress but only if the mental stress is an acute reaction to a sudden
and unexpected traumatic event rising out of and in the course of
employment. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40010201
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO:
Based on real decisions, this rule has meant that a worker who 4911 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3W3
was sexually assaulted on the job was denied a claim because Email: theprovincial@bcgeu.ca
1PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40010201
It’s going to take all of us,
working together, to build a
universal child care system
for British Columbia.
Government cuts are
creating longer waitlists,
limiting new spaces,
and sending already
high child care fees
through the roof.
Our province can
afford to build
a quality public
child care system
that works for
BC children
and families.
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