Province Newspaper supports Craig James in Attempt to Discredit Fight HST on the Eve of two More MLA Recall Campaigns

Posted on January 13, 2011 by admin

Editorial: We have no reason to look down on U.S.. (read referenced article)

Once again the Province/Sun ownership steps up to the plate to get behind the clearly political actions of Elections BC CEO Craig James in an attempt to discredit the Fight HST campaign. What is happening at Elections BC is something that should have the people of BC showing up in the thousands protesting that their democracy is being run over by the BC Liberal appointed hack Craig James.

Watching this play out with an accomplice big media is like watching a scene from behind the iron curtain during the Cold War. Government and media working hand in hand to dupe the public into creating massive lies, saying them often enough, so everyone will believe them. If there was ever a case to prove this point is how Elections BC “temporary” CEO Craig James has handled the HST file.

Case in point, Craig James in the fall 2010 announces on the eve of the recall of Ida Chong that there was a number of people who may be criminally prosecuted and harassed by the RCMP because they may have signed the petition more than once. It most cases this was accidental. Why did James go public with this? To create fear. Nothing more nothing less. Now on the eve of two recall campaigns in the Comox Valley and in Kamloops out comes James again in the press, this time trying to paint the Fight HST people as crazies running around the province conspiring to kill him. Even worse using the shootings in Arizona as a backdrop excuse for his fear. Why did James go public with this? Simple! To create sympathy in public as a cover for his clearly corrupt actions.  Secondly, demonize the Fight HST organization as crazies. Discredit! Discredit! Discredit! Sound familiar? This is right out of the BC Liberal play book.

After Neufeld left the post as CEO of Elections BC its been all downhill from there. Neufeld requested that he could stay on until the HST petition process had been completed and the BC Liberals rejected Neufeld outright installing Craig James instead. Immediately James goes to work stalling the successful petition from being delivered to the BC Legislature. He had no right to stall this process because the law clearly stated it was his job to deliver it regardless of whatever legal action might be pending. The judge presiding chastised Craig for his actions.

James is then given the knife to take out Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Linda Johnson. Johnson a 19 year veteran at Elections BC was taken out because clearly the government (read Colin Hansen) was not happy that she told the BC Liberals they could not advertise pro HST propaganda during the signature drive. Reason being is the BC Liberal government failed to register with Elections BC to campaign against the HST petition. Clearly and politically motivated firing in an institution that is supposed to be unbiased and free from this kind of activity.

Shame on the “mainstream media” for not covering this story properly. However, the mainstream press have shown they are political activists for the governing party. The press has a moral and professional responsibility to go after the truth and not act as propagandists for the BC Liberal Party. Defending their candidates is the media’s mantra of the day. It must end and hopefully declining readership will hit news outlets like the Province or Sun where it counts in their wallet and force them to change. Otherwise if they don’t websites like this and countless thousands of  Bloggers and Twittering masses are glad to pick up the ball and fill the void left by the main stream press.

As for Craig James of Elections BC. No one wants to see him dead nor wish harm on his family, however, after this gang of BC Liberals crooks get knocked out of government I can’t say I wouldn’t be happy watching Mr. James being walked down a court room aisle in handcuffs. His actions seemingly are criminal and he needs to be investigated, charged, and convicted for his behaviour.

Posted in BC Liberal Party, BC News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

B.C. electoral officer Craig James uses Arizona shooting in an attempt to discredit FightHST. Pathetic

Posted on January 12, 2011 by admin

B.C. electoral officer Craig James getting death threats from anti-HST activists.

How disgusting and desperate for the Chief Electoral officer to politicize the position as head of Elections BC. Elections BC is an institution that is and must be independent of partisan politics.

It is absolutely pathetic he would use the Arizona shooting as a way to try and discredit the Fight HST organization. If he has a problem with a few e-mails from crazy nutbars then send them to the RCMP and not the Vancouver Sun and Times Colonist.

Craig James has turned what was supposed to be a non partisan agency of the government into a political circus because of his clear bias against the Fight HST activists. He must be working for the BC Liberals otherwise they (BC Liberals) would have removed him long ago and replaced him with a new CEO of Elections BC and it would have been done through the legislature.

