Seth Klein

Climate issues have received some welcome profile in this election, and in some of the platforms. It is possible to offer some assessment of where the parties have landed on climate action.

British Columbia has the highest rate of poverty in Canada, but is one of the last provinces left without a poverty reduction plan.

While arguments about deficits and "who is the better fiscal manager" may make for entertaining politics, there is no compelling economic reason why B.C. cannot run a few years of modest deficits.

One of the more contentious issues regarding the B.C. government's record concerns the issue of social housing. To hear Minister Rich Coleman tell it, B.C.'s record has been above and beyond.

Most British Columbians are prepared to pay a little more of their income in taxes, provided it results in better access to public services, less poverty, and a healthier environment.

For all the faults in last week's B.C. Budget (and there were many), it's worth noting that the conversation about taxes has fundamentally shifted, and in a welcome direction.

Here's the big dilemma: Whatever reforms are made to Parliamentary practice and conduct, the simple truth is that, for now, citizens have lost faith in politicians.

As many of you have likely heard, late last week we at the CCPA lost a great friend, and Canada lost one of its greatest advocates for children.

With the inaugural Family Day, Premier Christy Clark has made good on a promise made during her bid for the B.C. Liberal leadership. But what of other promises made by the premier?

As we head towards the May 2013 B.C. election, what I'd most love to hear from B.C.'s political leaders is evidence that they are ready to get serious about the defining issues of this era.