As seems to be the case with Liberals, the need for a fall session is one of those superfluous moments of Democracy, seemingly spending the spring on governance is all that is required, this despite the introduction of a new cabinet (those not taking to the parachutes, meet the new gang, same as the old gang) who now will not be able to showcase their skills in any form of accountable session of the Legislature.
Clark of course is not the first Premier to shut the doors to the Legislature, the approach was a favourite of her predecessor, though if you're trying to portray yourself as NOT the same old, same old, then uh, er, doing the same old, same old isn't exactly the winning strategy.
Clark also seems to be suffering from a bit of Romneyitis of late, offering up comments for public consumption that seem to cause more problems than they solve, case in point her thinking out loud on the whims and ways of life in Victoria, while she apparently meant the political Victoria, her words in effect seem to have painted the entire capital region as some kind of bubble zone where reality is but a faint notion.
A walk around any number of Victoria neighbourhoods out of the shadow of the Legislature could convince her otherwise, parts of a city that have just as many concerns as any other part of the province, neighbourhoods where Government decisions have real impacts on the day to day life.
Then again, the Premier herself has said that she doesn't particularly like to spend much time in the Capital, a strange declaration for someone who is governing the province. Indeed, if one wanted to change any kind of culture, the best way would be through actions not through endless road trips and sound bites.
While her thoughts may resonate off beyond Greater Victoria and with her political base, she does a dis-service to the backbone of the province with her curt dismissal of its civil service and the elected officials that the voters send to Victoria on our behalf.
Perhaps buoyed by recent polling numbers that have at least ended the Liberal slide, Madam Clark believes that her travels to and fro across the province will boost her profile for the good.
Maybe yes, maybe no, but by shutting down debate, by leaving the governance of the province to cabinet memos and press releases the concept of accountable democracy seems lost.
The Premier may think that Victoria as a concept is out of touch with the average British Columbian, but by changing the dynamic of the government away from the Legislature and towards this ongoing style of edicts issued by office, without debate or contemplation leaves one wondering if the Premier is perhaps a little out of touch herself on the concept of elected and representative office.
We're not sure what to make of her plan for a provincial tour until the Spring, it may in her mind be the preamble to a victory lap, or perhaps if you ask an NDP supporter, a farewell tour, the final verdict on that comes in May.
Regardless if you want to find the Premier she won't be at the Legislature.
Perhaps you can find her in a riding near you, if so maybe ask her some questions about governing, better yet, give her some suggestions, like representation by population means that our elected representatives should have the opportunity to discuss, debate and vote on the government plans.
Otherwise, why even bother with elections.
Her planned tour and the closing of the day to day business of the Legislature has made for much in the way of comment, some of the highlights can be found below.
Globe and Mail-- Christy Clark to avoid legislature, tour province in lead up to B. C. election
Globe and Mail-- Evan Solomon to B. C.'s Clark: Where's the democracy?
Globe and Mail-- B. C. Government should hold a fall session
National Post-- Christy Clark's 'sick culture' comments were not lost in translation
Vancouver Province-- Dix secretly pleased Clark nixed fall sitting
Vancouver Sun-- Christy Clark's change of heart rides shifting Liberal tides
CBC-- An Open letter to B. C. Premier Christy Clark
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