Shame on Craig James and the BC Liberals. Your corruption knows no boundaries.

Posted in BC Liberal Party, BC News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

BC FIRST BOARD SETS FOUNDING AGM FOR APRIL 9, 2011 IN KAMLOOPS | BC First Party

Posted on January 10, 2011 by admin

BC FIRST BOARD SETS FOUNDING AGM FOR APRIL 9, 2011 IN KAMLOOPS | BC First Party.

Posted on: January 10th, 2011

BC FIRST BOARD SETS FOUNDING AGM FOR APRIL 9, 2011 IN KAMLOOPS

Party commits to leading the fight to end the HST in the upcoming referendum

VANCOUVER (January 9, 2011) – The up and coming BC First Party’s pro-tem Board of Directors met this past weekend for the first time, setting the date of April 9, 2011 to hold the party’s first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kamloops says BC First spokesman, Chris Delaney.

Delaney says the meeting saw a diverse group of thirteen directors from all over BC in attendance, including three by teleconference. “We had people from all walks of life and backgrounds there, all united by their desire to take BC back from the special interests and return it to the people.”

In attendance were party founder, Sal Vetro; pro-tem President, Blake MacKenzie; Advertising & Marketing Director,  Darlene Templeton; Kootenay Director, Gerry Taft; Peace River Director, Arthur Hadland; Prince George & North Central Director, Eric Allen; North Shore Region & Constituency Development Director, Eddie Petrossian; Membership and Mid Island Director, Sue Blair; Burnaby Director, Carl Presland; Vancouver Director Ron Zalko; Economics Director, Eric Andersen; and webmaster, Rainer Schmoll.

Delaney says the mood was upbeat and very enthusiastic.

“We accomplished a lot in our first meeting. We are implementing plans for constituency development, fundraising, advertising and promotion, the AGM, and an election strategy that will incorporate plans for both the 2013 scheduled election, as well as a possible snap election this year,” said Delaney.

Delaney says the party has also committed to leading the charge to repeal the HST in the upcoming Referendum. BC First Regional Director for the Kootenays and current Mayor of Invermere, Gerry Taft, said BC First will show British Columbians there are people willing to fight for them.

“BC First grew out of the opposition against the HST because people wanted a positive alternative to the dictatorial Liberal government that imposed it on them, and to the self destructing NDP that really supports the status quo,” said Taft.

“British Columbians are seeking an alternative that represents them, not big corporations or big unions. BC First is what they’ve been looking for, and we’re going to show them that by leading the opposition to the HST in the upcoming referendum. We plan to counter the pro-HST propoganda by the Liberals and the lukewarm messaging from the NDP. The HST must go, and we’re committed to leading the fight to end it,” said Taft.

BC First Constituency Development Director, Eddie Petrossian, says 25 Constituency Organizers (CO’s) from all over BC have signed on so far to help build party. “That is an amazing start for a new party. We need 60 more CO’s to get constituencies organized in all 85 ridings. We’re looking for good people who want to help take their province back.”

Delaney says the party also nominated Burnaby Regional Director and CGA, Carl Presland, as its Treasurer. “Carl has the expertise for this important position to help manage our party as we grow.”

“So many people say they are tired of the establishment parties ruining our province and destroying our democracy. They are sick of the polarization and self interest that works for political parties, but not for them. They want a centrist alternative that is owned by the people. That is BC First,” said Delaney.

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Baby Molly – Please Help – 1 month old baby with Leukemia

Posted on December 31, 2010 by admin

Terrible way to start life. Please read through and see if you can help. The below article is from the Baby Molly website.

With two days to go before Christmas, Rebekah Campbell was doing what most parents do: shopping for last minute stocking stuffers for her children. This was an exciting time for her, because Molly, her one month old baby, was about to have her first Christmas. Molly was born in Victoria November 23, 2010 and had been a happy, healthy baby. Rebekah had no idea the family’s life was about to be turned upside down.David, Rebekah’s husband, called Rebekah to say Molly was running a fever and it was getting worse. Rebekah went straight home. By the time she got there, the fever was bad enough that Rebekah left their other children in the care of her David and rushed Molly to emergency. Molly’s parents thought she might have the flu.

via Baby Molly.

