Topic
Leader Wilf Hanni says he plans to run up to 30 candidates, and win races.
Hanni: Libs 'ethically challenged.'
"I don't think it would be wise to ignore the impact of a potential split in the free enterprise vote, the centre-right vote." -- Mike De Jong, B.C. Liberal House Leader
The fate of Premier Gordon Campbell's B.C. Liberal government in the May 12 election may rest in the hands of an oil and gas drilling rig supervisor from Cranbrook.
And Campbell should be very worried, since that man is Wilf Hanni, leader of the B.C. Conservative Party, who intends to run 30 or more candidates.
In an Angus Reid Strategies poll released last month, the B.C. Conservatives were included for the first time as a party choice – and picked up four per cent province-wide, with five per cent support in the North and Vancouver Island and seven per cent in the Fraser Valley/southern Interior.
And with the New Democrats just six points behind, B.C. Conservative candidates could help defeat Campbell.
But De Jong's vote-splitting arguments don't bother Hanni, who believes his party can win enough seats to hold the balance of power in a minority government because conservative voters are fed up with Campbell.
"The B.C. Liberals have become a big, left-wing, tax and spend government," Hanni told me in a lengthy interview. "If the Liberals ever were conservative, they sure aren't any more. The B.C. Conservatives are the only party that advocates lower taxes and smaller government."
Hard core election issues
"The Liberal Party is going into the election saying the number one issue is the economy but what have they done to rebuild the economy? Nothing!" Hanni says.
Hanni is campaigning against B.C. Liberal plans for a Recognition and Reconciliation Act that would recognize aboriginal rights and title without proof of claim.
"We're the only party in B.C. opposing the Recognition Act. We really believe all B.C.ers should be treated equally," Hanni says. "We can't take the risk of giving up title to all public and private land. Title is title -- there is no such category as aboriginal title."
And Hanni disagrees with Campbell's carbon tax on gasoline and heating fuels, which goes up again in July.
"We would scrap the carbon tax totally," he says. "The carbon tax is an unfair tax, it's a wealth transfer tax. It takes money particularly out of people's pockets in the Interior and the North."
"You can't take public transit and you can't drive a Prius [hybrid car] like the premier -- you won't get anywhere. And you can't turn off the furnace when it's minus 30 in Fort Nelson," Hanni laughs.
Should Campbell be worried?
Hanni says his big challenge now is to convince television networks to include him in B.C. election debates. If he does, Campbell will worry even more.
That's because Hanni is an affable conservative who is anything but doctrinaire right wing. Hanni opposes the B.C. Liberal's privatization of B.C. Hydro, the promotion of private power projects on provincial rivers and streams by banning B.C. Hydro from also doing so and the export of raw logs.
"We would not privatize B.C. Hydro without public approval through a referendum and we would not initiate that referendum, Hanni told me. "We would also end the prohibition on B.C. Hydro being banned from new power projects."
And on raw log exports: "I'd prefer to process the logs in B.C. -- this government has done absolutely nothing to develop the forest industry in B.C. We have millions of tons of dead timber in our forests that we should be using for biodiesel, ethanol and wood pellets for fuel."
Slamming Railgate
And if that's not enough to differentiate the party, Hanni also raises the B.C. Legislature raid case, connected to the $1 billion privatization of B.C. Rail.
"The Liberals also appear to be ethically challenged, as we're finding out in the Railgate case," he says.
That's why Hanni confidently predicts that his B.C. Conservatives will defeat B.C. Liberals in some parts of the province.
"In some ridings in the Interior even some B.C. Liberal incumbents are going to come in third place behind the Conservatives and NDP -- and a vote for the Liberals will split the vote," he says.
"The number one argument the B.C. Liberals and Gordon Campbell will use is 'don't vote Conservative -- you'll split the vote," Hanni says. "Well, if you had a job vacancy and someone came to you and said: 'Hire me so you won't have to hire that other guy' -- is that a good argument? No."
Counting on Campbell's negatives
Hanni knows and counts on Campbell being disliked in much of the province. The Angus Reid Strategies poll shows that when asked, only 34 per cent of respondents felt Gordon Campbell should be re-elected, while 54 per cent said it was time for B.C. to have a new premier.
But it may be the B.C. Liberals' Recognition and Reconciliation Act that pushes the most buttons with rural voters in the election. Hanni says that with the B.C. Liberals introducing the act and the NDP likely to support it, only B.C. Conservatives will oppose it.
"We agree with signing treaties with aboriginals but treaties should involve cash payments by the federal government, who are responsible," he says with a view that isn't often heard or widely accepted in land claims discussions.
"With the giveaway of our rivers to foreign interests and the giveaway of our land to aboriginals, the B.C. Liberals have done serious damage to our province," Hanni says.
