This reminds me of the situation in Ontario: almost every bill they put out has more Ministerial powers in it, less opportunities for appeals, and sometimes regulations that come out many months after the bill passes. All of it is ostensibly to streamline processes, but the result is that municipalities and regulators stand around twiddling thumbs, waiting for clarity and not wanting to step on Ministerial toes. They shoot first and ask questions later, then claim they're listening to "the people" when they roll things back, sometimes years later in new surprise bills (but most things don't get rolled back).
'If you wouldn't be comfortable with a political opponent wielding a given power responsibly, you shouldn't grant it to yourself"
Not a bad thought, but I think that the genies out of the bottle regardless of what the BC NDP do. With what is happening in the States and even in other provinces with the notwithstanding clause, the next Conservative government in BC will almost certainly feel empowered to run roughshod over civil service and the courts. I don't think playing nice now constrains the next government in any meaningful way.
So the question is more about outcomes. And if they can push some projects forward, I think it's probably worth overriding the current rules and norms.
I think we should aim to avoid others' mistakes, not use them as a permission structure to make our own. And again, my argument is it will backfire on the NDP.
This reminds me of the situation in Ontario: almost every bill they put out has more Ministerial powers in it, less opportunities for appeals, and sometimes regulations that come out many months after the bill passes. All of it is ostensibly to streamline processes, but the result is that municipalities and regulators stand around twiddling thumbs, waiting for clarity and not wanting to step on Ministerial toes. They shoot first and ask questions later, then claim they're listening to "the people" when they roll things back, sometimes years later in new surprise bills (but most things don't get rolled back).
Your arguments are clear and compelling. I hope they listen to you again.
Politicizing resource projects in this blatant way surely sets up worse headaches down the line.
No shortcuts in responsible governance.
Thanks Maggie. Let's hope!
'If you wouldn't be comfortable with a political opponent wielding a given power responsibly, you shouldn't grant it to yourself"
Not a bad thought, but I think that the genies out of the bottle regardless of what the BC NDP do. With what is happening in the States and even in other provinces with the notwithstanding clause, the next Conservative government in BC will almost certainly feel empowered to run roughshod over civil service and the courts. I don't think playing nice now constrains the next government in any meaningful way.
So the question is more about outcomes. And if they can push some projects forward, I think it's probably worth overriding the current rules and norms.
I think we should aim to avoid others' mistakes, not use them as a permission structure to make our own. And again, my argument is it will backfire on the NDP.