To the Editor:
(Re: “Nelson-Creston MLA's vote against Bill 2 means she is against rural ridings”)
In the letter by Wes Graham, a town councillor and assistant to a Conservative MP, he renders a personal attack on me for my position on Bill 2, the Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act presently before the legislature. As we know, personal attacks are left to those who lack substantive reasons for their position and prefer to bully their way through an argument. It seems that is the case here.
For those not familiar with Bill 2, it is the Liberals bill that interferes with the Electoral Boundaries Commission’s independence to work directly with the public in drawing our electoral boundaries. Because governments are in conflict of interest when deciding electoral boundaries, this independence is paramount and protected by the constitution. Nevertheless, the Liberals are once again ignoring the laws of the land — this time by directing the commission to preserve the boundaries of a select number of ridings.
Why would they only look at 17 rather than all rural ridings if this was about protecting rural representation, which is something determined between the commission and public anyway? Taking a look at how it all shakes out, their selection is where they have the most to gain.
If you are interested in seeing what I had to say about this bill, please visit my YouTube channel where I’ve posted my speech for you to watch anytime. You can also read or view the Hansard transcript anytime at www.leg.bc.ca.
It is a shame that a local elected official thinks this type of legislation is acceptable, making it clear that Mr. Graham’s blind obedience to his chosen provincial party outweighs his respect for democratic laws.
Nelson-Creston MLA