The Livable Blog

Almost a year and a half ago the Premier announced the provincial Gateway scam and since that time we have heard from just about every sector in the Lower Mainland, be they for or against. A group that is most noticeably absent is the BC NDP. Sure, MLAs like Guy Gentner have spoken out against the SFPR and David Chudnovsky the transportation critic has been demanding that the government provide proof that twinning the Port Mann Bridge will reduce traffic congestion and air pollution (still no proof...) but the party has not taken an official position. The NDP position on Gateway is long overdue.

Carole James has been taking a lot of heat lately for not forming positions on key issues and I feel that in many cases the criticism is justified. I am not now nor have I ever been a member of a political party and so I will not delve into the miasma of BC party politics. Folks like Vaughn Palmer do a good job of that and so I leave it to them. It is apparent to almost all, however, that while a considered view of issues is important, a year and a half is too long to take for such a pivotal issue. One would think that the climate crisis would have set a fire under the official opposition but apparently not.

Over the weekend I caught an episode of Voice of BC that featured Carole James as guest. In one segment, Sean Holman of Public Eye Online asked Ms. James- didn't she think it was about time that the NDP took a position on Gateway? Her response was textbook political non-speak.

I, like many of you, am fed up with the foot dragging by the official opposition on this issue of vital importance to the future of our region and so I echo Mr. Holman's question here with a request that you, Dear Reader, contact Carole James and your NDP MLA, if you have one, to urge them to take a strong stand for a healthy future and oppose Gateway.

Contact Carole James and ask her: Isn't it about time to take a position on Gateway?. Please be sure to tell her what your vision is for our region and remind her that Toronto and Montreal have recently announced ambitious transit plans to improve quality of life and fight climate change but no such vision has been created for green, livable Vancouver.