The BC NDP in the 90’s earned the reputation as the worst government in Canadian history. It took almost 20 years for British Columbians to risk electing them again..John Horgan, who led the NDP back to the government benches, is a likeable fellow who doesn’t pretend to be anything but the good-hearted Irish bullshitter he is and who this writer would gladly have a beer with and discuss the latest Canucks-Flames game. When I was serving in the BC Legislature and the NDP held one of their three leadership contests, I always held my breath and hoped they wouldn’t choose Horgan. I knew he could relate to ordinary British Columbians. Imagine my disappointment when he went to bed with the Greens to form government..Anyway, I retired..Now, Horgan has also retired with serious health issues and his successor, David Eby, all 6’ 7” of him, has ascended as NDP leader in BC. And oh, my goodness, just look at his first few days on the job!.The imperious Mr. Eby’s first action was to cancel a full week of a busy fall legislative session, so he could have some me-time to get used to his new offices in the West Wing. His second action was to announce that all remaining legislation would be rammed through, using the undemocratic rules of Closure. No debate, just stand up like trained seals and vote yes or no. That pretty much defines his approach to leadership..British Columbians, like all Canadians, have more important things to be doing than watching what provincial politicians are up to, like earning a living and raising children, or helping their community. But every four years, they pay attention and get to hire or fire the sitting government. Eby’s arrogant, dismissive rejection of the need for democratic debate on new laws will be remembered..Here's a few morew reasons why..For those one million British Columbians who live in a strata unit, the NDP just curtailed your rights and refused to even debate with the Opposition..For anyone concerned about the authority of government to order mandatory vaccinations, the NDP just covertly slid that authority over to the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons, a cynical move by politicians unwilling to stand behind their own decisions..In BC cities today, communities are worried about how repeat offenders can terrorize others with impunity. Well, Eby was the Attorney General. It was his job to keep people safe and ensure crime is controlled. Not only did AG Eby fail to take corrective actions, but he also couldn’t even bring himself to admit there is a problem. More than 900 citizens became victims of random violent attacks in Vancouver alone. That too will be remembered, come the next election..Bottom line, the new BC NDP under David Eby will be driven by what David Eby thinks is good for David Eby, not what is best for the people of B.C. The next BC election cannot come soon enough..Cranbrook lawyer Bill Bennett was a BC Liberal MLA from 2001 to 2017, and served in several cabinet posts.