Like every trip to emergency, there was hours of waiting. Rebekah was tempted to take Molly home and give her some Tylenol, as she was concerned about how this was going to disrupt Christmas for her other four children who were waiting at home with their Dad. However, her motherly instincts kept her there all night with Molly. David went to the hospital as soon as a friend came to care for the other children. Before leaving for the hospital, David packed a single change of clothes for Molly and Rebekah, as they had been told Molly would hopefully be home for Christmas Eve.

Once Molly was examined by doctors and the test results came back, Rebekah and David’s nightmare began. Shockingly, at only 28 days old, Molly had leukemia. Molly was diagnosed Christmas Eve with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells that was rapidly filling her body.
Molly’s condition was so serious that Victoria General Hospital could not treat her. Unlike other cancers, this leukemia was fast moving and immediately threatened tiny Molly’s life. Less than a day after happily shopping for Christmas presents, Rebekah, David and Molly were flown by emergency helicopter to B.C. Children’s Hospital that afternoon.

Once there, doctors immediately began work on little Molly, and tested her bone marrow and spinal fluid to find out more about the type of leukemia that was growing. She needed multiple IVs to carry medicine and fluids. Because Molly’s baby hands and arms are so tiny, doctors needed to perform emergency surgery to insert a tube directly into her chest for the IVs. Before the surgery, David and Rebekah held their tiny infant and said their goodbyes; the staff had told them how serious this was, and they knew they may never hold her little hands again.

Molly stabilized after surgery and the doctors started her on steroids, the first stage of a long and painful chemotherapy regime designed to try to eradicate the leukemia that filled Molly’s body.

This being Christmas Day, Molly’s siblings Owen and Emma, six year old twins, Kate, four and Sara two, opened their presents in confusion about where their parents and little sister had gone. David tearfully told a friend he did not even know where they were in Vancouver, as they had been brought in by helicopter. David and Rebekah were so scared that every moment would be their last with Molly that they had not even been to the cafeteria in the hospital after living in Molly’s room for two days; they were too afraid to leave Molly for even a few minutes.

Molly was one of the youngest leukemia patients they had ever seen at the hospital. Cure rates for leukemia have made huge advances in the past 20 years. However, Molly’s leukemia has the genetic markers of a much more difficult leukemia to treat. This, along with her very young age, makes this an uphill battle.

When Molly’s doctor met with David and Rebekah on Boxing Day, he told them that Molly will need to stay at B.C. Children’s hospital for at least six months, and probably longer. They have now been told to expect a year in hospital. David or Rebekah must be in the room with Molly around the clock to help care for her.

For David and Rebekah, exhausted and still in shock that their new baby was close to death, this means hard choices for 2011. Since Molly has four siblings under the age of seven, David and Rebekah have been told their family size will make it difficult to stay at Ronald McDonald House or other family support facilities.

David has always worked for local financial institutions, and has supported his family on one income. The family has survived financially by being frugal and making smart money choices. They do not buy their children the newest and fanciest toys. Long ago, David and Rebekah made the decision that they were willing to live a modest life in exchange for the gift of a big happy family.

Although family and friends will be able to help shoulder some of the financial burden, Molly and her parents need your help. The costs will be staggering. The family will have to set up a residence in Vancouver for the coming months, and pay for the many trips back and forth to the mainland. It is unlikely that David will be able to work, as the four children still need full time childcare outside of the hospital where David or Rebekah need to stay with Molly.

A trust account has been set up by concerned friends. For just a moment, try to imagine the kind of Christmas the Campbell family has had, and the long and painful road ahead. No one can ease the pain of watching their new baby daughter fighting for her tiny life day after day. What we can do is help reduce the financial stresses that go along with this sort of family tragedy. Please, for just a moment, compare your Christmas with the one baby Molly and her family have had, and give a gift to those truly in need.

Please go to the “Donate” page now for more details on how you can help, or make a donation online through Paypal’s secure system:

http://www.molly-campbell.com

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BC HYDRO RATE INCREASE OF 55% TO CONSUMERS PART OF LARGER PLAN TO BANKRUPT CORP | BC First Party

Posted on December 8, 2010 by admin

BC HYDRO RATE INCREASE OF 55% TO CONSUMERS PART OF LARGER PLAN TO BANKRUPT CORP | BC First Party.

