Dear Editor:
I am deeply concerned about the implications of Bill 7, which seems less about addressing tariffs and more about consolidating power in the hands of the B.C. government. If it was truly necessary to combat tariffs, why hasn’t any other province adopted a similar approach? And why has this been introduced after NDP federal leader Jagmeet Singh visited Premier David Eby this week in Victoria? Will this be played out in Ottawa, too, with Singh continuing to support the Liberals, and now Prime Minister Mark Carney?
John Rustad has already introduced a bill targeting inter-provincial trade barriers, modelled on Nova Scotia’s successful approach. Premier Eby could have easily adopted and implemented this instead of opting for Bill 7, which grants the government more power than even the COVID measures. It allows the government to override existing laws and bypass the legislature in the name of "anticipated risks," a dangerous precedent.
Furthermore, Bill 7 permits the collection of personal data, raising serious privacy concerns. Moreover, Alaska has already threatened retaliation against B.C.’s cruise industry due to the trucking tax, which should be alarming for our tourism sector. The potential economic fallout from this should not be underestimated.
This is an issue that should concern every British Columbian who values our democracy, regardless of party affiliation. I urge everyone to pay attention to this important matter.
Lynne Block
West Vancouver
MLA Lynne Block represents the West Vancouver-Capilano riding as a member of the BC Conservative Party.
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