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Official news magazine of the B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members (BC FORUM) Vol. 23 No. 4 Special edition, 2020
Saturday, Oct. 24
Please vote!
25 THE ADVOCATE
In this
years
Board of Directors Labour Council
Delegates & Regional
edition
President
Diane Wood, BCGEU Representatives
Chair Campbell River,
Laird Cronk, BCFED President Courtenay & District
Barb Biley As British Columbians prepare to
First Vice President
East Kootenay & District choose how we will be governed in
Sam Wiese, PSAC
Chris Johns the next four years, we take a close
Second Vice President look at what the minority NDP gov-
Gary Werk
Gord Savard, CUPE ernment has accomplished as well as
Fraser Valley
Secretary what the B.C. Liberals did during their
Mike Annesley
Miriam Olney, UFCW 1518 16 years at the helm.
Pamela Willingshofer
Treasurer Kamloops & District We start on page 3, where President
Dan Bradford, BCGEU Diane Wood makes the case for elect-
Mogens Jorgensen
ing a government that works for or-
Directors Edna Park
dinary people, not just the fat cats.
Tony Brown, ILWU Kitimat, Terrace & District
Also in this edition:
Gwenne Farrell, MoveUP Raymond Raj
Fred Girling, USW Nanaimo, Duncan & District • Andrew Weaver hopes
Ivan Limpright, UFCW 1518 John Horgan is Premier again....... 5
Iris Taylor
Marion Pollack, CUPW Christine Walker • Judge the B.C. Liberals by what they
John Radosevic, UNIFOR New Westminster & District did, not what they say .....................6
John Savage, UNIFOR John Hooker • An historic renewal of health care....7
Bill Silvester, USW Gerry Townsend • Laird Cronk: the choices we face......8
Linda Forsythe, FPSE North Central • What it looks like when government
Russ St. Eloi, BCTC Victor Johnson works for people ............................10
Gerry Tiede, BCTF Heather Sapergia • Dave’s Corner ................................11
Betty Valenzuela, HEU Ron Williams • An economy that works for every-
Staff North Okanagan one, not just the rich......................12
Theresa Couture, USW Doug Gibson
• Renew your membership and sign
Greg McGowan
up a friend today ...........................15
Port Alberni & District
• Many options for voting safely ......16
Mike Lang
The Advocate is published by the South Okanagan Boundary
B.C. Federation of Retired Union John Colbourne Copyright 2020
Members. BC FORUM – supported by Terry Green Articles may be re-printed if they include:
WE Consulting and Benefits and affiliated “Reprinted with permission from
with the B.C. Federation of Labour – is Squamish Labour Committee
The Advocate, official newsmagazine of the
dedicated to representing the interests Marie Worth
B.C. Federation of Retired Union Members,
of members and their families, continu- Sunshine Coast www.bcforum.ca.”
ing into retirement the relationship they Ray Haynes
enjoyed with the union movement.
Vancouver & District
#200-5118 Joyce Street
Vancouver, B.C. V5R 4H1
Agnes Jackman Printing of the
Toll-free 1.800.896.5678 Victoria Advocate courtesy of:
Tel. 604.688.4565 Nora Butz
bcforum@bcfed.ca Holly Page
Editor: Soren Bech West Kootenay & District
soren.bech@gmail.com
Mary Gay
2102 Porter Rd, Roberts Creek,
B.C., V0N 2W5
2 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Whose side
are they on?
We need a government Canada. Before the BC NDP took
action to address it, the wealthiest 1%
that works for us paid a lower rate of taxes in relation
By Diane Wood to income than everyone else.
President, BC FORUM
Equality? Fairness? Forget it.
I
hated paying Medical Services Plan
In election campaigns, B.C.
(MSP) premiums. I hated paying
Liberals promise to look out for
bridge tolls. Every month, the
people. When they’re in office, they
bill would arrive. And every year it
do the opposite.
went up.
By the 2017 election, they had
Until John Horgan and the NDP
turned our province into what the
eliminated MSP premiums, those
Globe & Mail called “a pay to play
bills were a constant reminder of empire.” The New York Times called
how far the B.C. Liberals would go us “the wild west of political fund
to make sure the fat cats received an raising.”
ever larger share of the pie.
Corporate lobbyists knew what
They infuriated me. they wanted from the government.
B.C. was the only province to They knew the way to get it was to
impose such a fee. Seniors and give tons of cash to the B.C. Liberal
ordinary families were paying up to Party. And the B.C. Liberal govern-
$1,800 a year. ment gave it to them, at times going
It was a massive hit for low income beyond their wildest wishes with
workers and people on fixed incomes, more unexpected tax cuts.
and pocket change for the wealthy. That’s just not how democracies
It was so unfair. A person earning should work. Small wonder the rest Diane Wood
$42,000 a year paid the same as a of us weren’t heard.
vulnerable, and compare it to how
person who earned $400,000 or even Governments should work to much John Horgan and the NDP
$4 million. provide the services that make all of have accomplished to undo the mess,
On top of that, people who us stronger as individuals and as a I am in no doubt as to how I will
happened to live on one side of the society. They should promote equal- be voting.
