Politicians push for more hospital beds

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 10, 2012 1:00 AM

Local politicians continue to demand that overcrowding be addressed at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Elected officials toured VJH with physicians and Interior Health Authority administration Wednesday, and the main focus was two shelled-in floors that could be used for more acute care beds.  “We wanted to see how the tower is working now that it’s in use and to keep in the forefront that we’d like those two floors opened,” said Jim Garlick, Coldstream mayor.  Physicians, nurses and the public have been pushing for the two floors to be developed to alleviate congestion, which has led to patients in hallways and surgeries cancelled. The Ministry of Health says capital and operating funds are an issue, but Garlick insists creative options are needed. “One of the ideas is one of the two floors being a centre of excellence for joint replacement,” he said, adding many of those cases now go to Vancouver. Another possibility could be using a floor as a working classroom for University of B.C. medical students. “They need to form a group and come up with something that makes it possible,” said Garlick of IHA and doctors. Also on the tour was Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster. “He’s looking for ways to make this happen,” said Garlick, adding that he and other civic leaders will also continue to lobby the provincial government. “We need to be talking to people at a higher level — cabinet ministers — and institutions like UBC.” Not meeting mandated provincial targets for knee, hip and cataract surgeries has cost IHA $3.4 million, and Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky suggests that could have been avoided by opening more beds. “No matter what standard we use, we’re dramatically under serviced with beds,” said the retired doctor. It’s been previously suggested that a shortage of nurses could be a challenge if there are more beds, but Sawatzky doesn’t believe that is a concern. “All that takes is good management (of staff),” he said. Nancy Serwo, VJH acute area director, believes Wednesday’s tour was worthwhile. “It was a great opportunity to highlight the positive things happening here and all of the hard work,” she said.  In terms of new beds possibly opening, Serwo says, “We are working closely with MLA Foster and the ministry.”

Spending data on the 2009 election

Vernon-Monashee

2009 Election Results:

Party	Candidate	Votes	%	$ Spent
BC Liberal	Eric Foster	9015	37.3	58808
NDP	Mark Olsen	7698	31.8	43069
Green	Huguette Allen	4029	16.7	13656
Conservative	Dean Skoreyko	1972	8.2	5806
No Affiliation	Gordon Campbell	1397	5.8	0
Refed BC	RJ Busch	76	0.3	253
Total / Turnout		24187	53.8

All electoral district breakdowns can be found at http://bc2013.com/2010/11/19/spending-data-on-the-2009-election/

Local Election Expenses/Donations Revealed

Written by Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 06 April 2010 09:49 107.5 KISSFM:

The Vernon Monahsee Liberal candidate spent just over $60,000 to get elected in last year's BC vote. Those were the expenses (outflows) for Eric Foster who also had $89,685 in contributions and transfers (inflows) to his campaign. Of the contributions, $19,100 were from individuals and $16,750 were from corporations. The figures are contained in a report from Elections BC. New Democrat Mark Olson spent $43,641 in coming second, with contributions and transfers of $42,178. ($14,054 from trade unions, $235 from individuals) Huguette Allen of the Green Party had $ 19,262 in inflows and $15,624 of outflows. Independent Gordon Campbell spent the least of six candidates---250 dollars---and also had the same amount in donations.

In the Shuswap riding, Liberal George Abbott had outflows of $80, 497, and inflows of $89,582. New Democrat Steve Gunner spent $37,299 and brought in $37,712. The report puts the total cost of the election at $35 million, which attracted a historically low turnout of 51 per cent.

Click HERE to view the report

Election Spending Vernon Monashee 2009 election

The clear winner on a cost per vote basis is Gordon Campbell who only spent 18 cents per vote to amass 5.78% of the total vote.

