COLLINS: Eby’s plan to “hit the ground running“ is dangerous

Nov 18, 2022 | 8:49 AM

AS HE IS SWORN in today as the new Premier of British Columbia, David Eby plans to hit the ground running. With only a few days left on the legislative calendar this fall, Eby says his priorities are health care and community safety.

It would not be fair to criticize the new Premier for wanting to move forward on these critical issues. But let us remember that these two issues are not only two of the most pressing, they are also two of the most difficult to resolve.

They cut across all levels of all governments in the country. There is no quick fix.

Governments have tossed billions at the health care situation these last few years, putting little bandages on gaping wounds, and trying minor surgeries without tackling the root of the problems lying underneath. Some ideas, like urgent care clinics, have great potential but have big gaps that have generally led to less-than-expected success. The plan is set to fail.

As for community safety, that problem covers so many different areas, it boggles the imagination.

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Not only does it deal with obvious problems surrounding the escalation of violent crime on our city streets, but it also covers the much wider problems of mental health, homelessness and drug addiction, to name just a few.

And we haven’t even talked about big elephant in the room – the rapidly rising cost of living that is bringing many families to their knees trying to feed their families, keep a roof over their heads and survive from one day to the next.

For the Premier to come out with a whole bunch of plans without proper discussion and debate is simply a bad idea. It will lead to more problems than it resolves and cost us a lot more in the long run.

Have we not had enough of these “photo ops” solutions that do a little bit of immediate good and forget about the long-term strategy? These handouts are kind of like the people who throw out candy to the crowds watching a Santa Claus parade. A few get a treat but the majority get nothing.

But who knows – maybe the Premier has more candy up his sleeve than we think.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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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 Pattison Media.

by Doug Collins

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COLLINS: Eby’s plan to “hit the ground running“ is dangerous

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