Fraser River and work on the other ity, not inequality. They should work
for people, not against them. Voting by mail
were hit with daily tolls that could
add up to $1,500 a year.
That too was hugely regressive.
On page 6, Advocate editor Soren
Bech outlines some of the areas W e’re all
getting used to physical
distancing and other precau-
tions when we go grocery shopping.
where the B.C. Liberals imposed deep
And why were we paying cuts to public services – even closing That’s how in person voting will be
these fees? hospitals and long term care homes done safely.
We were paying them to make up – in order to cover the cost of their I have registered to vote by mail.
for the massive tax giveaways the tax giveaways to people and corpora- It was very easy, and only took five
B.C. Liberals were handing to profit- tions that already had the most. It’s a minutes. If you’d prefer to do like-
able corporations and the super rich. condensed summary. Soren tells me wise, visit the Elections BC website
In 16 years of pandering to the a complete list would have gone on at elections.bc.ca/ovr, or telephone
wealthy, they made our province for pages and pages. 1-800-661-8683 to request a voting
more and more unequal. The gap When I think about all the pain package.
between the wealthy and the rest the previous government imposed There’s more info about how to
of us grew to become the largest in on so many, including the most vote on page 16. Please vote!
The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 3
ELECTION 2020
Premier John Horgan met with creators and producers Sept. 14 to “This new fund will help B.C.’s domestic film industry create new
mark the launch of a new Domestic Motion Picture Fund. content so it can recover faster, and get thousands of skilled work-
“The past few months have shown us how quickly the motion ers involved in film and TV production back on set.”
picture industry can change,” said Horgan. The fund is part of the NDP’s COVID-19 Action Plan.
It’s time for us to decide
T
he provincial election, says had over the course of our minority the time to have an election.”
Premier John Horgan, is our government is not as strong as it was Horgan noted that British
opportunity to answer two when we began. Columbians have worked hard to
important questions: Where do “The challenges of partisanship “get on the right side” of the COVID-
British Columbians want to go? And within the Legislatue will always be 19 pandemic.
who do they want to lead them? there, but particularly this summer “But we are far from out of the
As leader of a minority govern- it was clear to me that there is a woods. We are not at the end of
ment, Horgan said there is growing great divide between the two sides,” COVID-19. We’re at the beginning,
instability at a time when stability is he said. and it will be with us for a year or
required to deal with the challenges. “The best way forward is to allow more,” he said.
“We have 12 months remaining those who no longer want to repre- “Like a lot of things these days,
in the mandate of this government, sent their communities because this election is going to be different
but we have a four year project or of long service. I know there are from the one we had three and a half
longer ahead of us. We have had, seven within my caucus, at least years ago, but I know we can do it
as you know, through the summer, seven within the Liberal group safely. And together, we can keep
some challenges with passing legisla- and, of course, Mr. Weaver who are B.C. moving forward – not for the
tion,” he said. moving on. people at the top but for everyone,”
“The stability that I believe we “I believe, in my heart, that now is said Horgan.
4 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
ELECTION 2020
EQUALITY
“I hope John Horgan is Premier again”
HUMAN RIGHTS
AA step towards equality
ndrew Weaver, who led the amazing politician! She did a superb
Green Party to its greatest job as Finance Minister, probably one
ever success in a B.C. elec- of the best B.C. has ever had.
tion, is today rooting for his former
B
“David Eby as Attorney General,
ritish cOluMBiA will re-establish
opponent. “The BC Federation of Labour highest level,” said Irene Lanzinger,
what an outstanding Attorney
a human
“I hope (Johnrights
Horgan)commission
is Premier to believes strongly that human rights President of the BC Federation of
General!
fight inequality and
again. British Columbia has been discrimin- are workers’ rights, and that systemic Labour. “The BC Human Rights
ation, very
Premier “George Heyman as to
Environment
served well John
by the Horgan
Premier,” has discrimination of marginalized work- Commission can help address this
announced. ers needs to be addressed at the M i n i s t e r,
discrimination.” a n o u tstanding
Weaver said in the Aug. 31, 2020
“Every person Environment Minister,” he said.
episode of the “This isdeserves
VANCOLOUR” to be
treated with dignity and respect.
podcast. Weaver, a climate scientist, was
By re-establishing a human rights elected as B.C.’s first Green Party
“The Premier is a regular person.
commission, we will create a more MLA in 2013. This year, he sat as
He’s a real human being. What you
inclusive and just society, where we
see is what you get. There’s no fake Former Green Party Leader Andrew Weav- an independent and is not seeking
work together to eliminate inequal- re-election.
John Horgan.
ity and prevent discrimination on the er appeared on the Aug. 31, 2020 edition
“There’s the real John Horgan “British Columbia would benefit
basis of race, religion, sexual orien- of the “This is VANCOLOUR” podcast.
and that’s
tation, the only
gender Johnand
identity Horgan,”
gender before the pandemic and during the from having Mr. Horgan as Premier.
said Weaver. said Horgan.
expression,” pandemic, and singled out several “He’s clearly indicated to me that
Overall, the former
British Columbia leader
is the onlygives
prov- cabinet ministers for extra praise. he cares deeply, profoundly about
top
incemarks – an “A”without
in Canada rating – to the BC
a human “We have a remarkable Finance people. To me, it’s sincere,” said
NDP government’s
rights commission. performance
The previous both Minister, Carole James. What an Weaver.
commission was dismantled in 2002.