Liberal Eric Foster spent the most per vote ($6.66) with Dean Skoreyko of the B.C. Conservatives spending the least ($2.94) per vote of the top 4 candidates. Huguette Allen $3.88 of the Greens was in 2nd spot on a cost per vote analysis among the top 4 vote-getters.
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To view a complete financial report of any candidate:
www.elections.bc.ca
Electoral finance
Filed financial reports
View financial reports
Type in candidate’s last name
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To view a complete financial report of any Party:
www.elections.bc.ca
Electoral finance
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View financial reports
Type in Party.
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Don Quixote Note: B.C. Conservative Totals seem rather low but that is what their report shows as filed with elections B.C. If Joe Cardoso of the BC Conservatives had $22,226.62 in expenses then BC Conservative Party totals are wrong?

Report Name	From Date	To Date	Filed Date	Report Number	PDF	Pages	Event Date	Status
2009 General Election Financing Report			10-AUG-09	100114008	100114008	11	12-MAY-09	Original

MLA defends election costs

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 18, 2009 7:00 PM

Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster is defending the bucks he dropped in the provincial election.Financing reports released by Elections B.C. show that the Liberal candidate had income of $89,685 and expenses of $60,063 during the May campaign.“It’s a scary amount of money,” he said when asked about the numbers. However, he says money is needed to run a proper campaign, particularly for signs, buttons and other items.“We didn’t run anything too extravagant. The biggest single item was advertising. Nothing comes cheap.” In terms of income, Foster received $37,390 in contributions from all sources. Of that, $26,695 came from donations greater than $250 and $10,695 from donations less than $250.“To run a campaign, you need good community support unless you have deep pockets,” said Foster.Among the contributions was $3,000 from Sleeman Breweries, $1,000 from Silver Star Ski Resort, $1,150 from JAT Investments and $1,000 each from Gerald Raboch, Phyllis Raboch and Patrick Nicol.There were also contributions of $454 each from 10 partners at Nixon Wenger Lawyers and $300 each from five partners at Davidson Lawyers.While some may speculate that political contributions lead to favouritism, Foster denies that. “I’m not for sale. People support a campaign because they support a political ideology,” he said.

And Foster wasn’t the only one spending money in May.NDP candidate Mark Olsen had income of $42,178 and expenses of $43,640.Of that, $14,053 came from donations greater than $250 and $345 was from donations less than $250.Virtually all of Olsen’s donations came from labour organizations, including $3,067 from the Hospital Employees Union, $1,000 from the Steelworkers, $1,996 from CUPE 543 and $6,623 from CUPE B.C.

Green candidate Huguette Allen reported income of $18,761 and expenses of $15,623 while there was $5,017 in income and $5,806 in expenses for Conservative Dean Skoreyko. Independent candidate Gordon Campbell registered $250 for each category, while Refederation candidate R.J. Busch had $260 each for expenses and revenue.

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To view a complete financial report of any candidate:
www.elections.bc.ca
Electoral finance
Filed financial reports
View financial reports
Type in candidate’s last name

Tax rate may land Castlegar in court

Francisco Canjura - Castlegar News Published: July 07, 2009 5:00 PM

Zellstoff Celgar has served a petition to the City of Castlegar for a judicial review of their “unreasonable tax rate” or “illegal” tax bylaw to the BC Supreme Court, according to a City of Castlegar press release. “They’re taking us to court because they figure that the tax is unfair or it’s not reasonable. As far as we’re concerned the taxes are reasonable, but if we need to work with Celgar we’re more than willing to work with Celgar,” Chernoff said. Working with Celgar means the city is willing to work towards maybe adjusting the city’s tax rate to come up with a compromise. “If the rate needs to come down the rate needs to come down, but how do you accomplish that? That’s the hardest part of all. To do it in a short term is not feasible. It’s a long-term project and that’s what we’ll have to discuss,” Chernoff said. “In our five-year financial projection we were going to get their taxes down to 40 per cent. It appears Celgar is not happy with that 40 per cent, so maybe we have to look at this a little closer and come up with a strategy on how we can do this.”Chernoff went on to say the city needs to meet with Celgar in order to discuss the issue at hand as the sides have not spoken since Celgar asked for a 50 per cent tax cut during budget discussions.

