BC Political Discussion: Election 2024 & 43rd Parliament

[BaddieB]

My prediction is well will hear a lot more about "rampant" crimes, especially in places like Vancouver. That of course only a Conservative government could solve. Just like what happened in the Vancouver election in 2022.

(Despite the fact that Metro Vancouver had a homicide rate of 1.6 per 100k in 2023, vs cities like Edmonton (3.1) Calgary (1.4), Regina (3.7), Winnipeg (5.0) and Saskatoon (3.6) in (then) Conservative provinces.)

Not saying crime isn't an issue, it is, and the NDP should have been more aggressive in targeting it, but the data doesn't match the vibes.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/433691/homicide-rate-in-canada-by-metropolitan-area/

[Migrant_Coconut]

It really is odd how crime went up in the one specific year when the police budget was at stake, and now it's back down again.

[BaddieB]

Originally Posted by whatnext

Yes, I see their 5G conspiracy candidate has been dropped in favour of the BC United candidate.

B.C. Conservative candidate who posted about 5G 'genocide' ousted

Someone should create an even more right wing party to spoil the BCC. Perhaps we should encourage the rejected candidates to form one.

[chowhou]

Originally Posted by BaddieB

Someone should create an even more right wing party to spoil the BCC. Perhaps we should encourage the rejected candidates to form one.

There are already a few.

Two of them actively run candidates in BC, the Christian Heritage Party (which does okay in the North) and the Libertarian Party.

Remains to be seen if those two pick up a few votes this election.

[RedArbutus]

Originally Posted by Migrant_Coconut

It really is odd how crime went up in the one specific year when the police budget was at stake, and now it's back down again.

Yes, just like the breathless Adam Zivo articles about lawlessness on the streets of Vancouver that just happened to appear online three months out from the municipal election and then suddenly disappeared a week after it was over! What an incredible coincidence.

[seamusmcduff]

https://thetyee.ca/News/2024/09/09/Russian-Disinformation-Right-Wing-Influencer-BC-Conservative/

Conservative Party of BC executive director Angelo Isidorou said Friday his frequent social media replies to far-right influencer Lauren Southern do not indicate support for her views.

Southern, based in Langley, B.C., has drawn new attention after the U.S. Department of Justice announced an indictment last Wednesday alleging a YouTube channel called Tenet Media was funded by Russian operatives

When asked for comment on his past interactions with Southern, Isidorou responded on X, offering his response and attacking The Tyee.

“Southern, like many controversial public figures, has a wide-reaching presence on social media. Interaction does not equate to endorsement, and suggesting otherwise is a lazy guilt-by-association tactic that’s more fitting for a tabloid than serious journalism,” Isidorou said in his X post.

As a University of British Columbia student and a member of the campus Free Speech Club, Isidorou was involved with inviting Southern and far-right personality Stefan Molyneux to speak at an event in Vancouver in 2019.

It was cancelled after critics accused the organizers of “inviting speakers who espouse white nationalism.” Both Southern and Molyneux have told media they do not consider themselves to be white nationalists.

Isidorou’s replies to Southern span from 2016 to 2024 and range from parenting advice to comments about the “mainstream media” lying about Donald Trump to commenting about Airbnb in response to Southern’s post about her parents being banned from the short-term rental service because of their association with her.

On June 8, 2023, Isidorou replied to a post in which Southern had described being “under extreme scrutiny from multiple governments” because of her anti-immigration, anti-Islam activities and the toll that had taken on her personal life.

In his reply, Isidorou relates that he’s also struggled with the death of his father and found solace by reading the Bible. He also says that he’s been watching her content for years and, in the few times they’ve met in person, has found her to be kind and generous. He says she’s encountered “unjust persecution” and says, “History is often written by the suffering and martyred.”

Social media posts said that Chen would host the June We Unify Reclaiming Canada conference in Victoria and promoted an appearance with Chen and Southern. However, according to the final speaker poster posted by the conference, Chen was not included in the final conference lineup.

Speakers at the conference included Southern, “Freedom Convoy” organizers Tamara Lich and Chris Barber and Alberta anti-vax pastor Artur Pawlowski. Media reported BC Conservative candidate John Koury attended the We Unify conference.