Only a complaint-driven tribunal
remains.
“Building a better B.C. that is
vibrant and full of opportunity starts
with making sure everyone feels
welcome to be a part of that future.
Not only must we address discrimin-
ation when and where it happens,
we must also educate, reach out, EQUALITY
and take proactive steps to address
HUMAN RIGHTS
systemic inequalities,” said Attorney
General David Eby.
A step towards equality
“I have asked Parliamentary
Secretary Ravi Kahlon to lead the
public consultation process and
B
Retired Union Members Save $$$ On Insurance
I look forward ritish cOluMBiA will
to receiving hisre-establish “The BC Federation of Labour highest level,” said Irene Lanzinger,
recommendations.” a human rights commission to believes strongly that human rights President of the BC Federation of
The consultation
ation, Premier
Home, Marine, RV and Travel Insurance
fight inequality and discrimin- are workers’ rights, and that systemic Labour. “The BC Human Rights
processJohnwill
Horgan has discrimination of marginalized work- Commission can help to address this
onlineCall
include bothannounced. our professional, unionized
and face-to-face ers needs to brokers
be addressed foratathe
freediscrimination.”
quote
meetings with“Every British person
Columbians,deserves to be
stakeholders and with
treated For a dignity
human special discount,
rights please mention that you are a member of BC FORUM
and respect.
experts, andBy will seek to learn what
re-establishing a human rights
1-800-663-4200
a renewed human
sion could look
commission,rightswecommis-
like.and
inclusive
will create a more
Consultation
just society, where we
is to continue
months, with
www.wvins.ca
work together
through
itylegislation
and prevent
theto autumn
eliminate inequal-
discrimination
expected to on the
follow in 2018.basis of race, religion, sexual orien-
tation, gender identity and gender
The labourexpression,”
movementsaid praised the
Horgan.
announcement. The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 5
British Columbia is the only prov-
ince in Canada without a human The Advocate, Autumn 2017 – 13
ELECTION 2020
Judge them by what they
did, not by what they say
We’re still paying the wildlife habitat protection and
enforcement of environmental
price for what the regulations.
B.C. Liberals did during • Scrapped the climate change
16 years in office program, the Green Economy
Secretariat, and Fisheries
By Soren Bech
Renewal B.C.
Editor, The Advocate
B
• Abandoned the ban on raw log
C L iberal Leader Andrew
exports, and the link between
Wilkinson may seem like a new
logging and local jobs.
face. He’s not. He cut his teeth
in politics serving as a deputy minis- • Fired the human rights commis-
ter in the office of former Premier sioner, the environmental auditor
Gordon Campbell as the B.C. Liberals and the mental health advocate.
slashed vital public services. • Cut $7.5 million from job re-train-
Their first step was to implement ing programs for welfare recipients.
a fantasy just as bizarre as Christy Still the attacks continued
Clark’s claim that LNG would make
us all rich.
They cut taxes – mostly for the
Andrew Wilkinson photo by University
of the Fraser Valley - Flickr, CC BY 2.0,
T hrough the years, the tax give-
aways to the most fortunate went
on while the rest of us were forced to
very wealthy and profitable corpora- https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index. shoulder the burden.
tions – claiming these unneeded tax php?curid=73964856
giveaways would pay for themselves. Their plans included closing 24
different story. court houses, cutting legal aid by 40
The annual reduction in revenue percent, cutting alcohol and drug
was more than $2.1 billion. Ministries were instructed to
provide three scenarios: “Reductions treatment, cutting childcare subsidies
At the same time, they fired more for low-income parents.
of 20, 35 and 50 percent over the
than two dozen deputy ministers, They ripped up legal contracts
next three years.” Cabinet ministers
and replaced them with hand-picked negotiated by teachers and health
were told to compete with each other
ideologues – including then B.C. care workers. They cut social
to see who could cut the most.
Liberal Party President Andrew service spending. They radically
Wilkinson. He was hired at $180,000 They did just that. It resulted in
increased MSP premiums, one of
a year to oversee intergovernmental what The Economist last called “a wild
the most unfair taxes imaginable.
relations in the Premier’s office. All gallop to the right.”
They put tolls on bridges. Froze the
the new folks were given raises of In short order, while Mr. Wilkinson minimum wage.
nearly 32 percent, plus performance sat at the right hand of the Premier,
bonuses. Their plan to “protect health care“
the B.C. Liberals: turned out to include:
More for them. Less for us. We all • Cancelled the before and after
paid for it. • Closure of hospitals in 11
school day care program. communites.
Huge cuts in public services • Ended MSP coverage for eye • Closure of 3,000 badly needed
B efore the election, the B.C. Liberals
promised no cuts. Indeed, their
platform promised in 13 separate
exams, physiotherapy, massage
and chiropractic services and
diabetic supplies.
long-term care beds.