“We would like to work things out, but the writ has been filed so eventually we’ll probably have to go to court, but we have no idea when that will be,” he said. On Tuesday, when the News spoke with Chernoff he said no meetings had been scheduled with Celgar. Chernoff said he is not happy with Celgar’s decision to take the city to court on this issue, but he believes it was caused by a lack of communication. “My expectation is that they would not do this, but it’s already done so there is nothing I can do about it. We’ll go from there and I really want to work with Celgar and I hope they maintain their operation here for a long, long time,” Chernoff said. Chernoff said Celgar is a huge asset to the community and the city wants to work with them. Despite council knowing Celgar was not happy with their decision to lower their taxes to 40 per cent over the next five years, Chernoff said their actions to take the city to court came as a surprise to him.

The city has already put in a call to the Minister of Community Development to see if the city can get some assistance from the provincial government. As taxes owed to the city will not be paid until the issue is resolved, either by the courts or out of court, council will meet to come up with a financial strategy to deal with the $2.7 million deficit it now faces. Currently four Vancouver Island communities are in similar court case battles with Catalyst Paper and are scheduled to appear in court in early August, according to Chernoff. “That would really be a precedent setting what happens in the courts,” he said. “I don’t know (if this could be settled out of court) I’d like to say yes and I think it’s feasible to do if we could come to an agreement, but remember it’s a province-wide issue because your going to deal with heavy industry in the whole province of B.C.” Celgar mill manager Al Hitzroth was not available for comment at press time.

BC CONSERVATIVE PRESIDENT THANKS WILF HANNI FOR SERVICE TO PARTY

For Immediate Release Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Vernon – BC Conservative Party President, Wayne McGrath, in response to yesterday’s resignation of Wilf Hanni, has expressed his regret and sincere thanks to the former Party Leader, who was instrumental in leading the party through the recent provincial election.

“It is with both regret and gratefulness that I accept the resignation of Mr. Hanni as leader of our Party. Wilf worked hard to help build the conservative movement in BC and led us with courage and distinction in the recent election. I believe I speak for the whole Party in extending my sincere thanks to him for all he has sacrificed and done for us, and for BC,’ said McGrath.

“It is at times like this that changes often do, and should, occur. That a number of Board members loyal to Wilf have also resigned is understandable, and the Board wishes to thank them for their service as well.”

“I also understand the frustrations and disappointments that sometimes accompany these decisions. We will work diligently to bring the party together in a professional and positive manner,” added McGrath.

McGrath pointed out that the timing of Mr. Hanni’s resignation is fortuitous in that it will allow the membership to go into the Party’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) with a unified Party that will elect a new board and begin plans for a Leadership race.

“We appreciate Wilf’s consideration regarding the timing of his decision, and will utilize this opportunity to build on what has been achieved while bringing in new people with fresh ideas to take the party to the next level,” McGrath stated.

The BC Conservative Party is holding its AGM in Chilliwack on September 26, 2009. All interested British Columbians are invited to apply for membership and attend. Memberships are available in advance via the party website at HYPERLINK "http://www.conservativesbc.com" www.conservativesbc.com and will also be available at the AGM.
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Don Quixote Note: Original posting at : Drastic Move for Conservatives:

Drastic move for Conservatives

By Daily Courier Staff 2009-07-02

The Conservative Party of B.C is in disarray following the sudden resignation of Leader Wilf Hanni and half its board of directors. Hanni blamed infighting for his departure, saying he and the others who quit were tired of dealing with a “group of dissidents.” “We were hoping to achieve peace in the party so that we could build on our success and turn our party into a real force in the next election, but our efforts continue to be undermined,” Hanni said Wednesday. The Conservatives gained only two per cent of the popular vote province-wide in the May 12 election, but they were much more popular in the Central Okanagan. All three local candidates got more than 10 per cent of the vote, well behind the Liberals and NDP, but ahead of the slumping Green Party. Mary Ann Graham, who represented the Conservatives in Kelowna-Lake Country, said Hanni‘s resignation was a “positive step.” “I do see there‘s an opportunity now for new blood in the party,” she said. “Sometimes a shakeup is a good thing.”

