This page contains annotated news stories and press releases with commentary about land reform and the democratic process in British Columbia. Our comments are shown in red.
Welcome Change indeed!
It is high time Coleman was shuffled out of the forest portfolio- and yesterday's shuffle gives us hope for the future of BC's forest and Forestry sector.
Thanks to all those who supported our Time For A New Forest Minister campaign!
Now we will turn our attention to the new Forest Minister, Pat Bell, to make sure he has learned from Coleman's mistakes.
It is high time Coleman was shuffled out of the forest portfolio- and yesterday's shuffle gives us hope for the future of BC's forest and Forestry sector.
Thanks to all those who supported our Time For A New Forest Minister campaign!
Now we will turn our attention to the new Forest Minister, Pat Bell, to make sure he has learned from Coleman's mistakes.
Cabinet shuffle brings welcome changes
Jun 23, 2008Cabinet shuffles have become less significant as power has shifted to the office of the premier or prime minister. Still, yesterday's pre-election shuffle by Premier Gordon Campbell brought some positive changes.
Most critically, Rich Coleman was moved out of forests, where has been the latest Liberal minister to struggle ineffectually with the challenges faced by the industry.
Some of those problems - soft U.S. markets and a high Canadian dollar, most critically - are beyond government's control. But Coleman's tenure was marked by backward steps, like the removal of land from tree farm licence agreements on the Island, and a failure to accept any government role in dealing with the challenges facing companies, communities and individuals.
He's being replaced by Prince George MLA Pat Bell, who should have a keener appreciation of the depth of the forest crisis.
Coleman moves to a new Ministry of Housing and Social Development. The housing component makes sense; Coleman has an interest in the topic. The ministry also includes responsibility for income assistance, employment training and services to the disabled; Coleman's interest and ability in those areas are unproven.
Two of the Island's three ministers got new jobs. Stan Hagen moves from tourism and culture to agriculture and lands, a disappointing shift. His former post was more relevant to this region's economy. Hagen's new duties do include responsibility for aquaculture policy, a critical area for the government and Island communities.
Ida Chong moves from Community Services to the Ministry of Technology, Trade and Economic Development. The post represents an opportunity. The big question is whether the critical decisions will be made in the premier's office.
The other major change is the return of Colin Hansen to the Finance Ministry. In previous stints in that post and as health minister, Hansen has been one of the government's most effective and consistent performers, knowledgeable, reasonable and articulate. His return is welcome and will be a significant help for the government in defending the its controversial carbon tax.
The cabinet shuffle was intended to take the Liberals into next May's election. Ministers who did not intend to run again were dropped; new faces were added.
Two of those are particularly promising. Blair Lekstrom replaces Chong in Community Development; the Peace River MLA has demonstrated a refreshing independence of mind. And Bill Bennett, ousted from cabinet over a rude e-mail exchange with a constituent, is back as tourism minister.
Both should help balance the cabinet's overall Lower Mainland focus.
Most critically, Rich Coleman was moved out of forests, where has been the latest Liberal minister to struggle ineffectually with the challenges faced by the industry.
Some of those problems - soft U.S. markets and a high Canadian dollar, most critically - are beyond government's control. But Coleman's tenure was marked by backward steps, like the removal of land from tree farm licence agreements on the Island, and a failure to accept any government role in dealing with the challenges facing companies, communities and individuals.
He's being replaced by Prince George MLA Pat Bell, who should have a keener appreciation of the depth of the forest crisis.
Coleman moves to a new Ministry of Housing and Social Development. The housing component makes sense; Coleman has an interest in the topic. The ministry also includes responsibility for income assistance, employment training and services to the disabled; Coleman's interest and ability in those areas are unproven.
Two of the Island's three ministers got new jobs. Stan Hagen moves from tourism and culture to agriculture and lands, a disappointing shift. His former post was more relevant to this region's economy. Hagen's new duties do include responsibility for aquaculture policy, a critical area for the government and Island communities.
Ida Chong moves from Community Services to the Ministry of Technology, Trade and Economic Development. The post represents an opportunity. The big question is whether the critical decisions will be made in the premier's office.
The other major change is the return of Colin Hansen to the Finance Ministry. In previous stints in that post and as health minister, Hansen has been one of the government's most effective and consistent performers, knowledgeable, reasonable and articulate. His return is welcome and will be a significant help for the government in defending the its controversial carbon tax.
The cabinet shuffle was intended to take the Liberals into next May's election. Ministers who did not intend to run again were dropped; new faces were added.
Two of those are particularly promising. Blair Lekstrom replaces Chong in Community Development; the Peace River MLA has demonstrated a refreshing independence of mind. And Bill Bennett, ousted from cabinet over a rude e-mail exchange with a constituent, is back as tourism minister.
Both should help balance the cabinet's overall Lower Mainland focus.