• Freeing health authorities to apply
user fees.
places to improve, protect or enhance • Delisted 17 drugs from Pharmacare.
public services. • Targeting health care workers
• Froze health and education fund- for layoff.
The reality that British Columbians ing, an effective 9 percent cut.
faced in the following years was a And Mr. Wilkinson worked to
• Cut 20 percent from fish and make it all happen.
6 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
ELECTION 2020
An historic renewal
of health care
F
rom its first day in office, providers working together in the
the Horgan government has same community location. The
made massive investments to teams will include family doctors,
improve public health care for British nurse practitioners, as well as other
Columbians and reverse the damage health care professionals ranging
caused by the B.C. Liberals. from registered nurses, traditional
Action is being taken throughout wellness co-ordinators and cultural
the province to provide greater access safety facilitators to allied health-care
to primary care, which is critical to professionals, social workers and clin-
life-long health, especially for those ical pharmacists.
who don’t have a family doctor. Over the next three years, the
“About 17 percent of people in initiative will help connect about
British Columbia report not having 300,000 people to a local primary
a primary care provider,” says Health care team or provider.
Minister Adrian Dix. In total, British Columbia has
In addition only 44 percent of 39 primary care networks under-
British Columbians are able to get way, including 12 in Vancouver
same-day or next-day appointments Coastal, 14 in Fraser Health, five in
with their primary care providers. Interior Health, five in Island Health
and one in Northern Health, with
“This means they often have to
more coming.
wait long hours in walk-in clinics or
at their local emergency departments The team based primary care
to get the care they need. Our primary will be delivered using a number
care strategy and the networks are of different models, including full
providing a real solution to people service family practices, urgent and
so they can get the care they need, primary care centres, community
closer to home,” he says. health centres, First Nations primary
care clinics, and nurse practitioner
“We’re putting networks of health
primary care clinics.
professionals at the centre of our
primary care transformation, making Dix says the primary care networks
life better for everyone in B.C.” mean that patients:
Dix recently announced the • who don’t have a regular care
addition of 22 more primary provider – a family doctor or
care networks, in addition to 17 nurse practitioner – will be able to
announced previously. get one.
“More people will benefit from • will have an ongoing relation-
a seamless patient-centred experi- ship with their care provider,
ence that meets their unique health which is important for their life-
needs,” he says. long health.
For people and families, the new • Will get faster, more conven-
networks mean faster, better access to ient care.
their primary care team or provider • will be provided and connected
– including evenings and weekends with appropriate and accessible
– as well as being connected to appro- services and supports.
priate supports in the community. • will know where to go to get the
The primary care networks care they need, even on evenings
will feature teams of health care and weekends. Health Minister Adrian Dix
The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 7
ELECTION 2020
This election, let’s choose a
better, fairer future for all
by Laird Cronk contract-flipping and terrible under-
Chairperson, BC FORUM staffing to run rampant.
This election, British John Horgan and the BCNDP saw
Columbians have a choice: the way contract-flipping got rid of
experienced caregivers, and banned
• Go back to the senseless
the practice. They invested in increas-
cuts that left so many
ing the number of caregivers in
people out in the cold,
care homes.
and left us vulnerable?
Over 8,000 long-term care work-
• Or build a future for everyone ers in BC had to work in multiple
that puts people and care homes, in many cases just to
families at the forefront? make ends meet - a legacy of the BC
Y
ou and I remember the BC Liberals changes. The BCNDP govern-
Liberals all too well: how they ment saw the COVID transmission
governed only for the wealthy risk this represented. So they limited
and powerful. workers in seniors’ care homes to
a single facility, to limit the risk of
But after three and a half years of
exposure while minimizing income
government by Premier John Horgan
loss for workers. And they levelled
and the BCNDP, we’ve had a chance
up wages, so all seniors’ care workers
to see what it’s like to have a govern-
earned the higher provincial stan-
ment that actually listens to workers.
dard rate.
They’ve made major progress in
building a better, fairer province. There’s still a lot to accomplish:
universal Pharmacare and dental care,
Well before this pandemic began,
expanding and improving public B.C. FORUM Chairperson Laird Cronk ad-
John Horgan’s government took steps
services, a truly worker-centered dresses the 2019 annual general meeeting.
like investing in affordable childcare
Workers’ Compensation Board,
and housing, raising the minimum
investing in building sustainable way things were.
wage, eliminating MSP premiums,
green infrastructure and tackling That only happens, though, if
investing in primary health care,
improving our labour and employ- climate change for future genera- enough of us vote for the future
ment standards laws, developing tions, and more. we want to see — and re-elect a
Canada’s most ambitious climate But to do that, we need a govern- government that listens to us. And
action plan and recognizing the ment that can act without constantly with Elections BC expanding mail-
UN Declaration on the Rights of looking over its shoulder — a stable, in voting, you can do it safely and
Indigenous Peoples in law. four-year NDP government. Because easily. Just visit elections.bc.ca/ovr,
this province needs to make deci- or telephone 1-800-661-8683 for your
And during the pandemic, the
sions not just about getting through package, and then be sure to vote.