Fourteen candidates lined up
The B.C. Conservative Party first formed a provincial government in 1903 but has not had an elected member since 1977.
Hanni aims to change that, with 14 candidates nominated to date and more to come.
"We will accept applications to be candidates right up to the deadline. We expect to run 20 to 30 candidates but we will accept more if they come forward -- we encourage people to apply," Hanni says.
And with people like popular former federal Reform Party MP Darrel Stinson coming forward to manage local campaigns and other former Reform and Conservatives running as candidates, maybe Hanni has some reasonable grounds for optimism.
Related Tyee stories:
![[Tyee]](http://thetyee.cachefly.net/ui/img/ico_fishie.png){kind=small}
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Frank
4 years ago
Go Wilf Go
I totally support Wilf Hanni being allowed into the televised debates along with the Greens.
The more the merrier.
seth
4 years ago
you go Wilf,
He is the MAN!!! He must be in the debates!!!
Moonbug
4 years ago
If they allow the greens
If they allow the greens they ought to allow the conservatives.
;)
Fair's, fair.
To be honest though, if they shut him out it could do just as much if not more damage...
brg61
4 years ago
Debate criterion...
What is the standard to be allowed into
the debates? If Mr. Hanni does meet his
target of 20 conservative candidates
he would only be on the ballot in 23.5%
of the districts.
I'm not a Campbell fan, but I think
a party should at min. nominate people
in half the ridings before entering
the leader's debate.
Hanni's position on raw logs and B.C.
hydro should increase pressure on the
liberals to explain these deplorable
policies.
Wilfred Laurier
4 years ago
Sure
By all means let Wilf Hanni in the debates. If the Greens are in, why not the Conservatives? That is democracy.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
The equalizer.......
The angry Liberals(who are mad at Campbell)might not believe Carole James about all the crimes being committed by Gordon Campbell,but they sure will believe Wilf Hanni........
His speeches will hammer home the NDP message,thus revving up the NDP,at the same time,taking 10% of the vote from the Liberals!
And with Gordon Campbell busy on his deficit spending campaign,the conservatives will turn in droves to Wilf Hanni.
Especially when according to the polls,79% of all voters say Gordon Campbell is not honest or trustworthy!
It`s all but over now,welcome premier Carole James!
Greens against gordoh--Conservatives against gordoh-NDP against gordoh--
The message will reverberate throughout the province!
Adios Campbell
Grumpy
4 years ago
A true democracy ..................
............. would mandate that all party leaders be included in a televised debate. But then BC is not and never has been a true democracy. Oh sorry, only on Remembrance Day.
alive
4 years ago
BOLD policy
It is refreshing to see a party that has the guts to stand up against the motherhood and applepie issues, regarding the first nations.
"Title is title – there is no such category as aboriginal title."
While I am voting NDP, I certainly do not subscribe to the way it has changed in order to (hopefully) attract more votes.
On the native issue, I have always hated the idea that some were born with a silver-spoon in their mouth, and I feel no different whether is it rich brats or natives!
Skywalker
4 years ago
I'd be cautious about the impact of Wilf Hanni
Hanni could take as many votes from the NDP as from the liberals. I know quite a few NDP'ers who would agree with his position on Land Claims and have been holding their noses to vote Liberal but would never vote NDP. If Hanni doesn't frighten the unions he might do fine.
greenfirefly
4 years ago
This guy is a climate change
This guy is a climate change denier and a political misfit with an incoherent "mish-mash" of policies. Buyer beware!
Van Isle
4 years ago
Just reading some of the
Just reading some of the comments by Wilf Hanni in this article, it seems that he has more in common with Carol James than Gordon Campbell. Then the question has got to be asked; Could James and Hanni come together and form a coalition Goverment if they had enough people elected?
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Hanni Has My Vote
I hope they are running in my riding because if he's got the ethics to back up his policies, Hanni has my vote.
The rights and title recognition is tantamount to privatizing the whole of BC and everything pertaining to here into the grasping hands of thirty different tribal entities that bear no relation whatsoever to any traditional native governance that existed when the white man first showed up with his trade goods 250 years ago.
For a taste of what is to come should these fourth world dictatorships be created, check out this letter sent to WCWC, SaveOurRivers and other Independant Power Opponents from the Sechelt and Klahoose:
http://www.vancouversun.com/pdf/ippletter.pdf
NameWithNumbers
4 years ago
Spitting Image of Young Campbell?
Riding waves of populist sentiment against BC's aboriginal peoples? Denying the very existence of aboriginal title? Sound familiar?
