File Photo (Image Credit: Mike Ritcey)

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: NDP bullies at it again?

Jan 14, 2024 | 6:00 AM

MORE ACCUSATIONS THIS WEEK about the way the NDP is governing the province.

This time, the allegations are coming from Dwight Yochim. Yochim is the former CEO of B.C. Search and Rescue. He told CBC this week that the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness is disrespectful of search and rescue volunteers. He alleges, in a public letter to the premier, there has been bullying, threats, intimidation and misuse of authority.

Given the heavy-handedness of the Eby government it is not hard to believe that such incidents did take place. At the same time, we’re not going to trample the careers of people until some of these allegations are verified or debunked.

Yochim says there is blatant ignoring of pressing safety issues. He says the relationship between SAR and the ministry is a bit toxic right now. He adds that the government is denying search and rescue volunteers use of new technology that could help find victims much more quickly than they are now.

George Heyman, the acting minister in charge of the portfolio, says the allegations are troubling and he will meet with Search and Rescue officials to hear their concerns.

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That’s a start, but as in so many NDP pronouncements, the government’s feet need to be held to the fire. They seem to want to just let things slide, with no apparent action. So much talk. Promises that will have no bearing until after the election October 19 — if indeed they ever see the light of day.

Yochim, recently removed from his position, says things need to improve. His replacements dispute Yochim’s assessment and say things aren’t that bad. But with SAR saving more than 1,000 lives a year, this is not something we can gloss over. If there is an issue, it must be acted on and resolved quickly.

There is still lots of winter left, and conditions could be treacherous the way things are unfolding around the province. This is not the time for a diatribe. Let’s talk things out, come to some compromise, and get on with the job.

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.