B.C. Refederation Party candidate Dallas Hills spoke repeatedly on the need to keep tax monies in B.C.

Dallas Hills of the BC Refederation Party offered the most impassioned opening speech, targeting tax dollars and government treaties.

PORT ALBERNI — The gloves stayed on, and fingers were occasionally wagged but never pointed in an exceedingly civilized all-candidates meeting at Echo Centre Monday night.

More than 170 people crowded in to the Cedar and Hemlock rooms, through a gauntlet of union and paramedic pickets in the lobby, and a small table packed with STV pamphlets and pins.

“I think this is a better spot for us,” mused STV advocate Myron Jesperson. “It’s easier to talk with people out here and not be part of the politics.”

Liberal candidate Dianne St. Jacques was first to offer introductory remarks, smoothly delivering a five-minute personal message honed over the past few weeks, polished at numerous similar events.

“I see nothing but a positive future for this Valley,” said St. Jacques. “I’m very excited about the possibility of being your MLA, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you.”

Next up was NDP candidate Scott Fraser who enjoyed being the incumbent, offering examples of community victories won in Victoria through his efforts.

“We have accomplished much over the past four years,” said Fraser. “I first revealed the betrayal of the Liberal government in the privatization of our forests. With the Ty Watson House we finally have quality end-of-life care in the Valley … and the government is now bringing the Bamfield road up to public safety standards,” he said.

Green Party candidate Paul Musgrave read directly from script, rarely looking up from the podium, but presenting some unique platform points.

“Tax dollars are wasted on a ‘war on drugs’ that failed many years ago,” said Musgrave. “We need harm reduction, not prosecution, and we need to legalize and regulate psycho-active drugs.”

Dallas Hills of the BC Refederation Party offered the most impassioned opening speech, targeting tax dollars and government treaties.

“We need to renegotiate federal transfer payments to keep our $12 Billion in BC taxes right here in BC,” said Hills. “NAFTA has destroyed our country and destroyed our province. These elite corporations are sucking us dry. With the BC Refederation Party there will be no more backroom meetings.”

After introductory statements were complete, a long line formed behind the lone microphone as people queued to ask questions of the candidates.

Questions on government corruption, forestry deals, health care concerns, education costs, tourism support, First Nations treaties, transportation issues, and raw log exports were brought forward by community speakers; a few lobbing softballs at their candidate of choice.


Tightly moderated by Cindy Solda and timekeeper Doug Morgan, the all-candidates meeting was a 2-hour advertisement for party platforms as no actual debate erupted between election hopefuls.

Port Alberni Mayor Ken McRae asked candidates what they would do for the Alberni Valley, which turned into a discussion about Catalyst Papers.

“The BC Liberals cut Catalyst’s taxes by $5 million, but they must pay their fair share [of municipal taxes],” said St. Jacques.

“Corporate heads should not be receiving bonuses while demanding tax cuts,” added Fraser.

“They should be offered zero-interest loans, and there should be help for workers to buy the mill,” offered Musgrave.

“Why not trade tax cuts for Catalyst shares?” asked Hills, saying that option would help spread the load in bad times, and reap rewards once the economy turns around.

Fraser sharply lashed out against the $6/hour provincial training wage, referring to it as “slave wages”. Other candidates said the 500-hour training wage period should be reviewed, but not totally scrapped.

Raw log exports proved a recurring issue, with all candidates speaking against but in varying degrees.

“We’ve been exporting logs since 1881 but it’s cyclical,” said St. Jacques. “We need to do everything we can to keep logs in this valley and in this province.”

“We need to restrict raw log exports and then create investments in our local mills,” added Fraser.

“It’s just another example of the government pandering to the large corporations,” offered Musgrave.

“Reality check,” shouted Hills. “The government doesn’t care about you, and a referendum is needed otherwise nothing changes,” he said.