Getting that too familiar feeling

By Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer Published: September 30, 2008

Just when the painful memories of many federal elections were starting to fade, came another blow to the collective self-esteem. It was that 'B.C. doesn't count' feeling all over again. That feeling British Columbians get when the federal election results are decided in Quebec and Ontario before the polls in B.C. are even closed. Kind of like being a 50-year-old guy in a polyester suit at a nightclub for 20-somethings. Irrelevant. Invisible. This time the feeling was closer to home. It was the 'Salmon Arm doesn't count' feeling. And it's all about all-candidates forums. Armstrong has one. Sorrento has one. Spallumcheen has one. Vernon has one. Enderby has one. Even Lumby has one. But not Salmon Arm.

The local chapter of the Council of Canadians and the Shuswap Environmental Action Society set up a time and a venue for a Salmon Arm forum – Oct. 5, 2 p.m. at the Gathering Place – and all the candidates except Colin Mayes said they could attend. Unfortunately, organizers decided to cancel the forum altogether. E-mails show that organizers asked Mayes' campaign manager if there was another date that would work for him. They were told there was only one date open, and two other parties were ahead of them with a request for the spot. Now, granted, the election was called on Sunday, Sept. 7 and the organizers made their request two weeks later, Sept. 21. However, it's not unusual for groups to take time to figure out who's organizing what. And, during the same period, the local chamber of commerce was also looking into organizing a forum. Salmon Arm is Colin Mayes' home town. It also happens to be the second-largest centre in his riding. So what could be more important than attending a forum here during an election campaign?

Across the country, other Conservative candidates have chosen not to attend debates, such as in Richmond, South Surrey and Ottawa, but Mayes says there's no conspiracy of silence. He also said the organizers – who have been critical of Conservative policies – have not influenced his decision, pointing out that the same group organized a forum last election that he attended. Mayes says that back in June, he was booked for three days in October to take a group of ambassadors from Ottawa on a tour of the Okanagan Valley. He says people forget that he's still the Member of Parliament and he must continue to carry out his duties as such. He says when he makes commitments he stands by them.That's all well and good, but what about his commitment to the people of Salmon Arm? Mayes didn't say which countries these ambassadors are from, but wouldn't this be a great opportunity to demonstrate just how committed Canadians are to democracy?

How about, 'Sorry, ambassadors, an election was called after I agreed to give you a tour. I must take a few hours away from you so I can give the people of my hometown an opportunity to hear me debate the issues with other federal candidates. In Canada, we believe open, honest debate is key to keeping democracy alive.'But, instead, no debate. Good thing we're from B.C. Thanks to lots of experience being ignored by the federal government, this 'we don't count' feeling doesn't come as a shock.