In today's newsletter: • Aisha Estey, president of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, says her party has gone from being underdogs to a major player in provincial politics by focusing on affordability, healthcare, and safety.
• Economist Tegan Hill argues that to boost B.C.'s economy and create jobs, the B.C. NDP should focus on cutting taxes, reducing spending, and making the province more attractive for workers and businesses.
• National Post columnist Colby Cosh reflects on Mike Tyson's transformation from a chaotic boxing legend to a blunt, existential sage, highlighted by his candid dismissal of "legacy" during a recent interview. |
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B.C. Conservatives proved to be a force in provincial politics — but there's much work to do |
By Aisha Estey
A few short years ago, a small group of British Columbians saw a gap in the political landscape. We knew conservatives in B.C. were looking for a new home.
They were looking for a party that prioritized a strong economy, because there can be no affordability without one; a party that believes in true universal access to health care, not access to three-year waiting lists; a party that champions drug-free recovery, rather than perpetuating the cycle of addiction and poverty; and a party that prioritizes the safety of law-abiding citizens.
B.C.’s other political parties either didn’t want, or were too afraid, to say what conservatives in B.C. were so desperate to hear. So the B.C. Conservatives took the lead.
Just 18 months ago, our party was on the outside looking in. We had no MLAs, no money, few volunteers and less than two per cent support in the polls. The political establishment looked down on our party and our supporters. But we did have hundreds of thousands of British Columbians who were tired of the same old politics and hungry for common-sense change.
Thanks to the dedication of our supporters, a shared common-sense vision and the leadership of John Rustad, our conservative movement elected 44 MLAs in the Oct. 19 election — the best election result for our party in nearly 100 years.
As president of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, I am proud that our movement has been built by and for British Columbians from all faiths and all races. Many of the 44 ridings that voted Conservative were among the youngest, the most diverse and the most working-class ridings in the province.
While our party’s meteoric climb was unprecedented, I am fully aware that close doesn’t cut it. Many have placed their trust in us to be the change our province so desperately needs — that responsibility is not lost on us. The election showed that we still have work to do.
The B.C. NDP remain in power, and that means four more years of policies that will make life harder for everyday British Columbians. We will continue to suffer through an affordability crisis that has only gotten worse after seven years of NDP government.
The price of food has jumped nearly 30 per cent, making many staples, such as chicken, more expensive than anywhere else in Canada. A litre of gasoline in B.C. carries not one but two provincial taxes, leading to the highest gas taxes and prices in North America. These burdens make it nearly impossible for working families to get ahead.
Carbon taxes have made life unaffordable without producing any of the environmental benefits we were promised by the NDP.
We also face a housing crisis. Under Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Metro Vancouver completed the construction of fewer homes last year than in 2017, while rent and mortgage bills are at or near all-time highs. Young people are finding it difficult to justify staying in B.C. Half of those between the ages of 18 and 34 are seriously thinking of leaving the province.
The B.C. NDP remain in power, and that means four more years of policies that will make life harder for everyday British Columbians. We will continue to suffer through an affordability crisis that has only gotten worse after seven years of NDP government.
The price of food has jumped nearly 30 per cent, making many staples, such as chicken, more expensive than anywhere else in Canada. A litre of gasoline in B.C. carries not one but two provincial taxes, leading to the highest gas taxes and prices in North America. These burdens make it nearly impossible for working families to get ahead.
Carbon taxes have made life unaffordable without producing any of the environmental benefits we were promised by the NDP.
We also face a housing crisis. Under Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Metro Vancouver completed the construction of fewer homes last year than in 2017, while rent and mortgage bills are at or near all-time highs. Young people are finding it difficult to justify staying in B.C. Half of those between the ages of 18 and 34 are seriously thinking of leaving the province.
Aisha Estey is the president of the Conservative Party of British Columbia. |
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Following the NDP government’s re-election, Premier David Eby’s new cabinet has been sworn in. Their first priority? Well, it should be tax reductions and spending cuts, writes Tegan Hill, senior economist at the Fraser Institute.
B.C.’s GDP per person, a key measure of the economy and living standards, will shrink by a projected two per cent in both 2023 and 2024. In fact, GDP per person is essentially the same today as it was six years ago. |
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