It seems to me that at the very least, BC conservatives are being heavily influenced by Russian disinformation. The fact that it may be unknowingly doesn't make it better. There's also the possibility that their views already aligned with the interests of Russia, which are equally unacceptable.

[Burquitlaman]

Originally Posted by BaddieB

My prediction is well will hear a lot more about "rampant" crimes, especially in places like Vancouver. That of course only a Conservative government could solve. Just like what happened in the Vancouver election in 2022.

(Despite the fact that Metro Vancouver had a homicide rate of 1.6 per 100k in 2023, vs cities like Edmonton (3.1) Calgary (1.4), Regina (3.7), Winnipeg (5.0) and Saskatoon (3.6) in (then) Conservative provinces.)

Not saying crime isn't an issue, it is, and the NDP should have been more aggressive in targeting it, but the data doesn't match the vibes.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/433691/homicide-rate-in-canada-by-metropolitan-area/

Goes without saying that homicide is not the only measurable crime. It's also not what the average person fears on a daily basis.

I can tell you that my dad's shop in North Vancouver has been broken into over 10 times in the past decade (they brake the windows) and he has spent well over 10k over that time. I clearly remember as a child I would be woken up by my dad saying the shop has been broken into, let's go see what's going on. On the weekends you pay 1.x to 2x to replace windows and the windows are not cheap.

And what do they steal? Nothing of any significance. Half the time we knew without going to the shop that the windows will cost more to replace than the goods.

My father's shop made half the income I'm now making working for the BC government and he worked six days a week, 12+ hours a day. He busted his ass in that shop and not once did the police do anything. He would provide them with CCTV footage. Nothing. And really, what can they even do? Arrest the guy so he can be in the street the next day with not even a slap on the wrist?

I've had my possessions stolen from me in the VPL. My brother's car has been broken into at least twice. Most of the time it doesn't even get reported.

Everyone has these stories. Crime is rampant and for the most part not much is done about it.

[BaddieB]

Originally Posted by Burquitlaman

Most of the time it doesn't even get reported.

That's why I listed homicide, because it's one of the few crimes that almost always gets reported.

[Burquitlaman]

Originally Posted by BaddieB

That's why I listed homicide, because it's one of the few crimes that almost always gets reported.

Fair, but is there a correlation between homicide and other crimes?

[BaddieB]

Originally Posted by Burquitlaman

Fair, but is there a correlation between homicide and other crimes?

I'm not sure about that.

But for fun we can look at property crimes in 2023 by metropolitan area.

• Toronto - 28.9 per 1k
• Vancouver - 39.2 per 1k
• Montreal - 24.8 per 1k
• Edmonton - 51.8 per 1k
• Calgary - 40.7 per 1k
• Winnipeg - 66.2 per 1k
  ...
• Saskatoon - 55.3 per 1k

https://www.statista.com/statistics/526196/canada-number-of-property-crimes-by-metro-area/

Anyways, I agree that more should be done to lock up offenders, especially repeat offenders. Crime and drug policy has been the NDP's weakest area, and if they win in October they really need to wisen up to regain people's confidence.

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by Burquitlaman

Goes without saying that homicide is not the only measurable crime. It's also not what the average person fears on a daily basis.

I can tell you that my dad's shop in North Vancouver has been broken into over 10 times in the past decade (they brake the windows) and he has spent well over 10k over that time. I clearly remember as a child I would be woken up by my dad saying the shop has been broken into, let's go see what's going on. On the weekends you pay 1.x to 2x to replace windows and the windows are not cheap.

And what do they steal? Nothing of any significance. Half the time we knew without going to the shop that the windows will cost more to replace than the goods.

My father's shop made half the income I'm now making working for the BC government and he worked six days a week, 12+ hours a day. He busted his ass in that shop and not once did the police do anything. He would provide them with CCTV footage. Nothing. And really, what can they even do? Arrest the guy so he can be in the street the next day with not even a slap on the wrist?

I've had my possessions stolen from me in the VPL. My brother's car has been broken into at least twice. Most of the time it doesn't even get reported.

Everyone has these stories. Crime is rampant and for the most part not much is done about it.

Yep, exactly. And yet you'll get the usual posters saying "just claim the insurance". One can only assume they've never had their own business.

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by whatnext

Yep, exactly. And yet you'll get the usual posters saying "just claim the insurance". One can only assume they've never had their own business.

