By Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone

Local issues, local solutions

Nov 1, 2018 | 2:08 PM

As British Columbians decide the fate of our tried and true democracy based on the British parliamentary tradition – which includes a First Past the Post voting system — there is another critical aspect that we need to consider in the midst of the current proportional representation debate.

Simply put, it’s important to shine a bright light on the reality that more times than not, local problems require local problem-solving. While proponents of switching to a Proportional Representation system will disagree with this, they have failed to offer any evidence whatsoever that local representation isn’t at risk if British Columbians decide to make the switch.

In fact, to the contrary, there is overwhelming evidence from across the world to suggest that under proportional representation, future MLAs for Kamloops and the Thompson Valleys could very well have home addresses far from our community with about half of MLAs in the Legislature being appointed by political party bosses instead of being elected under any of the three proposed proportional representation systems. You read that right. A large share of MLAs would be spared the requirement of actually running in an election and instead be appointed off party lists, with no guarantee that they’d actually have any roots within or connection to our community.

Which brings me to the importance of preserving maximum local representation in our electoral system. I cannot overstate how proud I am of the hard-working and dedicated staff in the Kamloops-South Thompson and Kamloops-North Thompson constituency offices. Behind the scenes, these purposeful and steadfast problem solvers often work around the clock to support my efforts and those of my colleague, MLA Peter Milobar, to resolve a myriad of issues that people bring through our doors.

Yet, with great disappointment, we continue to hear claims made by many proponents of proportional representation that with our current system ‘voters feel MLAs only listen to their party, not to constituents,’ however, with prop-rep you’ll get an MLA who represents your values. Let me be crystal clear on this point: when constituents call us or walk through our doors, we never ask them ‘who did you vote for in the provincial election?’ We work hard for every constituent who needs our help, as I expect MLAs from all parties do in each of the 87 constituencies across our province.

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Here are a few examples of how my office and I have solved local issues with the help of local awareness and knowledge:

I recall the desperate challenge facing a Kamloops-area farmer who faced the prospect of losing his livelihood as a result of spring flooding. I met this proud, hard-working British Columbian under the worst of circumstances. After constructing a diversion dam as part of an irrigation system, the overwhelming forces of Mother Nature took over and caused extensive damage to his property. After being denied disaster financial assistance by Emergency Management B.C., this desperate individual turned to his local constituency office for help. With intricate local knowledge of the situation, we successfully appealed to the Public Safety Minister’s office to explain the farmer’s plight and to advocate for a successful resolution.

Also related to spring flooding, our office was heartbroken by the desperation facing a rural couple as they, too, faced the prospect of financial hardship through no fault of their own. In this particular case, provincial assistance was denied because of where the devastating flooding had originated. I was personally aware of the remote area involved, and working as a team with constituency staff, we went to bat for these constituents, explaining to government officials the dire situation they faced involving lost access to their home and a severely damaged water system. Seven months of intense negotiations and two appeals later, our local knowledge paid off. Another happy ending.

I also draw your attention to the situation recently faced by the B.C. Wildlife Park in Kamloops. This recognized leader in conservation of wild, B.C. eco-systems was suddenly faced with the possibility of financial ruin as a result of the NDP government’s Employer Health Tax. Thankfully however, critical local knowledge of the park’s importance – including its mission to help preserve biodiversity through research, captive breeding and rehabilitation – made it possible for us to convince the government to exempt the facility’s payroll of just over $1 million dollars from what might have been an unaffordable cost.

Local issues, local solutions. Just one more reason to reject a politically-driven change to B.C’s democracy, and instead keep our current First Past the Post voting system, maintaining the strongest local representation possible.