From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Sat Dec 4 17:14:07 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 17:14:07 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] REALITY CHECK Message-ID: REALITY CHECK What the Liberals aren't saying about the Economic Forecast Finance Minister Gary Collins released the combined economic forecast of the government's private sector Economic Forecast Council. Here's what the Finance Minister didn't include in his spin: - If Gary Collins' forecast holds the average growth rate under his government will be 2.5 per cent. That compares to 3.0% average yearly growth between 1992 and 2000 when the NDP was in power. Growth in 2000, the last full year under the NDP, was 4.6%. - Nine of the thirteen forecasts have economic growth lower in 2006 than the 2004 forecast by as much as 1.2 points and seven of the forecasts have growth for 2005 below this year's forecast. - The Council also warns of the risks to their forecast including the high dollar and oil prices, softwood lumber dispute, cooling commodity prices, rising construction costs and tentative economic growth in the US. Once again, Gary Collins and the BC Liberals can't be trusted to give the straight truth about their record. The spin is good, but the facts tell a different story. - 30 - To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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From: "BC NDP NEWSWIRE" Subject: [LabComm] REALITY CHECK Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 17:14:07 -0800 Size: 7107 URL: From Administrator at bcfed.com Sat Dec 4 20:55:47 2004 From: Administrator at bcfed.com (Administrator) Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 20:55:47 -0800 Subject: [MailServer Resend]Resending quarantined email -- use caution when opening. [LabComm] REALITY CHECK Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC1206376023B89@bcfednt.bcfed.local> Warning: Attachment contains virus code or meets the filtering/blocking rules. Use caution when accessing the contents. ----- Original Message Header ----- Subject: [LabComm] REALITY CHECK From: labcomm-bounces at bcfed.net To: labcomm at bcfed.net Cc: ----------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- An embedded message was scrubbed... From: "BC NDP NEWSWIRE" Subject: [LabComm] REALITY CHECK Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 17:14:07 -0800 Size: 7107 URL: From Administrator at bcfed.com Sat Dec 4 20:55:48 2004 From: Administrator at bcfed.com (Administrator) Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 20:55:48 -0800 Subject: [MailServer Resend]Resending quarantined email -- use caution when opening. [LabComm] REALITY CHECK Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC1206376023B8B@bcfednt.bcfed.local> Warning: Attachment contains virus code or meets the filtering/blocking rules. Use caution when accessing the contents. ----- Original Message Header ----- Subject: [LabComm] REALITY CHECK From: labcomm-bounces at bcfed.net To: labcomm at bcfed.net Cc: ----------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- An embedded message was scrubbed... From: "BC NDP NEWSWIRE" Subject: [LabComm] REALITY CHECK Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 17:14:07 -0800 Size: 7107 URL: From Administrator at bcfed.com Sat Dec 4 20:55:49 2004 From: Administrator at bcfed.com (Administrator) Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 20:55:49 -0800 Subject: [MailServer Resend]Resending quarantined email -- use caution when opening. [LabComm] REALITY CHECK Message-ID: <1EFB83EC494285438D10B2CCC1206376023B8C@bcfednt.bcfed.local> Warning: Attachment contains virus code or meets the filtering/blocking rules. Use caution when accessing the contents. ----- Original Message Header ----- Subject: [LabComm] REALITY CHECK From: labcomm-bounces at bcfed.net To: labcomm at bcfed.net Cc: ----------------------------------- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- An embedded message was scrubbed... From: "BC NDP NEWSWIRE" Subject: [LabComm] REALITY CHECK Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 17:14:07 -0800 Size: 7107 URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Mon Dec 6 17:00:03 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Mon, 6 Dec 2004 17:00:03 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] Statement by Carole James on the National Day of Remembrance Message-ID: Statement by Carole James on the National Day of Remembrance As Leader of the BC New Democratic Party, I join with all British Columbians as we pause and reflect on this day to remember and honour the 14 women who lost their lives in Montreal December 6, 1989. The names of these young women are etched in our collective memory. Genevieve Bergeron, 21 Helene Colgan, 23 Nathalie Croteau, 23 Barbara Daigneault, 22 Anne-Marie Edward, 21 Maud Haviernick, 29 Barbara Marie Klueznik, 31 Maryse Leclair, 23 Annie St. Arneault, 23 Michele Richard, 21 Maryse Langaniere, 25 Anne-Marie Lemay, 22 Sonia Pelletier, 28 Annie Turcotte, 21. On this day of remembrance, I join with all British Columbians in committing to work towards a future free of violence against women. Together, we honour their lives by recommitting ourselves to build a fairer and more just society. - 30 - To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Tue Dec 7 12:24:06 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Tue, 7 Dec 2004 12:24:06 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] MacPhail Nominates Krueger for BC Liberal Hypocrite-of-the-Year Award Message-ID: MacPhail Nominates Krueger for BC Liberal Hypocrite-of-the-Year Award Opposition MLA Says Krueger's Gambling Flip-Flop Showed Real Determination Victoria - BC Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger should receive the Hypocrite-of-the-Year award for his stunning flip-flop on gambling expansion in BC, NDP Opposition MLA Joy MacPhail said today. MacPhail said Krueger's tortured rationale for expanded gambling after staking his political credibility on the issue shows real determination, making him the unqualified master hypocrite in a Liberal caucus known for breaking its promises. "When it comes to hypocrisy, no one can