BCNDP took care of people. They
brought in job-protected sick the next few months, but what BC We have an opportunity to
leave, income supports, help for rent- will look like for many years to come. make lasting changes for British
ers and BC’s most vulnerable people, The good news is that we know Columbians like investments in
improvements to worker safety and British Columbians share our vision. crucial public services, securing good
workers’ compensation — and a jobs and opportunities for the next
A recent poll the BC Federation
lot more. generation, and building a better,
of Labour commissioned showed
fairer and more sustainable economy.
Think about seniors’ care. The that 72 percent of British Columbians
Liberals underfunded it and treated want to see BC make changes to We have the chance to build a
private-sector long-term care as a support a fairer, more equal prov- future that works for everyone.
business like any other, allowing ince, rather than going back to the Let’s take it.
8 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020
ELECTION 2020
Tackling climate pollution
T
he government’s CleanBC plan people, communities and businesses.
is aimed at reducing climate “We need to begin changing how
pollution, while creating more we live, work and commute to put
jobs and economic opportunities for B.C. on a cleaner, more sustain-
people, businesses and communities. able path.”
“The low-carbon economy we “CleanBC is a British Columbia
build together will bring oppor- specific approach to making our
tunities and jobs throughout the communities strong and vibrant for
province, so people can live and work decades to come as we rise to the
with greater security in the commun- challenge of global climate change,”
ities they call home,” says Premier said George Heyman, Minister of
John Horgan.
Environment and Climate Change
“By moving to clean, renewable Strategy.
energy – like our abundant supply
“We can build a low-carbon econ-
of B.C. electricity – we can power
omy that includes all sectors and all
our growing economy and make life
workers. Together, we can protect our
better and more affordable for British
children’s future, while making life
Columbians.”
more affordable today.”
The government’s priorities are to:
As part of this strategy, the govern-
• Reduce climate pollution by shift- Environment Minister George Heyman ment’s CleanBC labour readiness
ing homes, vehicles, industry and is rising to the challenge of climate plan will help ensure we can take full
business off burning fossil fuels change,” Horgan said. “Every year, advantage of labour and workplace
and toward greater use of clean we’re seeing the unprecedented wild- opportunities that emerge through
B.C. electricity and other renew- fires and floods that hurt so many the implementation of CleanBC.
able energies.
• Boost energy-efficient solutions, Boosting support for seniors
like zero-emission vehicles and
home heat pumps, by making
them more affordable and avail-
I n addition to other measures taken
to improve affordability and servi-
ces for everyone, the NDP has taken
day programs, reversing the cuts
imposed by the previous govern-
ment, and helping seniors to
able for British Columbians. steps that are of particular interest to remain in their own homes.
• Make B.C. a destination for new retired workers and our families. • Increased benefits to seniors living
investment and industry look- • Provided funding of more than independently by an average of
ing to meet the growing global half a billion dollars over three $930 per year under the Shelter
demand for low-carbon products, years to improve services to Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
services and pollution-reducing seniors, including home support program.
technologies. and residential care. • Taken action to ensure that direct
The CleanBC plan was developed • Restored free passenger travel, care to seniors will – for the first
to achieve the province’s legislated Monday to Friday, for seniors on time – reach the target of 3.36
climate targets of reducing green- BC Ferries. hours per resident per day by 2021.
house gas emissions by 40 percent by • Eliminated PharmaCare deduct- Hundreds of thousands of care
the year 2030, based on 2007 levels. ibles for senior and other families hours have already been added.
The plan describes and quantifies with net incomes of $30,000 or • Rescinded the B.C. Liberals’ infam-
measures that will eliminate 18.9 less, and reduced deductibles for ous Bills 29 and 94 which led to
megatonnes, about 75 percent of families with net incomes up to the firing of thousands of work-
the 2030 target. Remaining reduction $45,000. ers, caused mass privatization of
initiatives will be quantified over the • Invested $75 million over three health care services, and disrupted
next 18 to 24 months. years to support caregivers by the continuity of care to seniors
“With CleanBC, British Columbia expanding respite care and adult and patients.
The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 9
ELECTION 2020
Here’s what it looks like when
government works for people
Reducing inequality,
creating opportunities
W
hen the BC NDP took action
to prevent a 4.5 percent
rent increase and protect
tenants from renovictions and demo-
litions, B.C. Liberal Leader Andrew
Wilkinson accused them of “pander-
ing” to tenants.
“They’ve put all kinds of restrictive
caps on the behaviour of landlords
around charging rents, long-term
leases and renovation of apartments,”
Wilkinson said in the Legislature
last year.
It’s a remarkable illustration of the
mind-set of a man who was part of a
government that froze the minimum
wage, welfare rates and disability
allowances for the most vulnerable.
For a decade.
In from the cold
T he Horgan government moved
quickly to end the freeze. The
minimum wage has been steadily
BC FORUM President Diane Wood shared a light moment with Premier John Horgan as
she introduced him to members at the 2018 annual general meeting.
increased. By next year it will be
based model that costs us more than And much more
$1.5 billion a year. • Made B.C. the first province to fully
$15.20 an hour. The discrimina-
tory server wage will be eliminated. Fixing long term care recognize the UN Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous People.
