From RMoran at fpse.ca Mon Sep 20 15:26:35 2004 From: RMoran at fpse.ca (Roseanne Moran) Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 15:26:35 -0700 Subject: [LabComm] women's conference photos Message-ID: <4119EC095B2CFE4E80731B5776F102821D495F@dc01.ciea.corp> Hi everyone. I am wondering if any organizations have good photos of the BC Fed Women's Conference. We are running a piece in our newsletter and would like a picture or two from it. Thanks in advance, Roseanne. Roseanne Moran, Communications & Policy Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC 400-550 W.6th Ave., Vancouver V5Z 1A1 Phone 604 873-8988 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Tue Sep 21 15:51:02 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 14:51:02 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James Calls on New ICBC CEO to Reject Privatization of Crown Corp Message-ID: -- Studies show private auto insurance leads to higher rates -- NDP Leader Carole James today called on newly appointed ICBC CEO Paul Taylor to publicly disavow privatization as an option for the Crown Corporation. "For three years, the only thing standing between Gordon Campbell and ICBC was Nick Geer, a Chair and CEO who successfully fought the government's plans," said James. "Mr. Geer got the boot for keeping ICBC public, and keeping auto insurance rates among the lowest in the country. Paul Taylor needs to show the same resolve and assure the public he's not there to do Gordon Campbell's bidding." Formerly the Chair of Treasury Board and the past president of the BC Automobile Dealers Association, Mr. Taylor is one of the key architects of the BC Liberal privatization agenda, and a key player behind the failed scheme to sell the Coquihalla Highway and the government's sell off of BC Rail. "Given Mr. Taylor's record, British Columbians have reason to be suspicious about his appointment to head up ICBC," said James. "He should start his new job by building on the record of his predecessor and staking out a clear position against further privatization and for continued public ownership of this successful Crown Corporation. Evidence from across the country is clear -- privatized auto insurance leads to higher rates. BC can't afford that." 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 Thu Sep 16 16:49:07 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 15:49:07 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James commends workers and environmentalists for working to find common ground on clean air Message-ID: VICTORIA -- NDP Leader Carole James today commended efforts by workers and environmentalists to find common ground on clean air at a Clean Air Summit to be held tomorrow in Duncan. She said that despite the Campbell government's refusal to show leadership on jobs and the environment, this initiative of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union, the Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers of Canada, and leading environmental organizations demonstrates the good will that exists on both sides of the issue. "The BC Liberals have abandoned their responsibility to bring industry, workers, and communities together to set air quality standards," said James. "In the absence of leadership from government, it's encouraging to see communities coming together to find a consensus and set a direction for BC on clean air." James said that the Clean Air Summit is an example of how the NDP would work to find solutions to common problems in our resource industries. She said it's shameful that the government is refusing to participate in the conference." "Working people want clean air for their communities. They want to see federal and provincial standards. But the government has ignored them and refused to talk about the need to protect air quality. This summit is a chance for everyone to sit down, listen and find solutions. That's exactly the kind of approach the NDP encourages and wants to see work." "For more than three years, the NDP Opposition has been pressing the government to take action on clean air, but the government has done nothing. I hope now they will listen to the community." The Clean Air Summit takes place tomorrow at the Silver Bridge Travelodge in Duncan from 9:30am - 3:30pm. - 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 Fri Sep 17 15:00:02 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Fri, 17 Sep 2004 14:00:02 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James calls BC Ferries' decision to shut out BC firms and build overseas outrageous Message-ID: -- NDP Leader calls on Premier to release details of BC Ferries' contract with German firm -- VICTORIA -- NDP Leader Carole James said BC Ferries' decision to ship thousands of jobs and over $500 million of investment to Germany is outrageous. She said the Premier should immediately release the contractual details to the public. "It doesn't make any sense to deny our own workers the chance to compete with their German competitors for BC tax dollars," said James. "The Premier has shown no leadership for BC on this issue, hiding behind an out-of-control BC Ferries CEO." James spoke to a rally outside of BC Ferries earlier today, telling workers that the NDP will continue to stand up for their jobs. "Gordon Campbell is saying that we don't have what it takes to build our own ships. I disagree," said James. "No one is asking to give BC workers special treatment, just a level playing field and a chance to show what they can do. Why does the Premier think that is too much to ask?" James said the NDP will push to make BC Ferries more accountable. She said that the public has a right to know why its tax dollars are being shipped out of the province. "British Columbians are furious about this decision. They subsidize BC Ferries with their tax dollars to the tune of more than $100 million a year. And they pay for those ships with their fares. Taxpayers deserve a measure of accountability from BC Ferries' executive. And the NDP will work day in and day out to get answers and to restore public oversight." James said a new NDP government would reverse the privatization of BC Ferries, restore the company to full Crown corporation status and re-institute legislative oversight, while at the same time protecting the company from undue political interference. She said the NDP would also force company practices into