Editor:
Rich Coleman and Christy Clark seem infatuated with the idea of eliminating the deficit by 2015. The fact is, however, the average British Columbian could really care less.
What we do care about is the annual growth in income inequality, a senior's pension plan one can no longer get by on and a fire sale on our natural resources that is written in stone for the benefit of the LNG gas conglomerates. We, the people, elected this government, not the LNG companies.
Let's look back to the WAC Bennet Government Mr. Coleman seems so fond of. That corrupt regime enabled Macmillan and Blodell to short change the citizens of B.C. Out of $17 billion in stumpage fees. How much did BCFP, CanFor, Crown Z and, of course, Weyerhauser take us for?
If these companies were held accountable by the past governments we would not have a deficit right now, we would have a surplus.
There is a declaration that the people British Columbia must have written in stone: The resources of this province belong to the people of this province, not the government and not the energy conglomerates. It is not their resources to reap and destroy.
When was the last time you can recall energy prices dropping for any length of time? So I have a proposal that will send these politicians to anger management as it involves honesty, transparency and accountability. First, we set a fair tax on the commodity. If the price of the commodity goes up we all share in the profits with a higher tax rate to a maximum of, let's say, 50 per cent.
Why not follow the example of a format already proven, like Norway, which has one of the highest standards of living in the world and over a half-a-trillion dollar seniors fund in the bank?
This all happens because they would not allow some corporation, also in the tar sands, to drill until they agreed to an appropriate tariff for their seniors and the needy.
Socialism you say? You bet! If it makes sense, why not? Raise the minimum wage to $14 per hour, people would spend it right here and the economy would benefit. Up seniors pension to $1,800 per month and the pharmacies would be buzzing.
What is Christy Clark going to offer us? Tax breaks for those who can afford a retirement income.
Phil Craig
Prince Rupert