hold a candle to Mr. Krueger," said MacPhail. "After all, this is the guy who said the former government had 'blood on its heads' for new gaming operations and warned that children might die as result. But now he says his own government's massive gambling expansion is okay by him. That kind of hypocrisy takes guts and deserves recognition." MacPhail said that despite the slow-trickle of Liberal MLAs now admitting the Premier broke his promise to halt gambling expansion, Krueger is sticking to his position against overwhelming evidence. She said that even the recent news that Kamloops has granted an application to add 50 slot machines to the local bingo hall - renamed "community gaming centres" by Mr. Krueger's government - has not been enough to shame the Liberal MLA into acknowledging reality. "Nothing gets in the way of Mr. Krueger's determination to defend Gordon Campbell's broken promises," said MacPhail. "Under the BC Liberals, gambling revenues have doubled, hundreds of new slots are being installed in mini-casinos called "Community Gaming Centers", and we now have government-sanctioned gambling on the Internet. But Mr. Krueger still insists the Liberals haven't expanded gambling. He won't even call on his government to stop stalling on new funding to treat gambling addiction. " MacPhail challenged Krueger to stick to his story through the election. She said that the residents of Kamloops deserve an opportunity to pass judgment on Krueger's hypocrisy. "Mr. Krueger may get the Hypocrite-of-the-Year Award now, but the big prize comes on May 17th when voters in Kamloops send him packing." - 30 - For information contact Jim Rutkowski, 250-812-1741 To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Wed Dec 15 15:51:01 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 15:51:01 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] Statement from Carole James on Resignation of Finance Minister Gary Collins Message-ID: Statement from Carole James on Resignation of Finance Minister Gary Collins As Leader of the New Democratic Party, I want to thank Mr. Collins for his years of public service and wish him well in his new job. Although I took strong exception to many of Mr. Collins' actions as Finance Minister, he dedicated many years of service to the citizens of British Columbia. Mr. Collins' departure from the Campbell government is sudden, and a complete reversal from the role he assumed short months ago as co-chair of the re-election campaign with responsibilities for all government communications. As Finance Minister, with intimate association with many big business interests, Mr. Collins will know that this action at this time sends a very troubling signal to the markets and to the electorate. Such a dramatic change of heart by a key Campbell ally raises several questions that the Premier has been unable to answer. - Has there been a fundamental disagreement in the direction that government should take? - Has the budget process or the numbers in it been impacted in any way? - Are there further repercussions arising from the police raid on the finance minister's office last year? Mr. Collins' decision is a serious blow to this administration and to the BC Liberal Party. As the senior minister in government and as co-chair of the BC Liberal election planning committee, Mr. Collins' influence throughout government cannot be overstated. His timing, a mere five months before the general election, can only be read as a serious vote of non-confidence in Premier and his government. As the second senior Minister to resign this fall, the Premier now owes British Columbians a full explanation as to why senior members of cabinet are choosing to end their political careers. I hope that in response to this dramatic resignation that the Premier will take this opportunity to change the direction of his government and to reach out to British Columbians he has deliberately ignored. Under the Premier's leadership the government has angered rural communities, it has mismanaged health care and education, it has hurt the most vulnerable and it has ignored the concerns of the vast majority of British Columbians. British Columbians want the government to change. Whether the Premier takes this opportunity is up to him. Gregor Robertson, NDP Candidate for Vancouver-Fairview also thanked Mr. Collins for his public service and echoed Ms. James' call for the Premier to change direction. "In my community we have seen up close the damage done by the Campbell government," said Robertson. "The Premier has failed the vast majority of British Columbians who work hard, pay their taxes and want government to be there for them in return. Gordon Campbell now must now acknowledge that it's time for a new approach." - 30 - To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Wed Dec 15 16:41:07 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 16:41:07 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James Condemns Campbell Government's Attack on Immigrant Services Message-ID: James Condemns Campbell Government's Attack on Immigrant Services NDP Leader Says BC Liberals Have Hurt Community and Volunteer Organizations NDP Leader Says BC Liberals Have Hurt Community and Volunteer Organizations NDP Leader Says BC Liberals Have Hurt Community and Volunteer Organizations Vancouver ??? NDP Leader Carole James today condemned the Campbell government's attack on organizations providing services to immigrants. She said that the BC Liberals' decision to dramatically re-organize the delivery of those services is creating chaos and uncertainty in the immigrant services community. "Once again, Gordon Campbell and his government have demonstrated a willful ignorance of the issues that face new British Columbians and the communities that support them," said James. "With his decision to dramatically change the delivery of immigrant services, Gordon Campbell has put at risk some of the most successful immigrant settlement programs in the country." For years, the BC government has funded community organizations to provide immigrant settlement services, including English-as-a-second-language training, programs to match immigrants with Canadians, and other settlement