Graham, a former regional district director, intends to stay involved with the Conservatives, who will hold their annual general meeting on Sept. 26 in Chilliwack. “The party has good principles and platforms,” Graham said. “It‘s just unfortunate that there were personality differences.” Joe Cardoso of Oliver gained more than 20 per cent of the popular vote in Boundary-Similkameen, the highest for any Conservative candidate in the province. However, he had just recently joined the party, after earlier being ousted as the Liberal candidate, and is not aware of what disputes there may be within the Tory executive. Cardoso also downplayed any suggestion he might be interested in running for the Conservative leadership in wake of Hanni‘s resignation.

“It‘s obviously going to take someone with a great deal of time (who is) willing to expend great energy to bring the party together,” he said. “I have to be honest, I‘m not sure I‘m the person who has that kind of time and energy to devote to building a party.” During the election campaign, the Conservatives offered a right-of-centre platform that called for, among other things, the lowest taxes in Canada, equal public funding for private schools and deportation of convicted criminals who are not Canadian citizens to their country of origin “by the cheapest method.”
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The Tyee June 30: Party President Wayne McGrath, who remains on the Board of Directors, did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
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BC CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER AND BOARD MEMBERS RESIGN

Western Standard July 1: The Shotgun Blog

CRANBROOK: BC Conservative Party Leader Wilf Hanni and several members of the Provincial Board of Directors issued the following statement today:

“Wilf Hanni has been Party Leader since 2005 and since that time, we have fought hard to unite this Party and to build it into a force to be reckoned with in B.C. Politics. At times the fight seemed overwhelming, but we stuck with it and despite the difficulties, we were able to accomplish a lot. We have spent much of the last four years fighting a long and protracted battle with a group of dissidents. As a result, the Party has amassed almost $30,000 in legal bills and we still have not managed to unite the members of the Board of Directors. A small band of Board Members still insists on fighting and having its own way. Despite these difficulties, under Wilf Hanni’s leadership and with the help of our hard working and dedicated Board members, we have managed to adopt a great new set of policies and a good constitution. We have also built our Party membership several times over. In addition, we have more than tripled the number of candidates in the 2009 Election campaign, compared to the 2004 election and have also tripled our percentage of the popular vote in the ridings in which we ran candidates. We were hoping to achieve peace in the Party so that we could work together to build on our success and turn our Party into a real force in the next election campaign, but our efforts continue to be undermined. The constant infighting is continuing and there does not appear to be any end in sight.

Accordingly the following members of the Board of Directors have decided to resign from our positions and from the BC Conservative Party, effective immediately:

Wilf Hanni, Party Leader

Bob Eedy, Vice-president

Maria Dobi, Party Secretary

Shirley Abraham, Director and Former President

David Duncan, Director

Yvonne Dunlop, Director and Recording Secretary

Liz Eedy, Director

Barb Smith, Director

Mathew Hanni, Director

In addition, the following people have resigned since the May 12^th General Election because of this ongoing infighting.

Gill Picard, Party Secretary and Webmaster

Lis Quinn, Treasurer and Financial Agent

Gary Johncox, Director and Fundraising Manager.

Cell Phone Survey

Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 30 June 2009 1 107.5 KISSFM:

The B-C government wants to get your opinion on people talking on cellphones while driving. The government has been under pressure to ban the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while people are driving and has been looking at other provinces that have imposed restrictions.

Now it's asking for public input on the issue.

People can answer a short list of questions posted on a government website (www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/legislation/current.htm), or contact the office of the superintendent of motor vehicles in writing or by phone.

Toll-free, outside Victoria:
* In Vancouver: call Enquiry BC at 604 660-2421, ask to be transferred to 250 952-6948
* Rest of B.C.: call Enquiry BC at 1 800 663-7867, ask to be transferred to 250 952-6948

The deadline for submitting a response is Aug 7, 2009.

Cuts coming?

Web posted on Tuesday, 16 June 2009 CHBC VIDEO

Is the Interior Health Authority facing a $20 million shortfall? The NDP sounds the alarm.

Rainbow Warriors?