*scratches chin, gazes into the distance*
Oh yes. That's right. That was Gordon Campbell nine years ago before the Courts had to remind him (in Campbell v. BC 2000) that THERE IS such a thing as aboriginal title (a fact not disputed in Canadian law since the 1973 Calder decision) and FURTHER that aboriginal title includes constitutionally protected rights to manage uses and share revenues from aboriginal title lands.
Speculate all you want about Campbell's Recognition and Reconciliation bill. Maybe it won't hold up to legal or public scrutiny. At least the initiative moves beyond the existing denial of the rights aboriginal peoples have to manage and share in revenues from aboriginal title lands.
Regardless, let's not laud Wilf, here, for regurgitating this title-denying tripe it's taken us British Columbians so long to bury.
RickW
4 years ago
Wilf Hanni & Recognition Act
http://tiny.cc/Gt6MR
'In 1871 there were probably 100000-125000 native people, about half in British Columbia`
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/cen06/c2006bc.asp¸
`In 1871 the (non-native) population was 36,000 in British Columbia`
So the native population was about at least 50% greater than the non-native. To become a citizen of British Columbia, one only needs be a resident for 6 months, which kind of makes the count today considerably lobesided. Therefore, we should use the proportions available at the time of confederation to measure the goodies the native population should have.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
The Indian recognition act.....
Has but one purpose,to allow Plotonic power(GE big American conglomerate) to deal directly with first nations,offer up a few bucks to develop all our rivers and local tows,cities,VOTERS,non-aboriginal have ZERO voice or say in these river usages.
And Campbell would just throw up his hands and say,it`s their right,the goverment can`t stop it!
This is Campbell pulling a quaterback switch to push through his agenda.
Agent Orange Julius
4 years ago
Spitting Image of Young Campbell?
Riding waves of populist sentiment against BC's aboriginal peoples? Denying the very existence of aboriginal title? Sound familiar?
*scratches chin, gazes into the distance*
Oh yes. That's right. That was Gordon Campbell nine years ago before the Courts had to remind him (in Campbell v. BC 2000) that THERE IS such a thing as aboriginal title (a fact not disputed in Canadian law since the 1973 Calder decision) and FURTHER that aboriginal title includes constitutionally protected rights to manage uses and share revenues from aboriginal title lands.
Speculate all you want about Campbell's Recognition and Reconciliation bill. Maybe it won't hold up to legal or public scrutiny. At least the initiative moves beyond the existing denial of the rights aboriginal peoples have to manage and share in revenues from aboriginal title lands.
Regardless, let's not laud Wilf, here, for regurgitating this title-denying tripe it's taken us British Columbians so long to bury.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Too funny
POSTERS........
:Namewithnumbers and Agent Orange Julius
Do you guy think the identical thoughts,word for word?Not one IOTA of difference in your posts .......
CURIOUS.......
Perhaps,as I suspect,you two seperate individuals work for Gordon Campbell at the PAB (public affairs beurea)and.....
That is your SCRIPTED response for the media/papers/blogs etc etc........
It looks like Wilg Hanni and the posters here have figured out Campbell`s(sell out)motives for the Indian recognition Act....
You guys really ought to get together so you don`t overlap on the same thread.....
Reeks of desperation
Cheers--EYES WIDE OPEN
Agent Orange Julius
4 years ago
double-post is no conspiracy...
... just a registration glitch. Apologies for the repetition.
And in any case, if you'd read what I posted (er... twice), you'd note that I'm not defending Campbell or his Recognition Act - we haven't seen it yet, and the devil is always in the details. I'm pretty skeptical of its constitutional validity myself.
But regardless of what you think about the Recognition Act, denying the existence of aboriginal title simply throws the policy discussion in reverse. Rather than fear-mongering with phrases like the "the giveaway of our land to aboriginals", I'd like to see political candidates present positive alternatives for public debate.
Janie Jones
4 years ago
It's a Federal Matter.
Given that Turtle Islanders did not use the concept of the private ownership of land, it was admittedly adopted like 4x4s and country music from the settlers,"aboriginal title" to the land cannot now be interpreted to mean "ownership." Hanni is right, this is a federal government matter and ultimately, they cannot have one group of Canadians disenfranchised from their native land while others are legislated overarching power over now commonly owned lands.
As citizens of BC, individual 1st Nations already "own" BC. They own it because they are British Columbians, just like everyone else who was born here not because they a members of a Indian Nation.
If Chief David Spintlum had not ceded title to the land to Douglas when he did, BC would be part of the US.
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Name with numbers/Agent Orange Julius
EDITED FOR INSULTS. LAST WARNING. TYEE MODERATOR
Campbellwearsatutu
4 years ago
Agent Orange Julius.....
Didn`t mean to offend......
I am not anti-native but there are problems,I have only seen the rough draft of the act and all the same language is in this story..........
One small north Vancouver band (450 members) have asked for monies/fees/consultation/and employment(I don`t care about the employment part)on every land use and development from Squamish to Maple ridge? I kid you not,if you read the story,the same language is in their legal papers they served to all municipalities.....
here is the link
http://www.theprovince.com/news/native+policy+civic+quandry/1429509/story.html
I give you the benefit of the doubt with the double post,just my suspicious mind I guess,no hard feelings.
Cheers--Conspirtory theorist
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Tsleil-Waututh Squamish Splinter Nation
According to my source on the Cap Reserve, the Tsleil-Waututh were a Squamish band that broke away and formed their own splinter nation because of some longstanding family feuds. The article linked above says they are now claiming all traditional Squamish territory along with that of several other bands. Maybe it's just the first peek at the new Salish Grand Nation, one of thirty soon to be bulldozed out of BC if you vote for anyone but the provincial conservatives.
Even the local sovereignists are getting cold feet, pointing out that the AFN and the UBCIC are not governing bodies but associations with member bands and "do not have a mandate to make decisions on behalf of First Nations in general."
Perhaps even they are beginning to see the nightmare that would ensue should BC actually be put under the tribal rule of a bunch of self important, self appointed grand chiefs.
Janie Jones
4 years ago
The Goodies?
Excuse me RickW but are you referring to our Sacred Mother Earth as "the goodies?"
MacKenna
4 years ago
No no no no no
Campbell's Liberal Party is not liberal in any sense of the word, but even farther to the right than the old Socreds. I can't bear the thought of an even further right party in this province, especially some provincial buffoon championing oil and gas. Good lord, you know this party would privatize EVERYTHING. Get real.
richmond kenny
4 years ago
If it walks like a duck...
I see that Wilf Hanni is an oil and gas drilling rig supervisor. Not too surprising, then, that as a fossil fuel guy Hanni is chiming in with the NDP and the public sector labour unions in opposing clean energy run-of-river projects. Gee, I wonder why?
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Vote for Hanni is Vote for NDP
Be that as it may, I like the idea that I can vote for someone with whose election platform I agree. We've already learned there's not much any of us can do if our candidates turn out to be lying scumbags once they're in office.
Besides, as deJong suggests, any vote for Hanni is one less for the Liberals and more chance that James will win. It's not personal, it's strategic.
If she supports turning control of this province over to Indian bands in violation of the constitutional rights of non indigenous-descended native British Columbians to fair and equal treatment, I cannot, in turn, support her.
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Fossils Fuel IPPs
Hey, Richmond Kenny, speaking as someone who has actually worked on a drill rig, all I can say is sometimes, a job is just a job. Do think that the energy that is required to build these massive river diversions comes out of thin air? No they are built by burning huge amounts of fossil fuels for several years before these projects come online so I don't think that Hanni's job is going to be redundant anytime soon.
Bailey
4 years ago
six of one
Although I am always in favour of upsetting the nastiest applecarts whenever possible, and it seems pretty clear that switching governance to the first nations would be no worse than leaving it in the hands it's in now, there's no particular reason to believe it would be any better either.
There is one big concern, though. The historic economic oppression of first nations has made them poor. Long time poor. And the one thing our masters know for sure is that the poor can be bought cheap.
As long as the principle of democratic ownership persists, there's a chance to defend mother earth from becoming the goodies. Property to be abused by whoever claims to be owner.
Once anybody sells it to them outright, kiss her sweet gifts goodbye forever.
Janie Jones
4 years ago
Second guessing the Creator's plan
Well said Bailey. In the long run we can't go too far wrong defending freedom of speech, equal rights for all and true democracy.
The Courts decided in the Chief Mountain case that the rights of First Nations people were best protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and not by "a government of family cliques." So-called rights and titles recognition is a shameless means of using First Nations to privatize BC's publicly owned assets, lands and resources.
Regardless of what happened 150 years ago, the province of BC, like the sacred medicine wheel, contains all four races. It's time to redefine the meaning of native land in a manner that recognizes this. No matter what our ancestors suffered, to do otherwise amounts to second guessing the Creator's plan.
cfvua
4 years ago
??????
Before we start bashing the fossil fuel industry, let's all remember that many folks at the lower mainland should be thankful for the fact that when they bump up the thermostat a steady supply of clean burning methane is available to their furnace. Just because some of us make our living doing this doesn't mean we are backing some kind of negative campaign on wind or solar clean power technology. Too bad Campbell's buddies at Earthfirst went broke or maybe we'd have some windpower headed south by now. Maybe if BC Hydro had built the Dokie project or even buy it to prove we are serious about clean power,it would be more to the point. Until then let's see how Mr Hanni handles himself. Did we all forget the referendum on the natives? What a transformation the relationship the Campbells and the Natives have has undergone!!!!!!!