services. Without consultation, the government changed direction, eliminating funding for many organization with established track records providing these services. "It's clear from the government's actions that the BC Liberals don't appreciate or understand the critical role these organizations play in helping new immigrants adjust to life in British Columbia," said NDP MLA Jenny Kwan. "Quality immigrant settlement programs help new Canadians contribute to the economic and social fabric of our province. With those programs in jeopardy, Gordon Campbell is showing an incredible insensitivity to the challenges new Canadians face." NDP MLA Jagrup Brar said that community organizations providing immigrant settlement services have developed huge volunteer bases and enormous expertise in the field. He said that Gordon Campbell is sacrificing that expertise and experience with no evidence that cost-savings or service improvements will result. "The only person who could take incredibly successful programs like these and destroy them with one mean-spirited and short-sighted decision is Gordon Campbell," said Brar. "Mr. Campbell's decision will actually cost the taxpayer more money as the new organizations develop the experience and expertise that the former providers have demonstrated for more than 20 years." James, Kwan and Brar made their comments following a meeting with immigrant settlement organizations to discuss their concerns. - 30 - To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Wed Dec 22 17:38:19 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Wed, 22 Dec 2004 17:38:19 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] Premier must account for alleged corruption at highest levels of Liberal government, James Message-ID: Premier must account for alleged corruption at highest levels of Liberal government, James VICTORIA - NDP Leader Carole James today called on Premier Gordon Campbell to show leadership and take accountability for the growing scandal surrounding the BC Rail deal. In an open letter to the Premier [see below], James said the Liberal government's integrity had been severely compromised by the scandal, and laid out a series of questions Campbell must answer if he has any hopes of restoring public faith in his administration. She said the criminal charges brought down yesterday against senior political appointees destroy the Premier's claim that the alleged crimes did not have to do with the operation of his government. Last January, following police raids on the Finance Minister's office, Campbell told the public, "This [the legislature raids] is not about government, this is about outside of government." "As a result of these criminal charges, we now know that the Premier wasn't telling the truth," said James. "Sadly his first concern seemed to be minimizing the political impact of the police raids." "But yesterday's criminal charges make it clear: government business and the public interest in both the Roberts Bank and BC Rail privatization files were compromised by the alleged criminal activity of senior Liberal government appointees." James called upon the Premier to immediately demonstrate he has ensured no other public interest has been compromised through the kind of criminal activity alleged in the charges laid. "Critical questions need to be answered quickly and honestly by the Premier if the public is re-gain trust in the competence and honesty of his government." -30- ------------------ OPEN LETTER TO PREMIER GORDON CAMPBELL December 22, 2004 Dear Premier Campbell, For a year British Columbians have awaited more information regarding the police raids on the Legislature carried out last December. In that time, you and your Ministers have insisted that that those raids did not affect the privatization of BC Rail, and indeed, did not have anything to do with the functioning of your government. Last January, you told the public the following: "They (the public) understand this is something that is outside of government that unfortunately for all of us brought the investigation into the offices of the legislature...This is not about government, this is about outside of government." The criminal charges brought down yesterday against senior political appointees in your government flatly contradict that explanation. It's now clear that the BC Rail deal, as well as the cancelled privatization of the Robert's Bank spur, is at the heart of these alleged crimes. In other words, the raids on the Legislature had everything to do with the operation of your government and the credibility of its most significant privatization scheme. Given that you can no longer claim that your government's integrity has not been severely compromised, it is time for you to come clean and answer questions honestly about this growing scandal. Those questions include the following - On what basis did you insist that the police raids had nothing to do with your government? - Why was the BC Rail deal allowed to proceed, and the Roberts' Bank spur privatization cancelled? - Why was David Basi fired immediately, and Bob Virk only suspended, when the charges against each are the same? - What did you know about Mr. Basi's activities that led to the different treatment? Moreover, as senior political aides in the Liberal government, David Basi and Bob Virk had responsibility and oversight of critical government files, including the preparation of the provincial budget, the implementation of public private partnerships-like the attempted selling of the Coquihalla Highway-and Crown corporations, including ICBC. Given the serious nature of the alleged crimes on the part of your staff, you have an obligation to ensure that the public interest has not been further compromised by the activities of Mr. Basi and/or Mr. Virk. To that end I am also asking you to detail what actions you have taken, if any, to determine whether the reach of these formerly high placed Liberal appointees reached into other activities of government. I trust that you will take action to answer these and other questions in an effort to restore your government's credibility. Sincerely, Carole James Leader, BC New Democrats To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: