David Schreck
David Schreck is a political analyst who publishes the web site Strategic Thoughts
Stories by David Schreck
Axe the MSP!
Why is BC the only remaining province to retain such a regressive health tax?
Health Ministry Firings: Government Overkill or Deliberate Purge?
Premier apologized, but says initial privacy breach was 'serious.'
Mount Polley Ex-Engineer Warned Tailings Pond Was 'Getting Large'
But did anyone in the mining ministry pay attention?
BC Is Flush with Natural Gas; Is that a Good Thing?
Having a big slice of world's reserves isn't same as being able to monetize them sustainably.
As Jobs Dive, Clark's Natural Gas Dream Fades, Too
Does premier really expect BC to supply a quarter of the world's LNG?
Premier, Let Us in on LNG Tax Break Talks
Government could be giving up billions in order to secure the building of natural gas plants.
What Now for BC's New Dems?
Back in opposition, they face a Premier Clark holding a blank cheque.
Clark and Dix: Whose Ad Is Stronger?
As BC's top parties roll out their pitches, which is more likely to connect?
Let's Talk Money, and Deficits, BC Libs
Starting to look a lot like what Gordon Campbell called a 'structural deficit.'
Why Temporary Foreign Workers Are Political Dynamite
Auditor general warned of fraud risk woven into Canada's program.
We're (Not) Number One!
How gov't made BC look like we lead job creation when, ahem, we don't.
Did Gordon Campbell's Chief of Staff Just Endorse Adrian Dix?
Martyn Brown's book seems to support how the NDP leader practices politics.
The Real Deal on Extra-Billing by Private Clinics
Time to cut through fog produced by Brian Day and other foes of Medicare Protection Act.
A New Device to Correct Political Spin
Use Statscan's new free data source to nail facts. Like this truth about jobs in BC.
Lib Budget Unlikely to Restore Cred Campbell Lost
More surprises this time, and Falcon's forecasts won't be tested until after next election.
Five False Claims in Libs' Attack Ad on Dix
Negative ad fiddles stats to misrepresent job growth, migration, taxes and NDP promises.
BC Libs' Public Trust Deficit Just Grew
As bad numbers roll in, explanations for budget shortfall ring hollow.
Why Christy Clark's Election Decision Is So Tough
She promised an early vote, but the risk is high.
Ditching HST Balances Budget Two Years Earlier
BC's government won't tell you, but a return to PST/GST improves its bottom line.
Clark's HST Plan Could Crumple Her Credibility
Her tax 'fix' would eliminate damage to average family by 2022, three elections from now.
Problems with BC Business Council's Pro-HST Study
How can conclusions be true when based on data with such serious shortcomings?
Did Christy Clark Just Break an HST Promise?
Premier has stacked the deck in ways giving unfair advantage to pro-HST advocates.
What's 'Ridiculous' about NDP's Gender Balance Policy?
Consider what other parties around the world are doing to tackle similar inequalities in their ranks.
Starting at Even, a Basis for NDP Optimism
The party's hopes may not be dashed after all. But will that translate to financial support?
The Anarchists Won
Jenny Kwan and fellow dissidents may celebrate, but history will show the harm they've done to BC.
NDP, Stop Your Destructive Bickering
Having voted down a 2011 leadership race, the party needs to unite behind Carole James.
James Has Taken NDP to Record Highs
So why would Simpson and other New Dems help Libs by whacking their own leader?
James vs. Simpson
The NDP's rebel MLA got the media moment he wanted. But is his case sound?
Three Questions About the HST Referendum
How will it work? Will debate be fairly funded? What will happen if the tax is voted down?
Elections BC's Bizarre Decision on HST
Holding petition from Leg until court decides sure to motivate recall campaigns.
What Voters Weren't Told about Clean Energy Act
Better to call it the 'Flood Valleys for Power for Export Act'. Transform BC Hydro so Californians can blast air conditioners.
Campbell's HST Illusion
The U of Calgary paper supposed to support the tax is full of holes and wishful thinking.
Campbell's Golden Decade So Far
How well is BC meeting the premier's 'five great goals?'
Weird and Wacky HST Debate in BC's Legislature
Trying to make sense of the Liberals' defence is no easy task.
How to Detect Budget Bamboozling
When BC's Finance Minister rolls out his numbers and claims Tuesday, keep these facts in mind.
Biggest Tax Shift in BC History: Why Did Campbell Do It?
On the basis of a single flawed study, apparently.
Change the Way We Elect? Round Two of the Debate
Which is better, First Past Post or Single Transferable Vote?
Should BC Change the Way We Elect? Hear from Both Sides
On May 12 you'll be asked to choose First Past the Post or STV. Today begins an in-depth debate to help you decide.
$800,000 per Lucky MLA
BC Libs' pension grab offered a fat target. The NDP whiffed.
Afraid to Raise Minimum Wage?
We shouldn't be. Research proves it.
Gordon Campbell's Year: An Unauthorized Annual Report
Some facts behind the bragging.
How BC's Government Failed the Working Poor
Tax changes left behind the 721,000 paid less than $16 an hour.
Corporations First, Kids Second
Why new budget can't buy BC Libs cred on children.
Emerson's Jump: 'Immoral' and 'Cynical'
Even old political hands Mair and Schreck are queasy.
The Mirage that Is 'Gateway'
Huge holes still in $3 billion, 15-year-old 'plan.'
Bye, Bye Bill 17
Libs aren't sorry and Mayencourt begs for more.
Oink, Oink…Uh, Oh!
James's backtrack on the pay raise pig-out.
The Wright Way to Deal with Teachers' Anger
Premier ignored insightful report assigned by his own labour minister.
Why The 'No Strike Pay' Ruling May Boomerang
By infuriating teachers, yesterday's judgment may prolong their walkout.
Is Jinny Sims Going to Jail?
What the courts have said about leaders of 'illegal strikes.'
'Achieve BC' Ads Don’t Add Up
The B.C. government’s TV ad blitz twists figures on job growth.
Another Special Prosecutor, More Questions for Campbell
Liberal appointee Doug Walls has quit his powerful post, his past business dealings under investigation by a special prosecutor. He leaves a ministry facing big cuts, bigger questions.
Rough Year for the Premier
The 2003 journey for Gordon Campbell that began with a drunken drive ended with stalled ferries and sliding poll numbers.