Editorial B.C.’s economic well-being at stake

The degree of polarization in British Columbia politics has generally exceeded that of other provinces. So the present dispute between organized labor and Premier William Vander Zalm over his controversial Bill 19 should not come as a surprise to anyone. At stake this time, however, is the economic wellbeing of the province into the next century.

Although he won’t admit it publicly, the legislation is designed to reduce the power of organized labor which on more than one occasion has attempted to usurp power from the democratically- elected Social Credit government. (The recent general strike was a good example of that.)

Teachers have also shown their displeasure by illegally walking off the job and refusing to participate in extra curricular activities unless paid for their efforts. What a great example they are setting for students who one day hope to enter the job market.

Supporting the government’s stand on Bill 19 is the National Citizens Coalition, a right-wing organization which advocates more freedom through less government — a philosophy that Mr Vander Zalm also expounds, although hopefully not as fanatically.

The organization mounted a major ad campaign during the strike asking people to support the controversial legislation. As a result, there was at least one well-attended pro-government demonstration in front of the parliament buildings in Victoria, including a large number of retirees who have lived through many such confrontations in the past.

Mr Vander Zalm has never been afraid of controversy and you can bet he’s not going to back down. Although he agreed to some modifications, Bill 19 will be passed essentially as drafted and organized labor will have to live with its provisions or face a continuation of the economic hardship that has plagued its members throughout the recession. The unemployment rate in the province is still too high and the economy will require a period of stability to reduce that rate to more acceptable levels.

The stronger economy will create wealth and alleviate many of organized labor’s concerns. Clearly any further economic disruption would not be in anyone’s interest.