BC HYDRO RATE INCREASE OF 55% TO CONSUMERS PART OF LARGER PLAN TO BANKRUPT CORP

PORT COQUITLAM (December 7, 2010)  – BC Hydro’s plan to seek a 55% increase in domestic hydro electricity rates over the next 3-5 years from the BC Utilities Commission for “badly needed projects” is part of a continuing trend to bankrupt the crown corporation, says BC First party spokesman, Chris Delaney.

Delaney says BC Hydro has been engaging in a plan of reckless and deliberate financial mismanagement that is designed to severely diminish the value of BC’s “crown jewel” in order to sell it off to foreign interest. He says the evidence for this is found in the creation of Independent Power Projects (IPPs) with private companies whereby BC Hydro is tied to contracts that guarantee a rate that is double the market rate – resulting in taxpayers subsidizing corporate giants like General Electric in the United States.

“It is unbelievable. We are actually paying twice to prop up the failed “Run of River” model. First, by guaranteeing an unsustainable rate for power that is twice what the market will pay us. And second, by allowing private, mostly foreign owned companies to produce power at twelve times the cost we can produce it ourselves,” said Delaney.

Delaney says prior to the BC Liberals forming government, BC Hydro generated billions of dollars to the provincial treasury that was used by government to help fund a number of objectives such as health care, education, roads, and infrastructure. He says since the BC Liberals took over with promises to make BC Hydro more efficient, the reverse has happened.

“BC Hydro today has become a net importer of power, resulting in massive cost overruns that must now be paid by consumers. But it is the result of mismanagement, not market forces,” said Delaney.

BC First Economics Advisor Erik Andersen says that since 2006, BC Hydro has embarked on massive infrastructure costs totaling $6 billion, representing a 44% increase. But total domestic consumption of hydroelectric power decreased by 4.2% while rates increased by 18.3%. “This is a result of the creation of a special ‘Regulatory Asset Account’ that allows BC Hydro to spend money now that it anticipates it will receive from future rate increases.”

“They have embarked on a deliberate, systemic plan to spend beyond their ability to pay, which will result in either dramatic increases in rates and/or bankruptcy as consumers refuse or are unable to support the excessive spending,” said Andersen.

Andersen says the argument that BC Hydro’s infrastructure had been inadequately maintained and allowed to reach a critical state of disrepair does not explain the decision to increase expenditures beyond the capacity of the corporation or consumers to support it.

“Only complete fools would engage in such a financial vector, or people forced to act contrary to the best interests of British Columbia by a government that mandated ‘take or pay’ contracts for IPPs. Since the people running BC Hydro are highly educated professionals, only the latter reason stands up under scrutiny,” said Andersen.

Delaney says the BC Government is engaged in an extremely dangerous game of chicken designed to force BC consumers into a corner where the only way out will be to sell BC Hydro. “The devaluation of BC Hydro that will result from such incompetent management practices will ensure a ready buyer, most likely a multinational from the United States or Europe.”

BC First is committed to restoring BC Hydro as a fully publicly owned crown corporation, and to expanding its mandate to include the development, management and distribution of new forms of energy.

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EDITORIAL: Political aims to B.C.’s recall campaign

Posted on December 5, 2010 by admin

EDITORIAL: Political aims to B.C.’s recall campaign.

Is this a Fletcher piece? Always defending his BC Liberal candidates. Spin spin spin. (click link and read article above)

Well Mr. Editor (Fletcher), the people of BC were lied to over the HST and Ida Chong was an accomplice to the lie. She could have stood up against it but didn’t. She did not act in the capacity as an MLA for Oak Bay Gordon Head, she was acting in the capacity as one of Gordon Campbell’s lackeys. Had she surveyed her constituents and listened to them she would have acted to defeat the HST.

Remember MLAs MUST answer to their constituents FIRST over their political party and masters in the BC Liberal Government.

Lastly, we have not heard from ANY BC Liberal leadership candidate on time lines to scrap the HST after a successful vote against it in the referendum. Professional news people should be going after the BC Liberals asking them tough questions such as; HST scrapping time lines? Will any of the BC Liberal leadership candidates support the 50% plus 1 result that Gordon Campbell committed to? Will they put it in writing and change the Recall and Initiative Act to state 50% plus 1?

