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By Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Horgan continues to stand in the way of B.C.’s prosperity

Jun 20, 2019 | 12:05 PM

THIS WEEK, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT reapproved the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project which, according to a new poll also released this week, will be welcome news to most British Columbians. However, one person continues to stand in the way of the many benefits this project will bring – and that’s John Horgan.

Despite the fact there are no more tools left in the ‘toolbox’ he is using to block the project, Horgan is not giving up — because stalling progress is all he seems to know how to do. He’s wasted time and taxpayers’ money on six separate court cases trying to obstruct this pipeline. He was vehemently opposed to LNG projects until his party got into power, and then did a complete 180 on the issue. He’s failed to bring in ridesharing, which could bring relief to our Interior communities struggling with decreased bus service after the loss of Greyhound. And he continues to stall the replacement of B.C.’s worst traffic bottleneck, the Massey Tunnel on the Lower Mainland.

It’s hard to imagine why the premier and his NDP government continue to block the types of projects that would bring important jobs and revenues to British Columbia, or relief to those seeking additional transportation options or a way out of the massive gridlock that continues to prevent them from getting to medical appointments or their kids’ soccer games on time. But I do have a few theories.

When it comes to the pipeline, John Horgan and the NDP are beholden to their partners in power-sharing, Andrew Weaver and the Green Party. The agreement that enables peace between the two parties — that you’re paying for — demands the government do everything it can to stop the project, which is exactly what Horgan and the NDP have been doing.

But I also suspect their lack of action on significant projects comes down to their lack of vision for the province and its success. We are about two years into the NDP’s mandate and we still see no evidence of a plan to grow jobs or our economy. At the same time, their 19 new or increased taxes are whittling away our competitiveness which will only push more employment opportunities out of our province.

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Every British Columbian deserves a prosperous economy that gives them a shot at improving their circumstances and creating a better life for their families. It’s high time John Horgan and the NDP stop blocking the myriad of opportunities available for people to do just that.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.