From The Advocate, May 2012

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Harper may have fooled some of the people... some of the time

Editorial by BC FORUM President, Gerry Edwards

Published May, 2012 - It was heartening to read, as this edition of The Advocate was being prepared for printing, that the federal NDP has moved into a statistical tie with the Harper Conservatives. The Nanos poll showed that Stephen Harper’s “leadership” and “competence” ratings have dropped precipitously.

The number of undecided voters has also increased. This is usually a sign of further changes to come, since voters seldom move directly from one party to another without stopping in the undecided column on the way.

There are some very good reasons for Canadians to be upset with the Harper government, including the burgeoning cost of F-35 stealth fighter jets, the Pierre Poutine robocalls that tried to mislead voters, and the extra two years before workers will qualify for OAS and GIS, the most basic public pensions for the most needy seniors.

All of these issues are rooted in deception.

Throughout the last election, the government lied about the true cost of the fighter jets, and heaped scorn on the independent parliamentary budget officer when he said they would cost at least $10 billion more.

Robocalls spread lies to people who had identified themselves to canvassers as non-Conservatives, falsely claiming to be calling from Elections Canada and telling voters their polling place had been moved.

And the prime minister himself has repeatedly assured us that public pensions would not be cut.

When you add in government actions like cutting and muzzling Environment Canada scientists whose research findings the government doesn’t want us to hear, it’s abundantly clear that Mr. Harper doesn’t trust voters with the truth. Now, increasingly, voters don’t trust him.

My last column as President of BC FORUM

I deeply regret that this is the last time that I will be discussing issues with you in this column. Over the last few months, I have had some health challenges which make it difficult for me to give as much time and energy as the position of President of BC FORUM demands and deserves.

Our organization has tremendous potential to bring together the voices of older and retired workers. Collectively, as we did through our unions, we have the power to contribute much to improve the lives of ordinary people in our province, and in our country.

While my own circumstances make it necessary for me to take a step back, I know that BC FORUM will be in the good hands of an active, energetic and involved board of directors. There is much to do. Let’s get it done!