I’m shocked that a professional news organization would support an autocratic and dictatorial government system over democratic processes that should be celebrated in a truly free society.

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PREMIER CAMPBELL BEING INVESTIGATED FOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST | BC First Party

Posted on December 5, 2010 by admin

PREMIER CAMPBELL BEING INVESTIGATED FOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST | BC First Party.

Posted on: December 4th, 2010

PREMIER GORDON CAMPBELL BEING INVESTIGATED FOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST OVER BILDERBERG CONFERENCE

Conflict of Interest Commissioner to provide opinion under s.19(2) of Members’ Conflict of interest Act on December 13, 2010

Port Coquitlam – Premier Gordon Campbell is under investigation by BC’s Conflict of Interest Commissioner, Mr. Paul D. K. Fraser, Q.C., for a possible conflict of interest regarding his attendance at a private conference hosted by the Bilderberg Group this past June, says BC First Party spokesman Chris Delaney.

Delaney says Fraser confirmed on Friday that he has been investigating the premier regarding BC First’s allegations that Campbell used public funds to attend the private conference in Spain earlier this year. Delaney says Fraser confirmed he will provide his verdict on December 13, 2010.

“This is a significant development, since it has been two months since we first contacted the Conflict Commissioner to make this request. In his responses, it had been unclear as to exactly whether or how he was proceeding with our request. But now he tells us he has been gathering information and will be providing an opinion on whether the premier has breached the guidelines or not on December 13.”

Delaney says his party first began to suspect a possible conflict of interest after obtaining documents via the “Freedom of Information Act” that showed Premier Campbell used over $10,000 in public funds to attend a private Bilderberg Conference in Sitges, Spain, from June 3-6. Delaney says the FOI documents also revealed that the invitation to Gordon Campbell was “strictly personal”, and that he was not allowed to send a surrogate, bring a spouse, nor have staff attend with him.

The Bilderberg web site describes the group’s conferences as private, confidential gatherings of world leaders from business, media and politics who attend Bilderberg meetings as members in their “private capacity” and not in their “official capacity”. BC First was able to confirm that other Canadian attendees, such as Peter Mansbridge from CBC, paid for their attendance with their own funds.

“Gordon Campbell also received a benefit in the form of ‘free’ accommodations while attending the conference. Bilderberg says its members of the host city for their conferences pay for the hotel and accommodations of all attendees. To our knowledge, Gordon Campbell did not file a ‘statement of disclosure’ with the Conflict Commissioner regarding receipt of this private benefit,” said Delaney.

Delaney explained, “A ‘statement of disclosure’ is normally required by public officials who receive a private benefit over $250. In this case it may not be relevant, since Gordon Campbell was asked to attend the conference as a private citizen. But because he has claimed he attended in his official capacity as Premier of BC, then it poses two problems: First, why would he accept private funding for accomodations to an official meeting? Second, since the Act requires public officials to declare any private benefits received while carrying out their public duties, it creates another potential conflict.”

“However, the classification for attendance at the conference is not determined by the attendees, but by the conference organizers. Bilderberg describe their meetings as ‘private’ and ‘strictly personal’, and the Act prohibits officials with access to the public treasury from using taxpayer funds for a strictly personal or private benefit.”

“Since the content of Bilderberg Conferences is also billed as top secret and cannot be disclosed to the public, Gordon Campbell’s membership in that disreputable group and his attendance at their meetings is of zero value to taxpayers. We believe he should not be using taxpayer money for his own dubious, private pursuits. We hope the Conflict Commissioner will hold him to account for whatever transpired in this case,” Delaney concluded.

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BC FIRST’S ALTERNATIVE TO SITE C | BC First Party

Posted on December 5, 2010 by admin

BC FIRST’S ALTERNATIVE TO SITE C

Published in the North East News, Dec. 2, 2010 Edition

By Chris Delaney and Arthur Hadland, BC First Party

BC First recently released its new “people friendly” environment policy that includes a moratorium on the development of the Site C dam. We believe that a proper review, laying out all the options, has never been undertaken to determine whether the damage from flooding such a massive area is worthwhile when compared to the alternatives.