the open through tough freedom of information laws. - 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 Thu Sep 16 11:40:04 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Thu, 16 Sep 2004 10:40:04 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] BC government must guarantee patient services not shareholder profits with new federal funding, says James Message-ID: VANCOUVER -- Gordon Campbell should use newly committed federal funding to guarantee publicly delivered health care in BC, BC NDP leader Carole James said today. James welcomed the deal on increased health care funding reached between the provinces and the federal government, and called on the BC Liberal government to restore integrity to the public health care system. "The federal money isn't much in the context of the provincial health budget," said James. "And that's why the province must put public health care dollars to work in an innovative way that protects the public system." James said it's time for Mr. Campbell to demonstrate a concrete commitment to public health care and immediately halt his plan to expand privatization as the key means of addressing the Liberal government's mismanagement of health care in BC. "For three years Gordon Campbell has made the wrong choices for health care in BC. British Columbians are waiting longer than ever before for surgeries, they are paying more than ever before in medical premiums, and they're getting less in health care services. "There is a fundamental contradiction between what the Premier says publicly about health care and what his Liberal government does to undermine the public health care system in BC," said James. "British Columbians have had to listen to the Premier's rhetoric on public health care for three years while watching him reduce public accountability and increase privatization." James said this new deal provides the Premier the opportunity to back away from further privatization and instead move to enhance the public health care system. "Government should seek the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars in the delivery of health care," said James. "And we know the most cost-efficient means of providing patient care is in the public system, not through investor-owned private clinics." James pointed to a recent McMaster University study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal that found switching to investor-owned private, for-profit clinics would cost $7.2 billion more in annual health expenditures. The results of the study also found that health care consumers paid 19 per cent more at for-profit than non-profit clinics, and that investor-owned for-profit facilities cost more because they have to generate profits to satisfy shareholders, pay high executive salaries, and have higher administrative costs. - 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 Sep 15 14:00:07 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2004 13:00:07 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] BC Liberals "leased" BC Rail for $52 million, says MacPhail Message-ID: -- 90 year lease amounts to $577,000 a year for profitable company -- VANCOUVER -- The true sale price for BC Rail comes to a mere $52 million, NDP Opposition House Leader Joy MacPhail said today. MacPhail pointed to the 1st quarter financial report delivered yesterday. That report states that a mere "$52 million of the transaction gain relates to the operating lease for the right of way and rail bed assets, and will be spread out over the term of the lease..." (page 19, First Quarter Report) "This BC Rail deal is a scam, and the first quarter report proves it," said MacPhail. "We handed over $750 million in assets from a profitable company to a major BC Liberal campaign donor for a return of just $52 million spread over 90 years. That's $577,000 a year for a company that made a profit of more than $80 million last year alone. I'm sure they're having a good chuckle over at CN headquarters." MacPhail said that the deal is another example of the premier's incompetence. "At the end of the day, Gordon Campbell makes a good mark for big companies looking to buy up BC. Every privatization scheme he touches results in BC getting ripped off or in such a ferocious public backlash that he has to back off." --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 Thu Sep 23 12:19:03 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 11:19:03 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James calls for end to downloading and confrontation Message-ID: -- Premier has failed BC municipalities, says NDP Leader -- KELOWNA - Premier Gordon Campbell has failed to live up to the promises he made to BC's municipalities to do things differently, and instead has embraced a provincial policy of downloading, conflict and confrontation, NDP Leader Carole James said today. James made the remarks at the annual convention of the Union of BC Municipalities in Kelowna, calling for an end to some of the most onerous elements of the Campbell government's failed approach to communities. "The Premier promised municipal governments a new way of doing things with his Community Charter," said James. "But communities have been waiting for three-and-a-half years and the Charter still isn't fully implemented. In addition, he brought in one of the most heavy-handed pieces of legislation this province has ever seen, legislation that tramples the rights of local government to make decisions in the best interests of its citizens. "One of the first acts of an NDP government will be to repeal Bill 75, the Significant Projects Streamlining Act, restoring local decision-making to local government." James again called on the Campbell to fulfill his promise to municipalities regarding traffic fine revenue. "Three-and-a-half years ago, the Premier promised to give municipalities 75 per cent of traffic fine revenue in order to fight crime. It's in black and white on page 31 of his election platform. Again, I call on Mr. Campbell to take the opportunity tomorrow to keep his promise on traffic fines. "Municipalities do not need more election promises. We all know how those have turned out. This government has cut provincial funding for community safety, and caused serious problems through downloading. Three-and-a-half years of stable funding from 75 percent of traffic fines could have made an enormous difference in the