The circus-like atmosphere in the B.C. Legislature has returned.
Last Thursday, in record time, all 79 MLAs gave themselves a hefty pay raise and a new pension plan. It would have boosted salaries by 15 per cent. It took one hour to pass all three readings of Bill 17, which increased the base MLA salary from $75,000 to almost $87,000.
News of the increases incensed the public and union leaders. So less than 24 hours later, NDP leader Carole James flip flopped on her decision. She called on Premier Gordon Campbell to repeal the legislation and re-open debate, debate that would include a public consultation process. On Monday, the bill was quashed.
While we're happy James showed some common sense, why did it have to take outrage from the public to see the ball had been dropped on this one?
For the past three years, we've seen the Liberals do whatever they wanted in the legislature. They held the balance of power with no real opposition. Now, thanks to an overwhelming vote of support in May's provincial election, the NDP formed a credible opposition.
It's one thing for the Liberals to suggest this idea. This is, of course, the same Liberal government that hasn't done anything to increase wages for health care or teachers for years. But how could James and her NDP caucus think this deal would fly with taxpayers?
News flash, Carole - at election time you pledged to the voters of this province that you would hold the Liberals accountable. How is this holding them accountable? How is making a deal with the Liberals with no public process and lining your wallets a good idea? A raise in pay is maybe warranted, but 15 per cent? Get real!
MLA Nicholas Simons said he was embarrassed by the whole deal this week. Nicholas, we agree with you. You should be embarrassed.
This was the first real test for the new NDP opposition, and it was a test they failed big time.