To be clear, BC First rejects the extreme environmental perspective which sees all human development as bad. We also reject the “development at any costs” mentality which says no matter what long term ecological damage, no matter how much displacement of valuable farm land, and no matter what the alternatives, we plough ahead as usual because powerful, self interested parties control the agenda.

We believe that abundant energy is the key to economic development and prosperity for BC. Nations with surplus energy have the means to promote creativity, opportunity, and productivity. But the Williston Reservoir demonstrates the environmental damage from erosion that can happen even after we thought we’d covered all our bases.

Fortunately, the Peace River region is blessed with an abundance of alternative energy sources, in particular natural gas and wind power. The Aeolis Wind Corporation, the company behind the proposed Thunder Mountain wind project, estimates there is as much wind power in northeastern British Columbia as in BC Hydro’s entire generating capacity – equivalent to ten Site C’s!

At a projected 50 trillion cubic feet, there is enough natural gas in the Montney shale gas field alone to power tens of millions of homes, dwarfing the Site C dam’s 900 MW capacity of 410,000 homes. “Blue Fuel” – a by-product created by capturing excess CO2 from natural gas fired plants, creates a clean burning fuel with a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. It is estimated that adding turbines to the west side of the generating station of the WAC Bennett Dam could effectively double that dam’s power output. Natural gas, wind, geothermal, coal bed methane, and even bio-fuel from beetle killed timber all provide massive opportunities for a comprehensive new model for BC’s energy.

The days of destroying productive valleys, submerging farm land, and wiping out wildlife habitat and our ecology are quickly passing. There are far better alternatives to diversify our power resources so we are not hostage to a single generating model, and which will create jobs that are ongoing, provide the power we need, and lessen our footprint considerably. It’s time to transition from a 20th century energy model to a 21st century one.

BC First believes a holistic plan is required that takes into consideration other core human objectives such as tourism, recreation, farming and the very attainable goal of food self sufficiency for BC. The capacity for agriculture in the unique micro-climate of the Peace River Valley is second only to the Fraser valley in terms of agricultural productivity, and has the potential to become BC’s “breadbasket”.

But putting forward only one proposal and asking people to say yes or no creates a false choice.

We need a new model that includes alternative energy and agricultural opportunities, and is developed by local residents. By comparing this new vision with the existing proposal for Site C, residents of the Peace and all British Columbians can make a truly informed choice on which way we should go.

While no one community can lay claim to a veto over the interests of the whole province, experience tells us those most directly affected by a problem often have the best solutions. Let’s have area residents put forward a real alternative plan for everyone to consider. It can even include public ownership and management of our energy distribution in a modernized version of BC Hydro to be re-named “Energy BC” that can maintain our energy security, lower costs, and restore our status as an energy exporting powerhouse.

In BC, we can have our cake and eat it too when it comes to energy. We just need the vision, desire, and courage to do it. Then and only then will the best energy model for BC and the Peace River region emerge that enjoys widespread support from both local residents and all British Columbians.

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RENOWNED BC ECONOMIST ERIK ANDERSEN JOINS BC FIRST | BC First Party

Posted on December 2, 2010 by admin

RENOWNED BC ECONOMIST ERIK ANDERSEN JOINS BC FIRST | BC First Party.

RENOWNED BC ECONOMIST ERIK ANDERSEN JOINS BC FIRST BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GABRIOLA ISLAND – Renowned BC economist, Erik Andersen, has joined the BC First Board of Directors as an economics and policy development advisor, says party spokesman, Chris Delaney.

Andersen, a member of the Association of Professional Economists of BC, has risen to prominence recently with his comprehensive study and analysis of the BC Government’s structural changes at BC Hydro which Andersen believes are designed to bankrupt the crown corporation in order to sell it to private interests.

“Erik is a great addition to our team. His insights and knowledge of economics will be a big help in shaping policy and ensuring BC First’s objectives are cost efficient and economically viable. We are excited to have his expertise for our party,” said Delaney.