H
Welfare and disability rates have also undreds of millions are being
been increased. spent to improve long term care • Strengthened child labour
Fairer taxes by hiring thousands of care aides, protection.
expanding training opportunities
B ig stepshave been taken towards • Shifted home support in three
and removing barriers to recruitment health authorities from for-profit
tax fairness with increased taxes
from other parts of Canada. corporations, making it an integral
on the highest income earners, and
the elimination of MSP premiums The government has also ensured part of public health care.
and bridge tolls. that staff only work on one site, • Restored transit passes to people
boosted wages during the pandemic, with disabilities.
Fixing ICBC for drivers eliminated contract flipping to
• Created thousands of new licensed,
T he B.C. Liberals siphoned $1.2
billion from ICBC, throwing the
company into chaos. Legislation
ensure continuity of care and moved
to build new beds.
affordable child care spaces.
• Froze runaway ferry rates and
By comparison, the B.C. Liberals
passed this spring will provide better restored free travel for seniors.
closed 3,000 long term care beds,
coverage and lower rates effective encouraged privatization, and drove • Moved ahead with new hospi-
May 1, 2021. down wages, reducing the quality of tals, renovation and expansion
In addition, B.C. will no longer be care for the most vulnerable seniors throughout the province.
the only province with a litigation in our province. • Adopted a plan to reduce poverty.
10 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020DAVE’S CORNER
Looking for a fall activity?
By David Porteous are still young at least mentally if not your family and friends and engage
F
all is upon us. Embrace the physically. in positive conversation about what
change in weather and activities is important to you and family in
Now is the time!
that can boost your well-being. these difficult times. If possible, stay
For many the upcoming election
could help them stay active and O ur government needs a new
four year mandate not only to
continue the fight against COVID but
connected using any technology you
have. This is the time to speak up
engaged. and let your knowledge and feelings
to ensure that our social programs be heard.
COVID-19 has changed our lives
expand and continue to help the
in many ways and I am sure it will Remember to stay connected while
families with the best health resour- practicing physical distancing.
change the way the election is run.
ces possible. Now more than ever
Many of us started reading more to we need to keep a government that When the 2020 COVID-19
escape isolation during COVID. We believes in putting people first. pandemic fades away, we will need a
have been bombarded with some- government where the priorities are
times stressful information. We must How you can help! families first. Helping in this elec-
F
find solutions to escape (if only for a irst you may want to call your tion will help you walk away from
moment) from this reality. The elec- local candidate. They will need this historic milestone stronger and
tion could be part of the solution. your help whether it’s just a dona- mentally well.
For many seniors who have run tion or help in other areas. I am sure David is a Licensed Insurance
and worked many elections we may they will give you information that (Nominee), an Elder Planning Counselor
hear the mumbling “another elec- is important to the outcome of the and a charter member of the Canadian
tion.” Just remember life goes on, we election. Another option is to contact Initiative for Elder Planning Studies.
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The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 11ELECTION 2020
An economy that works for
everyone, not just the rich
BC has led Canada in its 7,000 new front-line health-care • Support strong commun-
workers. This includes thousands ities by investing over $400
response to COVID-19 of health-care aides to manage million to revitalize community
economic challenges – outbreaks in long-term care infrastructure and support local
with more to come homes and 600 contact tracers governments to provide the valu-
T
to help stop further spread in able services people depend on.
heBC NDP government has
the community. The plan will This includes $100 million in
outlined additional steps it
also increase support for mental infrastructure grants for shovel-
will take to help people, busi-
health care in the workplace and ready projects that will create jobs
nesses and communities come out
introduce a new Hospital at Home right away. The plan also earmarks
of COVID-19 stronger and better
initiative that will allow patients over $1 billion in provincial and
prepared. B.C.’s total provincial
to receive medical services in their federal investments to help keep
response exceeds $8.25 billion.
own home from a team of health people moving, whether by transit,
“As British Columbians, we’ve professionals. TransLink or BC Ferries. An addi-
been through a lot recently. We tional $540 million in combined
know our recovery won’t happen • Create jobs and opportunities by
investing in targeted and short- federal/provincial funding will
overnight, but by focusing on people help B.C. communities address
and taking care of each other, we will term training in the skills people
need to get work in high-demand other local challenges impacted
ensure there are better days ahead for by COVID-19.
all of us,” says Premier John Horgan. fields, including for those who
want to move into new, front-line The plan includes $1.5 billion
B.C. entered the pandemic as an in economic recovery spending
health, child care and human-
economic leader in Canada, making it measures that respond to immedi-
service positions. The plan will also
among the best-positioned to support ate needs. It is in addition to $660
expand Indigenous skills train-
a strong recovery. Since moving million in tax measures and more
ing and accelerate the creation of
forward with a safe restart plan in than $1.86 billion in federal and
affordable child-care spaces so that
mid-May, we have had stronger- provincial restart funding for munici-
more parents, particularly women,
than-expected consumer spending, palities, transit and education. It also
can get back to work. It includes
housing activity and employment builds on B.C.’s record $22-billion
investments of over $100 million
gains. By August, almost 250,000 jobs investment in public infrastructure
to support tourism-related busi-
had been restored, equal to 62% of over the next three years. Those
nesses and communities.
