Life, politics & honest conversations. Courage, common sense & humour.
Port Coquitlam
Joined September 2011
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Lee-Ann Bates retweeted
Every community has as many views as members. Dressing up and pandering for ‘the vote’ assumes everyone thinks alike. That’s collectivism, the instinct behind socialism. Conservative politicians should ditch the costume and make the argument. It’s all very embarrassing. Stop it.
As citizens we need to become bridge builders and find the places we can agree on for the benefit of our society and future generations.
Praying we can soften our hearts.
I did end up running as an independent with the endorsement of 1BC not for 1BC but that’s a minor detail.
My open letter to @BCGreens leader Emily Lowan.
stuartparkersblog.substack.c…
Lee-Ann Bates retweeted
FIRST READING: Fifteen days, fifteen identity-based criminal sentences nationalpost.com/opinion/fir…
If there have been real and credible threats to people than this is a matter for the RCMP. If this is fear based messaging meant to stir ppl up - it has no place in our school system. It may even negatively affect ppls mental health and ability to work at or attend school.
The BC teachers union president issued this statement today 🥴
"I recognize that with the outcome of a Conservative government, many of us may be feeling disappointed, scared, or deeply concerned about what might come next.
I know these results may be particularly concerning for Indigenous, racialized, and 2SLGBTQIA+ members. You are not alone."
Lee-Ann Bates retweeted
Carney’s “prudent banker” brand is dead. The PBO just showed the books are being cooked
Debt-service costs are now the fastest-growing federal expense: $25B five years ago → $59B this year (already larger than the Canada Health Transfer) → $83B in five years. Pure interest, paid before anything else
PBO Annette Ryan: the government’s fiscal “anchors” are “more like traffic lights.” Capital spending gets a green light; operating spending is a yellow at best. “Limited fiscal discipline. It’s not stopping spending.”
Real cash borrowing over five years: $733B. New debt from deficits: only $333B. The ~$400B gap is being parked with Crown corporations, loans and special funds—“a step removed from parliamentary oversight.” New risks, she said, and less transparency
The former Bank of Canada/Bank of England governor who once policed balance sheets is now redefining accounting so the headline targets stay pretty while the actual liability grows off-books. Taxpayers get stuck with the interest bill @PBO_DPB
Lee-Ann Bates retweeted
"Conservatives Gallop to Victory on Backs of the Cancelled"
Should Conservatives be thanking Dallas Brodie, Kerry-Lynne Findlay & other cancel-culture victims for their historic BC election win?
Yes, writes NWT Editor David Brett.
newwesttimes.com/opinion/con…
Lee-Ann Bates retweeted
Progressives blaming Eby’s defeat in the election timing are totally missing the point. The whole purpose of the early election was to try to overcome the government’s unpopularity rooted in its poor outcomes.
The real problem was the cumulative cost of Eby’s ideological agenda. His government was the last holdout of the failures of Trudeauian progressivism: a subordination of economic growth in favour of deficit financed welfare spending, a dogmatic commitment to climate change and its anti-development effects, excessive identity politics and an overly self critical posture towards Canadian history, and its radical experiment with the harm reduction model.
Election timing and campaign choices didn’t defeat the Eby government. A broad cross-section of British Columbians—from rural parts of the province to downtown Vancouver—rejected it based on the self-evident failure of its ideas.
Big thank you to my supporters and volunteers. Everyone worked so hard and we had many amazing conversations and experiences during the campaign. There is so much to be grateful for!
Congratulations to my colleagues on their campaigns and to Mike Farnworth for his win!
Lee-Ann Bates retweeted
Mass resignations are just another symptom of BC's failing public healthcare system.
- This month, five neurologists are resigning their positions with Interior Health
- Last October, all seven obstetricians and gynecologists at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops resigned
- That same month, four psychiatrists resigned from Vernon Jubilee Hospital
- Seven pediatricians also resigned from Kelowna General Hospital between 2023 and 2025
An independent review published earlier this year described an atmosphere of "reduced trust" and "deteriorating working relations" between physicians and health authority leadership.
Too bad for the doctors: our system makes it so that the local health authority is the only buyer of hospital doctors' labour. A doctor who rejects its terms can't work for a competing hospital; their only option is to quit.
How do we fix this?
There is a middle ground between our failing system and the US's crazy system. It's time for us to level up for everyone's benefit and look to more publicly funded, privately delivered care. In fact, that's how many of our peers do it: Australia, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
Everyone will benefit from the more efficient allocation of resources and improved user experience that come with competition and incentive alignment.
We're getting exactly what the system is built for. It's not going to magicaly improve. We need to change the system.
End the government monopoly on healthcare.
cbc.ca/news/canada/british-c…
Lee-Ann Bates retweeted
This is one of my favourite pictures throughout this election season. If you can inspire just one person to be in public service, or simply go and chase their dream then you’ve done something meaningful. @leeannfbates #bcpoli #election #dreambig
Saturday October 24th is the Final Voting Day. Polls are open 8am to 8pm. Vote for representation!
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I also have friends on Shaughnessy and Lougheed. Give us a wave or a honk. We’re also happy to answer any questions you might have.
Saying hello on Coast Meridian and Prairie. Feel free to stop by and ask a question or give me a wave. Honks are also welcome.
Only 2 more days of campaigning in the Tri-Cities! I’m looking forward to a full night’s sleep, and I’m sure residents are ready for a break from election signs. But remember: campaigning is essentially applying for a job, without pay unless you’re elected. 🧵1/4
The racist incidents and sign vandalism we’ve seen over the last month have no place in our community. Democracy is stronger when more people participate. People are only willing to step up when they know they’ll be treated with basic dignity. 🧵3/4
Let’s show up for one another and uphold a standard of respect across the Tri-Cities. Let's inspire a culture where every candidate and their property is treated well. Show up, stay respectful, and vote! 🧵4/4 ✅ #TriCitiesBC #CommunityFirst
Stepping up as a candidate and running a campaign is no easy task.
Wherever you live, I hope you’ll take the time to honour every candidate in your riding by giving them real consideration.
Allow your voice to heard and vote on October 24.
I hope you’ll feel encouraged to participate in our democracy - to vote, and to think carefully about the future you want to see take root in your community, our province, and our nation.