Public Eye Online Posted by Sean Holman
The provincial Conservatives didn't win any seats in the most recent election. But it did win some headlines. So will those headlines be enough to keep the party active between now and 2013? Well, we may find out on September 26. Because, according to Conservative leader Wilf Hanni that's when the party is scheduled to hold it's annual general meeting, taking place at the Best Western Rainbow Country Inn in Chilliwack. Mr. Hanni said he expects the party will adopt a new constitution at that meeting - as well as elect replacements for four or five retiring board members.

Foster ready to take on duties

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 06, 2009 12:00 PM

Vernon-Monashee’s new MLA can officially get down to business. Eric Foster will be sworn into office during a ceremony in Victoria Monday and he says that gives him the green light to start pursuing local issues. “Why I am going there is to represent the concerns of Vernon-Monashee,” he said. Foster was part of the Liberal sweep of the Okanagan Valley during the provincial election May 12. As part of assuming duties, Foster has established a constituency office on 31st Avenue, across from the parkade. He will maintain the two employees that worked for former MLA Tom Christensen. “Can you imagine starting out with a new office and new staff?” he said. “For them, it’s just a different guy at the end of the desk and they can carry on.” Foster has also had a one-one-one meeting with Premier Gordon Campbell. “Nothing particular was discussed. It was a chance to meet us,” he said of the new MLAs. “He asked me why I ran and what I want to see done.” Foster says there was no discussion about whether he wants a cabinet seat, and he admits that may be too much to take on at this time. “I’d like to get my feet wet and see how government operates,” he said. “Whatever role they give me is great. There are all kinds of committees to sit on.”

Acton throws his hat in the ring for Lumby mayor’s job

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 02, 2009

The race for Lumby mayor is officially underway. Coun. Kevin Acton has announced he will seek the village’s top job during an Aug. 15 byelection. “We have a really good direction as a council and I want to continue with that,” he said. “The team there has provided direction and vision.” The position of mayor became available when Eric Foster resigned after being elected Vernon-Monashee MLA in May. Acton is a massage therapist who has lived in Lumby for 15 years and has been on council since November. He doesn’t believe his short time in local politics precludes him from running for mayor. “I have sat on quite a few boards before and I’ve been dealing with clubs. I also have experience running businesses,” he said. Acton says a number of issues in Lumby are important to him.“We’re pushing to get seniors housing and to revitalize downtown,” he said.“A road to Silver Star is also a passion of mine.”

To run for mayor, Acton must resign his seat as councillor by June 15. That means there will be both a byelection for mayor and councillor Aug. 15. The nomination period is from June 30 to July 10. However, a byelection would be avoided if only one person each ran for mayor and councillor. They would be acclaimed to office. With Foster gone and Acton resigning, that leaves only three of the five-person council still in place. Three is a legal quorum for a meeting, and challenges could ensue if one of them is absent. “If there is a council meeting scheduled and we didn’t have a quorum, the meeting would be cancelled,” said Frank Kosa, chief administrative officer. But real difficulties would surface if one of the three remaining councillors also decided to run for mayor and resigned their seat. That would only leave two council members, less than is required for a quorum. However, that doesn’t appear likely as Councillors Lori Mindnich, Tracy Williamson and Ben Winters have all stated they won’t seek the mayor’s job during the byelection.

Cabinet campaign conceived

Melissa Lampman - Kamloops This Week Published: May 16, 2009

Having just been elected as MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson, vying for a cabinet position in the new Liberal government isn’t a top priority for Terry Lake. But a local political-science professor has launched a letter-writing campaign in a bid to push the former Kamloops mayor into a seat at the cabinet table. Thompson Rivers University’s Derek Cook has circulated e-mails throughout the campus and the community, asking people to contact Premier Gordon Campbell and voice their support for Lake as a cabinet minister. “The question is, does Dr. Terry Lake have the educational background and political experience to do well as a cabinet minister?” Cook asked. “And the answer, I would think, would be yes. “If others in the community have that opinion, then they should let the premier know.” Lake, clearly flattered someone would think of him as cabinet material, said things happen in their own time and way and he isn’t pushing for a position. “I’m used to playing on a team and, within that, you have to play a role,” said the rookie MLA. “At this point, I think the premier has to look at who was elected, where they’re from and the skill sets everyone has before he makes those kinds of decisions.

