FORSETH – Let’s quit kicking society’s problems down the road

B.C .Legisalture. (Image: BC Hansard)

AS MUCH AS I would like the opportunity to write more about B.C. politics, what I actually spend a good part of my day doing is gathering together news, information, and opinions, from across the political spectrum, on economic and social issues that affect all of us in British Columbia, and across Canada.

That gets shared on my political Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/BCPoliticsAndMore), and, until recently, on my political blog site (https://acuriouslookatpoliticsinbc.blogspot.com).

Gathering all of this information, I think, gives me a unique perspective on things people are concerned about, and the ideas they may have to solve them. Far too often, however, I see political views some wish to push with little to no thought for others — only themselves.

Do I believe that it is imperative that we settle long-standing grievances with the Indigenous peoples of B.C.? Absolutely — 100 percent — and I think most British Columbians feel that way to. There is a minority, though, who are using the issue as a personal quest to sow dissidence and pit British Columbians one against each other.

I believe the same thing holds true when it comes to SOGI, and identifiable groups that may differ from what some might call the ‘norm’.

But let’s consider this. In many instances, what was acceptable or appropriate (the ‘norm’), a century ago … a decade ago … or even a few years ago is now considered appalling.

Sexism and racism would come to mind. This was often used to ensure that women and minorities had no opportunity for advancement in the workplace.

What about sexual harassment? I remember growing up, in the Cariboo, and hearing the term ‘teepee creeping’, which related to some white men who would rape young Indigenous women. That used to be quietly acceptable; today it is appalling. It should have been back then, as well!

How about making rude comments about the size or shape of someone?

British Columbians in the mid-1800s thought it was completely acceptable to discriminate against the Chinese, including imposing a head-tax, but leaders of the day were happy to use their labour to build this province.

But what are the majority of British Columbians interested in and concerned about?

Well, for certain the issue of how DRIPA is impacting and affecting home ownership is top of mind for many … and maybe even the top issue for British Columbians. Regardless, trite slogans from some on the right of the political spectrum, driving panic in people, are not helping the situation. Equally, Premier Eby and the NDP accusing Conservatives, and others, of racism is not helping the situation either.

Private property rights must be protected (full disclosure; I am a homeowner) but as Conservative BC leadership candidate Peter Milobar said, “The BC NDP labels people as racist for standing up for basic principles like private property rights. Instead of having an honest debate, they rely on name-calling because they know their arguments don’t stand up.”

Yelling, in public, will not bring the government, the people of B.C., and First Nations together – it will only create a divide that gets bigger and bigger.

Land title, including Aboriginal title, must be resolved. But please – let’s take it behind closed doors where it can be discussed one-on-one. Anything other than that will only see the problem get worse.

As for SOGI?

I honestly believe that the majority of British Columbians simply want their children to be safe in school, and free from abusive behaviour. Is that too much to ask?

Personally, and I know others will disagree, I think there are enough rules on the books that requiring a separate program shouldn’t needed, but there’s more to SOGI than just anti-bullying and inclusiveness.

Maybe the concepts behind SOGI can be re-worked into something that while recognizing that gender identity, or expression, is personal – and not to be decided by others – we can create an environment that simply allows kids to be who they are. I know it’s a big ask, but shouldn’t that be what we really want for our children?

So, we have SOGI and land title sucking up all of the oxygen in the room, meaning we have lost track of what I will call the basics that we as British Columbian’s need, and require..

Safe “schools” where students can learn the things that will help them succeed in the future – not classrooms held in portables where, dependent on the weather, students are either too hot, or too cold, and without nearby washrooms. And real and actual grades where parents can know where their students stand.

The availability of medical practitioners (whether doctors or nurse practitioners) that can provide care when we need it.

Neighbourhood hospitals where expectant mothers, going into labour, can go without fear that they’ll be diverted elsewhere.

Emergency departments that actually deliver emergency care when it’s needed. Community after community in this province has been having one closure after the other. The latest in the spotlight is in 100 Mile House where ER closures have hit double digits in the past few weeks. That is, quite simply put, unacceptable!

Emergencies don’t happen on a timeline that can be scheduled around ER closures. The actions of this government, and ones before them, have created this crisis of medical care. Fix it and quit with the excuse it’s someone else’s fault.

Then there’s the issue of street crime, repeat offenders, extortions, shootings in neighbourhoods, and other gang activity.

Drugs … addiction … mental health?

Honestly, how have we got to the point where these things are not only acceptable, but we hardly even think about them any more?

The lack of seniors’ care, especially housing?

What the hell has gone wrong with our governments (local, provincial, and federal that have allowed this to happen, and continue to allow it to happen?

There are solutions – there have to be!

It’s time for the truth. And it’s time to quit kicking the problems we face down the road to be left for someone else to fix.

Let’s be honest about the issue we face – and let’s demand answers and solutions be found. Not quick(?) fixes doomed to fail … real long-term solutions.

If the current crop of elected officials can’t or won’t do it, then it’s time to kick them to the curb.

Alan Forseth is a Kamloops resident. For 40 years he has been active, in a number of capacities, in local, provincial and federal politics, including running as a candidate for the BC Reform Party in the 1996 provincial election.