One of the key differences between the current BC NDP government and the BC NDP government of the 1990s is that the current one’s ability to take the heat.
Whether it is staring down the environmental movement, the teachers’ union or a handful of social activists, this version has found an ability to stay the course amid a sea of controversies.
By contrast, the 1990s NDP government (at least during its first mandate) seemed afraid of various interest groups the party had counted on for traditional support, including environmentalists, trade unionists and social service groups.
The so-called “war of the woods” that pitted environmentalists against the forest industry had the NDP almost in panic mode. An attempt to revamp the auto insurance system melted in the face of well-organized opposition.
The party, back then, was also distracted by a simmering scandal (known as “Bingogate”). As well, it was dogged by allegations of phony budgeting.
Part of this tougher approach is reflected in the personality of the man who leads the government, Premier John Horgan. While there is no doubt he brings a passion for reform to the office, it is also clear he is not going to be pushed around.
For example, he continues to take a tough stance on the standoff between the eight hereditary chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en and the construction of a natural gas pipeline near Kitimat. He has rightly refused their demands for a face-to-face meeting and has repeatedly said the “rule of law” must be followed (a reference to a court injunction in favor of the project).
And Horgan isn’t the only key government figure displaying a steeliness in the job. Finance Minister Carole James is locked in a tough fight with the B.C. Teachers’ Federation, which continues to demand the education budget be increased to accommodate their fairly expensive contract demands.
James has curtly refused the union’s demands and continues to insist it bargain within the negotiating mandate like all other public sector unions. I don’t believe she will cave on this - even if the teachers hit the picket line.
James will present her next budget in the coming weeks, and the expectations are that it will be balanced with a tiny surplus. This can only happen if she says “no” to many hands from many sectors reaching out for more funding.
This current government showed its willingness to take on some of the party’s traditional base of support when its decision early on to build the Site C dam. Next came welcoming the giant LNG Canada project, as well as its tepid opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline.
Who knows whether this trend will continue as the next election hovers into view, but so far at least, this version of an NDP government is not lacking in confidence, even though it is in a minority position in the legislature.
Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC.