“I have no preconceived notions about what my role will be — I want to become a good MLA first and foremost.” However, Cook said, with the probability longtime incumbent Kevin Krueger will remain a minister, having two MLAs in cabinet is better for the community. “Decisions are made in the cabinet and in the Office of the Premier, so it’s simply the case that you’re in the loop much more as a cabinet member rather than a backbencher,” Cook said. “If you’re not in the cabinet, you’re much less able to represent everyone in your constituency.” Nevertheless, Lake said he is more than happy to serve his constituents as MLA, but would gladly serve in other capacities — if that’s the party’s will. “When you’re a candidate, they get to know you very well, so they know what my strengths are,” he said, noting his term as mayor, his executive role within the Union of B.C. Municipalities, teaching at a university level and being a veterinarian. “It’s early days yet. “I’m not sure what will happen, to be honest — we’ll just wait and see.

But Cook said now is the time to voice opinions since the re-elected premier can make appointments at his discretion at any time.Those who wish to see Lake appointed can contact the Office of the Premier at premier@gov.bc.ca.

Lumby By-election

Starlee Speers - Vernon 105.7 SUNFM:

Lumby voters could be going to the polls this summer. Eric Foster's election as MLA on Tuesday means Lumby is looking for a new mayor. Village Administrator Frank Kosa says there would need to be a nomination period for the vacancy.Kosa says there will be an 80 day byelection period. He says if a Lumby councillor wants to run for mayor they'd have to resign their seat. Kosa says legally Foster could keep his positions as Lumby mayor and the chair of the North Okanagan Regional district. He says Foster could have stayed on during the campaign as well but chose not to. Foster tells SunFM however, he will be resigning from both positions.

Former MLAs Get $8.8 Million in Golden Handshakes

Taxpayers supply $2.4 for every $1 contributed by former MLAs
Click here for the complete pension party list.

VANCOUVER: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today May 13 released its calculations of the $7 million in retirement benefits and $1.8 million in severance payouts for MLAs who quit, retired or were defeated in the May 12th election.

"The return of gold-plated pensions and generous severance perks gave golden handshakes to 19 MLAs, paid for by taxpayers," said Maureen Bader, B.C. Director of the CTF. "This is the same type of gold-plated pension scheme abolished 13 years ago because according to the recently re-elected premier - it was too rich."

Over the past three years, all MLAs have contributed $2.9 million into the pension fund. Taxpayers will fund $7 million for the ousted ten who are eligible for pension benefits. As a result, taxpayers will cough up $2.4 for every $1 paid by MLAs. Nine MLAs are not eligible for pension benefits because they did not serve for the minimum six years or were past 70 in 2007 when the new plan was implemented. "Taxpayers, many of whom do not even have an RRSP, let alone a pension, are on the hook to fund big pension benefits for politicians," said Bader. "Politicians have put their own interests ahead of the people they purport to serve and will leave taxpayers to burden under a legacy of higher taxes."

The CTF’s calculations suggest that one former MLA, Richard Neufeld, can expect to receive benefits in excess of $1 million to age 80, topping the pension bonanza list with estimated benefits of $1.3 million.

MLAs who decided not to run again and those defeated will divvy up a total of $1.8 million in severance benefits. "Taxpayers who quit or are fired with cause from their jobs are not eligible for severance, unlike MLAs," said Bader. "MLAs have created a culture of entitlement for themselves that is completely out-of-touch with the realities of taxpaying families. This must change."

By-election For Lumby?

Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 13 May 2009 107.5 KISSFM:

Lumby residents could be voting in a by-election this summer. Village administrator Frank Kosa says current mayor Eric Foster is expected to hand in his resignation this week after becoming Vernon Monashee MLA. Kosa says once that happens, a nomination process would begin and if there's more than one candidate a by-election would be held around August 15.Kosa has heard several people are interested, including current council members (see inset) who would have to resign as councillors before running. He says the election would cost the taxpayers about $5,000.