the jobs lost due to the pandemic. capital projects are estimated to
• Help businesses grow and rehire
“When COVID-19 first hit, we create 100,000 direct and indirect
with a 15% refundable tax credit
acted quickly to keep people safe and jobs over the life of the projects.
based on eligible new payroll. It
support those in need. While we are The next steps build on the prog-
will also introduce a small and
now starting to see hopeful signs of
medium sized business recovery ress the NDP has made with new
recovery, we know many people are
grant to support approximately investments to expand CleanBC,
still struggling. There is a lot of work
15,000 hard-hit businesses, while reduce air pollution and tackle
left to do,” says Finance Minister
protecting as many as 200,000 climate change, prepare for its
Carole James.
jobs. Tourism operators will be impacts and create good, new jobs.
“British Columbians are pull- eligible for a special top-up. The In developing the plan, B.C.
ing together, and we’ll be there to
plan will also provide a temporary engaged nearly 50,000 British
support them every step of the way.”
100% PST rebate on select machin- Columbians in every region of the
S tronger BC for Everyone: BC’s
Economic Recovery Plan will help
build a stronger, more resilient econ-
ery and equipment to make it
easier for eligible businesses to
province. Premier Horgan and James
also met with business, labour and
make the kinds of investments Indigenous groups, economists,
omy for everyone: that will allow them to grow and youth, green technology experts,
• Improve health care by hiring become more productive. faith leaders and many more.
12 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020ELECTION 2020
We’re the
Hospital
Employees’
Union
On the front lines and behind
the scenes, our members are
working for your care.
Finance Minister Carole James, who was diagnosed with Parkin-
son’s Disease early this year and is not seeking re-election, will con-
tinue to oversee economic recovery spending, ensuring continu-
ity of support to people, businesses and communities during the
campaign period.
What they’re saying
The right time for an election
“I believe that calling this election is not only timely,
but it is also prudent given the intensifying COVID-19
pandemic….
“Now is not the time for a shaky coalition govern-
ment that could fall at any moment. We need a majority
government, a strong majority government with a strong
mandate.
“I have 15 grandchildren and I’m gravely concerned
about what the future holds for them, their health and
well-being. I want a strong government in place to deal
with the unprecedented challenges forthcoming.”
– Grand Chief Stewart Phillip,
President of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
The best government in Canada
“I’m hard pressed to think of a better governing party
in this country than the BC NDP; indeed, my sense is
that British Columbia is the best-governed province in
Canada.”
– David Moscrop, postdoctoral fellow at the University of
/hospitalemployeesunion @heu_in_bc
Ottawa, studies democratic deliberation, political deci-
sion making and digital media. He writes for Washington \ @HospEmpUnion heu.org
Post, Maclean’s Magazine and several other media.
The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 13ELECTION 2020
Tackling the “For many years, there has been
a patchwork approach to how old
opioid crisis growth forests are managed in our
province, and this has caused a loss of
B ritish Columbia is pioneering new biodiversity,” says Doug Donaldson,
ways to save lives by providing Minister of Forests.
safer alternatives to increasingly toxic “We need to do better and find
street drugs. a path forward that preserves old
In a North American first, the prov- growth forests while supporting
ince will offer more legal alternatives forestry workers,” he says.
and allow nurses to prescribe them.
“We are breaking new ground “A decade of dirty
here, no question about that,” says
Judy Darcy, minister of mental health
money” – report
and addictions.
The initiative will support patients T he B.C. Liberals ignored the warn-
ings and allowed millions upon
millions from illegal activity to be
who could not find a doctor willing
to prescribe take-home opioids. laundered through B.C. casinos.
A report by Peter German QC, who
Supporting conducted an independent review for
forestry jobs Protecting old the provincial government, called it
growth forests “a decade of dirty money.”
N ew regulations requiring domes-
tic processing of lumber prior to
export go into effect Sept. 30, 2020. Ina new approach to forest manage-
ment, B.C. will protect more than
The “dirty money” powered
the opioid crisis, made it easier for
drug dealers to operate, and even
The changes are designed to 350,000 hectares of old growth forest
contributed to the housing afford-
increase domestic processing, creat- from logging.
ability crisis.
ing jobs in B.C. rather than in The commitment follows the
release of A New Future for Old Forests, It happened because the B.C.
foreign lands.
a report that will guide an overhaul Liberals refused to act and looked
the other way when the alarm bells
More child care of forestry rules.
rang. Not once. Not twice. But time
It is based on the work of two
C hild carespaces are being created
at the fastest pace in B.C. hist-
ory – an average of 780 new spaces
foresters who travelled the province
for months, hearing about how B.C.’s
and time again.
The BC NDP has appointed
massive old growth trees should be Supreme Court Justice Austin Cullin
each month. protected. to conduct a public inquiry.