Insurance will require a police report, so you'll have to report those.

[whatnext]

John Rustad and the Conservatives promise involuntary treatment for addiction issues:

BC Conservatives announce involuntary treatment for those with substance use disorders
By Aastha Pandey-Kanaan
Posted September 11, 2024 9:05 pm. Last Updated September 12, 2024 6:29 am.

The BC Conservatives are promising to support people who “pose a risk to themselves and others” through involuntary treatment for substance use disorders.

A release posted by the Leader of the party John Rustad on Wednesday says he is committed to involuntary treatment for individuals, especially children who are “suffering from severe addictions.”....

....The party is making three key promises: Compassionate Intervention Legislation that introduces laws to allow involuntary treatment to make sure those at risk receive the right care “even when they cannot seek it themselves,” building low secure units by designing secure facilities for treatment to ensure care is received in safe environments, and crisis response and stabilization units to establish units providing targeted care in order to reduce emergency room pressures.....

https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2024/09/11/bc-conservatives-rustad-involuntary-treatment/

[whatnext]

David Eby is a passionate defender of the carbon tax. Until he isn't...

B.C. to scrap consumer carbon tax if federal government drops legal requirement: Eby
B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad says Eby's "reversal" on the tax is a "desperate attempt to salvage his sinking political ship."
Canadian Press
about an hour ago

VANCOUVER — British Columbia Premier David Eby says his government will end the provincial carbon tax on consumers and shift the onus to "big polluters" if the federal government removes a legal requirement to keep the tax in place.

Eby says B.C. residents are struggling with affordability, but a re-elected NDP government would make "big polluters" pay a price for carbon to take action on climate change.

He says the federal government's approach to the carbon tax has "badly damaged" what was a political consensus on the issue in the province....

https://www.biv.com/news/economy-law-pol...ment-drops-legal-requirement-eby-9514349

[chowhou]

Originally Posted by whatnext

David Eby is a passionate defender of the carbon tax. Until he isn't...

The BCNDP sure seems to be worried about the coming election all of a sudden. Enter the populism. We had a perfectly good thing but now that they need some votes it's time to burn down the house to keep warm.

[Bcasey25raptor]

Originally Posted by whatnext

John Rustad and the Conservatives promise involuntary treatment for addiction issues:

BC Conservatives announce involuntary treatment for those with substance use disorders
By Aastha Pandey-Kanaan
Posted September 11, 2024 9:05 pm. Last Updated September 12, 2024 6:29 am.

The BC Conservatives are promising to support people who “pose a risk to themselves and others” through involuntary treatment for substance use disorders.

A release posted by the Leader of the party John Rustad on Wednesday says he is committed to involuntary treatment for individuals, especially children who are “suffering from severe addictions.”....

....The party is making three key promises: Compassionate Intervention Legislation that introduces laws to allow involuntary treatment to make sure those at risk receive the right care “even when they cannot seek it themselves,” building low secure units by designing secure facilities for treatment to ensure care is received in safe environments, and crisis response and stabilization units to establish units providing targeted care in order to reduce emergency room pressures.....

https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2024/09/11/bc-conservatives-rustad-involuntary-treatment/

Congratulations Premier Rustad. BC is screwed now

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by chowhou

The BCNDP sure seems to be worried about the coming election all of a sudden. Enter the populism. We had a perfectly good thing but now that they need some votes it's time to burn down the house to keep warm.

Yep and they're doing it at the federal level as well.

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by whatnext

Yep and they're doing it at the federal level as well.

BC NDP are just returning to their original position when the BC Libs brought in the carbon tax. NDP was against it.

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

BC NDP are just returning to their original position when the BC Libs brought in the carbon tax. NDP was against it.

Oh it is just consistent inconsistency then.

I am a bit surprised Eby is making such a tone deaf move. He might singlehandedly revive the Greens with it. They can now point to the NDP and say they can't be trusted on environmental issues.

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

BC NDP are just returning to their original position when the BC Libs brought in the carbon tax. NDP was against it.

But they wanted a cap-and-trade system (tax) so it was just populist electioneering tactics repeated.

He's still a passionate defender of the tax he just found a nuanced way to say he could be forced by external forces (evil Trudeau) to axe it.