FORSETH – Bill 7 will strip away 150+ years of democratic representation

SADLY, MANY PEOPLE are completely unaware of what BC NDP Premier David Eby is doing in trying to ram through Bill 7.  In a nutshell, he is taking our provincial government into authoritarian rule under the guise of needing to be able to react to attacks on our economy by Donald Trump.

I ask the question, however …. “If this is REALLY necessary, then why is NO OTHER provincial or territorial government asking for the same powers?”

Plain and simple, this is government over-reach, and an assault on the democratic process we have had in our provincial legislature since confederation – over one hundred and fifty years ago.  But you don’t have to take my word for it. Simply Google Bill 7 and read and see for yourself.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you’ll find:

Times Colonist Editorial: Government’s Bill 7 is a disgraceful overreach
Bill 7, as drafted, basically gives Eby the power to do as he pleases, across almost the entire field of public policy, without any oversight or accountability

Vancouver Sun: Premier using ‘shock doctrine’ strategies with Bill-7 (Ross Gentleman)
Opinion: Wartime language does not justify sidelining democratic processes. Any response to U.S. economic threats should be debated in the legislature, not decided behind closed doors

Canadian Constitution Foundation:
The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) has written to British Columbia Premier David Eby and Attorney General Niki Sharma to express concerns with proposed Bill 7 – the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act. The CCF calls on the government to reconsider provisions within this bill that it believes undermine the constitutional principles of democracy, responsible government, and the rule of law.

Business in Vancouver: Rob Shaw: BC Conservatives slam Eby’s ‘dictatorial’ emergency powers
… Bill 7 is also an extraordinary bit of legislation. If passed, it will let Eby and his cabinet bypass the legislature for two years in favour of changing any law, regulation, policy, penalty or rule through an order signed during a closed-door cabinet meeting … neither the premier, nor his ministers have outlined what they actually need the emergency cabinet powers for, or provided any examples to justify the move. No other provinces have brought in similar legislation in response to U.S. threats.

The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedom:
The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that a legal warning letter has been sent to all Members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, urging them to vote against Bill 7, the Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act. The letter warns the Legislature not to “abdicate its legislative role.” To vote in favour of Bill 7 would not only be unnecessary and undemocratic but would undermine the rule of law, according to legal experts.

Again, I want to point out, NO OTHER provincial or territorial government has seen the need to implement this kind of legislation so why does David Eby feel it is absolutely imperative that he have these kinds of powers?

According to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, the MLA’s we elect
are tasked with:

1. Considering, debating, and voting on bills;
2. Scrutinizing and authorizing public expenditures and taxes;
3. Exercising parliamentary oversight of government by asking questions about government plans and policy and by participating in debate; and
4. Educating members of the public on parliamentary democracy in British Columbia.