Note to the BC Liberals: How stupid do you think we are?

BC Greens wonder when arrogance, money and the corruption of democracy will lead to demands for change

May 5, 2010, Vancouver, BC –– “The whole Kash Heed affair is distasteful,” said Green Party of BC Leader Jane Sterk. “For the Special Prosecutor to decide after the fact that he had a conflict of interest is extraordinary and it puts his conclusion that Kash Heed did nothing wrong into question. It has certainly done nothing to give British Columbians confidence in the BC Liberals, Kash Heed or the process of appointing Special Prosecutors. If fact, it can only add to the growing cynicism about our elected officials.

“Above all else, citizens would assume that the appointment of such investigators could not be tainted by political connections. And yet, this Special Prosecutor donated to the campaign of the candidate he was asked to investigate and his law firm donated over $50,000 to the BC Liberal Party during their time in office. At the same time, he didn’t conclude he had a conflict of interest until after he publicized his conclusions even though the RCMP asked him about the potential conflict of interest given that his donation to the Heed campaign was in the public record.

“There are just too many of these questionable appointments and each example shows that money corrupts political decision-making and seems to have a big financial return for donors. And we only find out about a tiny fraction of the benefits that accrue to political donors. It seems our democracy can be bought and sold and it’s time for British Columbians to demand better.

“And better isn’t just changing from a BC Liberal donor directed government to a BC NDP donor directed government. We need to demand that all parties commit to enacting policies that guarantee that the government and each MLA must act for the people of BC and not special interests. Greens have long called for campaign finance reform, an independent arms length agency to control appointments, a fair electoral system, free votes in the Legislature and a reduction of the concentration of power in the Premier’s office.

“Change needs to come from several directions at once. From MLAs choosing to exercise their independence from Party discipline and act on behalf of their constituents; by Parties releasing their members from the pressure of Party discipline on all bills except explicit votes of confidence; by Parties committing to electoral reform so we stop getting distorted majorities and virtual dictatorships and to campaign finance reform to take special interest money out of the political system; and, for all MLAs to decide to reduce the power of the Premier.

“These are changes the Green Party is committed to and that we believe are a critical start to restoring democracy in this province. They aren’t sufficient to guarantee better government but they would be a good first step.

“We need people demanding change in a sustained way so politicians get the message. The Initiative campaign that is currently underway could be the start of citizens demanding change. The Recall campaigns that are expected in November could be another way for citizens to let politicians know that they want government to change. Both are imperfect vehicles to get something different but maybe, just maybe they are the catalyst that will bring real change,” concluded Sterk.