More than 20,000 spaces have
been funded in the last two years.
Information for retired workers
Through a range of initiatives
under the Childcare BC plan, more • The Office of the BC Seniors’ to B.C. seniors. Search the web
than 32,000 children have received Advocate provides links to a for “When I’m 64: Benefits for
child care for no more than $10 a day. wide range of services including Seniors” to get a free copy.
health care, housing, income • The Council of Senior
“The momentum of our Childcare support, personal support Citizens’ Organizations of B.C.
BC plan continues to build despite and transportation. Visit (COSCO) offers free work-
the challenges British Columbia has www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca. shops to seniors groups. Visit
been facing over the past months,”
• Protect yourself from scam artists www.seniorshelpingseniors.ca
says Katrina Chen, Minister of State
with info from the Canadian for a complete list of topics.
for Child care.
Centre for Elder Law. Google “Be • The Deprescribing Network –
“We remain committed to giving a Savvy Senior Fraud Protection.” deprescribing.org – has info on
families better access to inclusive,
• The People’s Law School has how to safely reduce medications
quality affordable child care as we summarized benefits available that may no longer be needed.
rebuild our economy,” she says.
14 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020TOGETHER WE’RE STRONG
Strengthening Renew your membership
BC FORUM has
never been more P at the mailing label on this edition of The Advocate
lease have a look
to check whether your membership is now due for renewal. If your
membership is about to expire, you can renew by mailing the coupon below
important to BC FORUM, #200 - 5118 Joyce St., Vancouver, B.C. V5R 4H1. You can also
join us or renew your membership on-line at www.bcforum.ca.
Please encourage your
friends to join our team Many unions cover first year dues
T hrough our unions , before we
retired, we’ve all seen the bene-
fits of collective action. Our voices
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retired, and the list of unions that cover the first year dues for their quali-
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are strongest when we stand together
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in solidarity. and our work.
That’s where BC FORUM comes in. If you’re not yet a member, contact your union for details. Some even pay
We are the only provincial organiza- dues for three years. And don’t be shy about encouraging your friends and
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í
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The Advocate, Special edition 2020 – 15ELECTION 2020
Explore the options for voting
E
lections BC, the impartial body safeguarding their health and exer- Voting in person
T
that oversees provincial elec- cising their right to vote. All voters o prevent close contact, some
tions, has for months been have the option of voting in person familiar voting procedures will
studying ways to safely conduct elec- with protective measures in place, or be different. For example, voters will
tions during a pandemic. voting by mail,” he says. make a verbal declaration of their
“Recognizing that the pandemic Voters should stay home if they eligibility to vote instead of signing
would likely be a factor whenever are feeling sick or self-isolating, a book. You can also bring your own
the next election was held, planning and instead request a vote-by-mail pen or pencil to mark your ballot.
for a pandemic election began in package. Advance voting opportunities
early April,” says a statement from have been expanded to seven days
Voting by mail
Elections BC. to provide more options and help
“At that time, Elections BC reached
out to the Office of the Provincial
E lections BC is anticipating a
significant increase in voting by
mail, which is an option available to
reduce numbers in voting places.
Advance voting places will be open
Health Officer and other Canadian from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Pacific time
all voters.
election agencies to consult on the starting Thursday, Oct. 15 and ending
development of safe voting plans. In past elections, about 1 percent
on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
of votes were cast by mail.
“New Brunswick held a provincial Voting places will be open during
election during the pandemic on Surveys conducted by Elections
the same times on election day,
September 14, 2020. Saskatchewan BC in May and August suggest this
Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8:00 am to
has a provincial election scheduled may grow to as much as 35 percent
8:00 pm Pacific time.
for October 26, 2020,” it said. this year.
Safe voting practices are detailed
“Our main focus is ensuring a The voting packages required to
at elections.bc.ca/safevoting. The
safe and accessible voting process,” vote by mail can be requested now.
measures include physical distancing,
says Chief Electoral Officer Anton To do so, visit the Elections BC capacity limits, election officials wear-
Boegman. website at elections.bc.ca/ovr, or tele- ing personal protective equipment,
“We have been working with Dr. phone 1-800-661-8683. protective barriers, hand sanitiz-
Bonnie Henry’s office to develop our The agency notes that there are ing stations, and frequent cleaning
safe voting plans and make sure that proven processes in place to admin- of voting stations and frequently
voters don’t have to choose between ister voting by mail, tested in several touched surfaces – most of which
recent provincial elections and we’re all familiar with from grocery
referenda. shopping.
Preserving Strict procedures are in place to In addition, voters are encouraged
the history of
ensure the integrity of the process. to wear masks to protect others.
BC workers New address? New e-mail address?
Please send your new address and e-mail address to BC Forum.
Oral history program You can mail in the form on page 15, or you can reach us by telephone
Walking Tours • Research or e-mail: 1.800.896.5678 (toll free), 604.688.4565, bcforum@bcfed.ca
Newsletter • Videos
Labour History School Curriculum
41946512
www.labourheritagecentre.ca
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16 – The Advocate, Special edition 2020You can also read