Quick Analysis of 2005 vs 2009 Vote in Vernon- Monashee Provincial Riding

183 of 183 ballot boxes reported for 2009
(CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

B.C. voters turn thumbs down on STV

CBC NEWS:

British Columbia's voters have soundly rejected electoral reform, defeating the proposed shift to a proportional representation system by a wide margin. In order to pass, the referendum needed to pass in 51 ridings. It succeeded in only a handful. The measure also would have needed to receive 60 per cent of the ballots cast, but got only 39 per cent of the votes. This form of proportional representation is known as the single-transferable-vote system, which in B.C. has been dubbed BC-STV for short. Political commentator David Mitchell told CBC News that the defeat of the STV measure would probably kill electoral reform for a generation, not only in British Columbia but also in the rest of Canada. Other provinces have also put forward referendums on proportional representation but none have passed. This was the second time in four years British Columbians have had a chance to fundamentally transform the way provincial politicians are elected. In the 2005 referendum, nearly 58 per cent voted in favour of adopting the new system. But by law, more than 60 per cent of voters must approve the new system for it to pass. Because the result was so close last election — but so many people said they did not understand the issue — the government decided to hold the referendum again.

Foster/Abbott Win Local Ridings

Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 12 May 2009 107.5 KISSFM

The Vernon Monashee riding stayed Liberal, but it was closer than many expected. New MLA Eric Foster (inset) won with 37 percent of the vote compared to 31 percent for New Democrat Mark Olsen, a difference of about 13-hundred votes. Foster--- who will be stepping down as Lumby Mayor--- says people had more confidence in the Liberals leading BC out of the recession. "It's just overwhelming. It really is. It's exciting. Looking forward to it. I'm pleased the people in the province elected another Liberal majority government. It will give us an opportunity to put our policies in place and make sure we keep the province going in the right direction the next four years." Foster says he will have one simple priority. "To represent the people of Vernon Monashee. I know that's the old cliche but I'd like to think that I'll be able to do that the same as I've represented the people of Lumby and the North Okanagan Regional District as the chair."

Olsen doesn't think he could have done anything else. "It was exciting and I think all the credit goes to my campaign team. They were just great right from the get go. You do what you can. You only have so much in resources and so much time and I think we did a great job." Olsen says it's the "wrong time" to ask him if he plans to take another run at the riding in 2013. Huguette Allen of the Greens was third with 16 percent, similar to her showing in last year's federal election. Dean Skoreyko was fourth with 8 percent of the vote. Independent Gordon Campbell was fifth with 5 percent and R-J Busch of the BC Refederation Party was sixth at 0.32 percent. Its estimated the voter turnout in the riding was around 50 percent.

There were no surprises around the rest of the valley. In the Shuswap riding, Liberal George Abbott was elected to a fourth term, getting 46 percent of the vote in defeating New Democrat Steve Gunner (30 %) by 35-hundred votes. The Green's Michel Saab was third (11%) and Conservative Beryl Ludwig was fourth (10%). The rest of the Okanagan was carried by Liberals with big wins by Ben Stewart, Steve Thompson and Norm Letnick in the Kelowna area, and Bill Barisoff in Penticton.

As of May 13, 2009 1:09 a.m.

Electoral District	Candidate's Ballot Name	Affiliation	Total Valid Votes	% of Popular Vote
Vernon-Monashee	Huguette Marie Allen	Green Party of BC	3,679	16.33%
	RJ Busch	BC Refed	72	0.32%
	Gordon Campbell		1,306	5.80%
	Eric Bailey Foster	BC Liberal Party	8,495	37.71%
	Mark Steven Olsen	BC NDP	7,137	31.68%
	Dean Skoreyko	Conservatives	1,841	8.17%
176 of 183 ballot boxes reported			22,530	100%

As of May 13, 2009 1:11 a.m. the preliminary results are:

1. % of valid votes province-wide in favour of BC-STV 38.84%

2. Number of electoral districts with 50% or more of the valid votes cast in favour of BC-STV 7