Andersen says he decided to join BC First because BC needed a centrist alternative to the imploding Liberals and the chaotic NDP. “BC First represents a new day for BC. A chance for the people to take their province back from the undemocratic globalist forces within the Liberal party. BC First’s platform of democratic renewal and a BC first approach to energy particularly appealed to me,” said
Andersen.

Andersen holds a Bachelor of Commerce with emphasis on transport economics from the University of British Columbia. He was the first candidate to be given a Canadian Transport Commission Fellowship for Masters in Business Administration studies at UBC.

Since 2001, Andersen has been pursuing the deployment of advanced technologies that increase the life of machinery, with specific focus on wind turbines.

Andersen’s experience includes work as an independent economist and investment advisor for in-source private equity and venture capital clients. In the 1980’s, he was the Chief of the Economics Division of the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal. He helped establish the financial planning company CM Oliver Financial Services in Vancouver. From 1974-1980 was an economist for Canada’s then pre-eminent regional airline, Pacific Western Airlines. He also managed the airports planning unit for the federal Ministry of Transport, Pacific Region, supervising a staff of 13, and was an economist with the Canadian Transport Commission in Ottawa.

Erik is a licensed pilot who flew for the RCAF in Europe, as well as for Noranda Minerals as a support pilot for exploration activity. He has been active in BC politics in the past as a riding association president and organizer in Nanaimo. He is currently in his third term as the president of the Gabriola Island Ratepayers Association.

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HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL SUE BLAIR JOINS BC FIRST | BC First Party

Posted on November 22, 2010 by admin

HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL SUE BLAIR JOINS BC FIRST | BC First Party.

HUMAN RESOURCES AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SUE BLAIR JOINS BC FIRST BOARD AS MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

CROFTON – Human Resources expert and business management professional Sue Blair has joined the BC First pro-tem Board of Directors to become the party’s membership director. Blair will be responsible for developing and maintaining the membership list for BC First. She will also take on the responsibilities of Regional Organizer for the Mid-Island region of Vancouver Island.

Party spokesman, Chris Delaney, said he is delighted to have a person of Sue’s caliber join an already stellar board of directors to help move the party forward.

“We are delighted to have Sue working with us. She brings a wealth of experience in human resources, executive management and project management. She has the skills and experience for this very important role and is an enthusiastic supporter of the BC First ideals of renewing democracy in BC,” said Delaney.

Blair said she decided to join BC First after seeing the need for a common sense alternative to the governing Liberals and the faltering NDP opposition. “I was a canvasser for the Fight HST petition. When I realized that we had a government willing to oppose its own people, I knew we needed to do something. I believe BC First is exactly what BC needs right now and I am going to help build it into a force to be reckoned with in the next election,” said Blair.

Sue Blair obtained accreditation as a Certified Human Resources Professional from the Human Resources Institute of Alberta. She attended the Executive Development Program on Strategic Planning at the University of Michigan, and has Management Development Certificates in Human Resources and Marketing from the University of Calgary Continuing Education Program.

Sue has spent the past 8 years building and managing a management and marketing consulting business (McMillan Vance Consulting Ltd.) whose clients included U.S. and Canadian law firms, the Federal departments of Justice and Industry, Federal Business Development Bank, Price Waterhouse as well as numerous forest product companies, sawmills and other businesses and industries. Before that, she worked for 7 years as Manager of Administration and Business Development at Fenerty-Robertson (now Fraser, Milner, Casgrain) a 90 lawyer firm. Her experience includes a stint in the office of the Mayor of Calgary for Ralph Klein during the pre-election period in.

Sue was a member of the Minister of Labour’s (Alberta) Future of Work Task Force in 1998. She has been a keynote speaker for the Federal Departments of Justice and Industry’s Conferences (Meech Lake 1996 & 97) as well as a Faculty Member (Strategic Planning) for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (American Bar Association & University of Michigan) (1991-2001). She was a regular speaker for the Successful Business Women’s Conferences, Calgary.

“I’m equally comfortable in a Bay Street boardroom as I am sitting out at a logging camp having tailgate meetings with the crew. I love working with people and am excited about the prospects for BC First,” said Blair.

Sue and her husband are avid sailors, and have sailed their 38ft. boat across the Pacific, visiting numerous island communities along the way.

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