rate of crime our communities are grappling with today." James committed to following through on the promise if the Premier did not. "A Carole James NDP government would follow through on the Premier's failed commitment. Under the NDP, communities suffering from rising crime rates will be able to use the resources from traffic fines available to fight crime and help keep neighbourhoods safe." James said British Columbians want an end to division and the politics of confrontation. "The Campbell government has divided British Columbia's communities, rural and urban, young and old, rich and poor," she said. "The NDP is working hard to develop a new flexible, pragmatic and inclusive vision of government that brings people together in a common project to build a better, more democratic and more prosperous province." - 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 Thu Sep 23 13:44:05 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 12:44:05 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] You're invited to a special reception with Carole James Message-ID: New Democratic Party Leader Carole James invites you to a special reception with B.C.'s New Democrat MLAs and MPs. The leaders' reception features a brief program, entertainment, and hors d'oeuvres -- and lots of time for mingling with other guests. Please join us as we build the campaign to take back B.C. in 2005. Saturday, October 2 7:00 to 9:00 pm The Gallery Room Empire Landmark Hotel 1400 Robson Street, Vancouver Guest -- $50 (1 ticket) Patron -- $100 (1 ticket, and special recognition) Joint Patron -- $150 (2 tickets and special recognition) RSVP REQUIRED -- please call 604.430.8600 ext. 246, e-mail glenne at bc.ndp.ca or download a ticket order form from www.bc.ndp.ca. If you're not able to attend this event yourself, please consider sponsoring a Guest ticket for one of our volunteers or supporters who could not otherwise attend -- or make a donation to the B.C. NDP today. Thank you for your generous support. 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 Sep 28 16:38:05 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2004 15:38:05 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James calls on Premier to come clean on plans to privatize ICBC Message-ID: VICTORIA - Premier Gordon Campbell needs to come clean on his government's plans to privatize significant portions of the ICBC workforce and tell the public how far his government intends to go in selling off the Crown Corporation, NDP Leader Carole James said today. Yesterday, ICBC confirmed that it is looking to sell off its information and technology division. This follows the appointment of Paul Taylor to head up the corporation. Taylor is one of the key privatization architects of the Campbell government and the man behind the scheme to privatize the Coquihalla and the sell-off of BC Rail. "ICBC is successful, it provides good service and excellent value, and most importantly, it protects consumers from the kind of insurance gouging consumers in other provinces often have to endure," said James. "But, as we've seen so many times before ?BC Hydro, BC Ferries, and BC Rail, under this Premier any public asset that works gets broken up and sold." James said that the Premier and his hand-picked appointee Paul Taylor have a responsibility to lay out their plans for ICBC before the next election. She said the public is very concerned that having failed to privatize insurance, the government hopes to sell off ICBC piece by piece. "Just like BC Rail, BC Hydro, and the Coquihalla, the Premier can't be trusted to protect assets that work for the province," said James. "He's been bitten by the privatization bug and can't make rational decisions, chasing every privatization scheme that comes along, no matter how ill thought-out." James said that the NDP would protect public insurance, keeping ICBC whole, to keep rates low for BC consumers. "Whether it's BC Hydro, BC Ferries or ICBC, the NDP will protect BC assets and see that they deliver a return to their customers and to the taxpayer." - 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 Thu Sep 30 16:45:01 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 15:45:01 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] By-election gives Surrey a chance to send Gordon Campbell a strong message Message-ID: SURREY -- The provincial by-election called today in Surrey Panorama-Ridge gives residents an opportunity to send Gordon Campbell a strong message, NDP candidate Jagrup Brar said today. "After three years of broken promises, longer health waitlists, and mean-spirited cuts, it's time Gordon Campbell was sent a message," said Brar. "As a long-time Surrey resident, I will stand up for Surrey and provide British Columbians a new opposition voice in the Legislature." Brar said that he has the experience and the ability to bring people together and to get things done for the residents of Surrey. Brar is the Executive Director of a local non-profit agency that trains entrepreneurs. He is active in the Surrey Chamber of Commerce, and he is a long-time community activist. "Everywhere I go in Surrey, people tell me they are concerned about the direction of the Campbell government," said Brar. "They didn't vote for higher taxes for middle-income earners, for longer waitlists, and less funding for education. And they certainly didn't vote to give Gordon Campbell a blank cheque. "That's why it's so important to send a strong member of the Opposition to hold the Premier to account for his actions," said Brar. "Another silent Liberal backbencher won't help our community. It will only reward Gordon Campbell for his failures." Brar said that after three years of being ignored by the Campbell government, Surrey residents won't be fooled by last minute election spending, when they know that Gordon Campbell can't be trusted. Since his nomination in May, Brar has been working hard in his community, listening to the concerns of average British Columbians. "I am very excited about this by-election. The response on the doorstep has been overwhelming. We've already printed another run of lawn signs, dozens of people have come forward to volunteer, and I am hearing one thing over and over again: people are tired of a government that doesn't listen, and they want to send a strong message." To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: