BC CONSERVATIVES REACT TO CAROL TAYLOR’S BUDGET SPEECH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2007

Cranbrook: BC Conservative Leader Wilf Hanni says he has mixed feelings about the Liberal Budget. He commended the Liberals on their 10% tax cut for individuals as well as their measures to provide social housing and an increase in the rate of social assistance.

However, he said he was disappointed that the Government failed to make any effort to reduce the Provincial debt, now at $40 Billion. He pointed out that, when the NDP was in power, the Liberals said that the Provincial debt -- then pegged at approximately $30 billion -- was out of control. But now that the Liberals are responsible for a $40 billion debt that they call “manageable”.

Hanni said he would have liked to see some other measures in the budget, including;

1. a legislated debt retirement plan that would mandate annual debt reduction equivalent to 3% of provincial revenue, Alberta Conservatives introduced a legislated debt plan and now has no debt;
2. expand the purview of the Auditor General's office, to include municipal governments and regional districts;
3. introduce legislative changes to allow greater competition in the provision of auto insurance;
4. make health care more accessible to British Columbians by rescinding section 45 of The Medicare Protection Act, that prohibits the purchase of private medical insurance, so the taxpayers can indulge in a true debate on the sustainability, and patient choice, in delivering timely health care to all British Columbians
5. completely eliminate the "Property Transfer Tax" not just for first time home buyers, thereby providing long-term sustainability across the whole real-estate and housing sector, the corporate sector, and help provide assistance to Farmers who are either exiting or entering the Agriculture sector.
6. implement a zero deductible cost of production based BC Crop Insurance program for all "open market" agricultural commodity groups. Provide $ 403 Million to protect and support BC Farmers. Agriculture funding in BC is ranked "10 tenth lowest," last in Canada.
7. replace the current "Graduated Income Tax" with a "Single Rate of Personal Income Tax" by 2010.
8. match EcoTrust funding announced by Stephen Harper’s Federal Conservatives in combating greenhouse gas emissions, smog and air pollution as part of a 2007 BC Budget.
   

Hanni concluded, "Since Gordon Campbell will not implement these changes, the BC Conservatives will, as soon as we form the Government of British Columbia!”

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BC CONSERVATIVES CALL FOR TAXCUTS & DEBT CONTROL MEASURES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2007

Cranbrook: On the eve of Gordon Campbell's throne speech, BC Conservative Leader Wilf Hanni calls on the Campbell Liberals to deliver some very overdue tax relief and debt reduction to all British Columbians. "After another year of billion dollar surpluses and a 2006 Budget that focused on public sector compensation exceeding $6 Billion, social spending programs and the skyrocketing cost overruns of the 2010 Olympics, it's finally time to pay the piper" Mr. Campbell," stated Hanni.

The BC Conservatives challenge the BC Liberals to get serious about taking control of the Province's sky-rocketing debt, introducing meaning tax relief, and reform for all British Columbians -- as well as start the process of moving British Columbia forward in achieving a
sustainable healthcare system. BC Conservatives call on the Gordon Campbell Liberals in
delivering their 2007 Budget to implement the following legislative and budgetary measures:

1. a legislated debt retirement plan that would mandate annual debt reduction equivalent to 3% of provincial revenue, Alberta Conservatives introduced a legislated debt plan and now has no debt;
2. provide all budgetary increases to the Auditor General, and Information and Privacy Commissioner so they can fulfill their mandates;
3. enact a "2010 Olympic Transparency Plan" to track all related infrastructure and trademark spending, including all previously committed capital spending to date, for public review;
4. expand the purview of the Auditor General's office, to include municipal governments and regional districts;
5. introduce legislative changes to allow greater competition in the provision of auto insurance;
6. open up public debate on the "conversation on health care" by rescinding section 45 of The Medicare Protection Act, that prohibits the purchase of private medical insurance, so the taxpayers can indulge in a true debate on the sustainability, and patient choice, in delivering timely health care to all British Columbians;
7. raise the basic personal income tax exemption to $15,500.00, which would put an extra $400.00 in every taxpayer’s pocket, and remove approximately 230,000 low income earners from BC's tax rolls, instead of increasing welfare payments.
8. eliminate the "Property Transfer Tax" in Budget 2007, providing long-term sustainability across the whole real-estate and housing sector, the corporate sector, and help provide assistance to Farmers who are either exiting or entering the Agriculture sector.
9. implement a zero deductible cost of production based BC Crop Insurance program for all "open market" agricultural commodity groups. Provide $ 403 Million to protect and support BC Farmers. Agriculture funding in BC is ranked "10 tenth lowest," last in Canada.
10. replace the current "Graduated Income Tax" with a "Single Rate of Personal Income Tax" by 2010.
11. match EcoTrust funding announced by Stephen Harper’s Federal Conservatives in combating greenhouse gas emissions, smog and air pollution as part of a 2007 BC Budget.
    

Hanni concluded, "If Gordon Campbell does not implement these changes, The BC Conservatives will, as soon as we form the Government of British Columbia.”

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BC CONSERVATIVE PARTY UNVEILS ENVIRONMENT POLICIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 11, 2007

Cranbrook: BC Conservative Party Leader Wilf Hanni unveiled his Party’s Environment policies today. “We are proud to announce the formation of a number of policy initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the province of British Columbia,” said Hanni. “Under the watchful eyes of the Carol James NDP Party, and the ruling Gordon Campbell Liberal Party, greenhouse gas emissions have soared out of control. Between 1990 and 2004, Greenhouse Gas Emissions have risen 30 per cent under the NDP and Liberal watchdogs”.

“Approximately 40 per cent of all B.C. Greenhouse Gas Emissions come from transportation, including private cars,” said Hanni.

As the first part of the BC Conservatives "Go Green Energy Policy" the BC Conservative Party is announcing the following Automobile Emission targets aimed at reducing green house gases, smog and air pollution.

A BC Conservative government would pass legislation calling for automobile emissions to be reduced to 1990 levels by 2025, meaning an overall emissions reduction of about 30 per cent. A BC Conservative government would mandate automobile manufactures to reduce car emissions on new cars to be sold in British Columbia, as early as 2010.

“If, by 2050 we can reduce automobile emissions by 50 percent, we as a society will really have accomplished something “stated Hanni. “It's time to act. The NDP and Liberals have had 14 years to get it done. The BC Conservatives Stand for Action on Climate Change and Protecting the Environment.

Another major thrust of the BC Conservative’s environmental policy is the establishment of incentives for Industry to develop non polluting renewable resources such as tidal power, wind power and hydrogen.

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BILL BENNETT'S RESIGNATION WELCOMED BY BC CONSERVATIVES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 7, 2007

Cranbrook: BC Conservative Leader Wilf Hanni,welcomed the resignation of East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett as Minister of State for Mining.

MLA Bill Bennett was supporting a proposal to take wildlife allocations away from resident hunters and give them to non-resident hunters who rely on Guide/Outfitters to allow them to hunt in British Columbia .

At least one member of the committee that came up with the proposal, which has been endorsed by Bill Bennett, is a guest of a local Guide/Outfitter, whenever she visits the Kootenays. In addition, Bill Bennett was once a part owner of a Guide/Outfitter company.

The current Wildlife Allocation Proposal would see as much as 50% of all hunting in British Columbia.

Reserved for Guide/Outfitters and their non-resident customers at the expense of resident hunters, who live and work in British Columbia and contribute far more to the economy of this province than any non-resident hunter.

Hanni charged that the Liberal Government is intent on selling off the back country to non-residents and do not care one bit about the interests of the resident hunters who don’t have to hire Guide/Outfitters in order to hunt in their own backyard. “This is a terrible display of arrogance,” stated Hanni, “and although Bill Bennett resigned because of his lack of judgment in referring to a constituent as 'an American spy', and using foul language in a written communication, he should have been forced to resign over his support of the current wildlife allocation proposal. The resident hunters are being shafted in an attempt to provide more money to Guide/Outfitters and to the Government of British Columbia.”

Hanni stated that he fully supports the resident hunters’ efforts to get a moratorium on the wildlife allocation proposal. “Some things are more important than money,” stated Hanni, “like preserving a way of life.”

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BC LIBERAL GOVERNMENT GUILTY OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 21, 2006

Cranbrook: BC Conservative Leader Wilf Hanni claimed today that the BC Government is guilty of racial discrimination in its dealing with the Tsawwassen Indian Band.

The government wants to expand the Roberts Bank superport to facilitate the increase in Asian trade. “This is commendable,” said Hanni, “except that they want to show favouritism to the Tsawwassen Indian Band, in order to accomplish this”. Part of the Treaty being negotiated with the Tsawwassen Band is a huge chunk (approximately 400 hectares) of prime agricultural land. A large portion of this land is to be removed from the ALR and rezoned for industrial and residential use to permit the Tsawwassen band to expand roads and container facilities. These roads and facilities are essential for the expansion of the Roberts Bank superport, and to build a lucrative housing development -- in addition to other commercial developments.

“Of course, the Tsawwassen Band is in favour of this proposed agreement,” said Hanni. “Who wouldn’t be; they stand to make millions of dollars. However, it is at the expense of losing a tract of British Columbia’s best agricultural land forever. If ever, there was a case for maintaining the ALR land base, this is it.”

Hanni pointed out that a great many residents of British Columbia have suffered as a result of the imposition of the ALR on huge tracts of land in the Interior that are totally uneconomic because they are not suited for agriculture. “These lands have no agricultural value whatsoever, and should not have been included in the ALR to begin with. Now, the government refuses to remove these parcels from the ALR so that they can be utilized for urban expansion or commercial development,” added Hanni. "But they are willing to remove prime agricultural land from the ALR in order to get their seaport expansion and satisfy the Tsawwassen Indian band. This is not fair and equal treatment for everyone under the law. This is race based politics at its worst.”

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BC LIBERAL GOVERNMENT WASTES BILLIONS ON FERRIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 9, 2006

Cranbrook: British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. recently announced a $28 million dollar "upgrade" to four loading bays at Horseshoe Bay (near West Vancouver) and Departure Bay (near Nanaimo). This followed an announcement that they were having three new giant car and truck ferries made in Germany. In total, this corporation plans to spend $200 million on ramps and bays and $2.5 billion on boats.

BC Conservative Leader Wilf Hanni said today said that this money would be better spent on a new bridge between Vancouver Island and the Mainland, which would be a far better addition to our highway system than new ferries would be. It would also create work for British Columbians.

”Let’s not get rid of the car ferries yet,” said Hanni. “People who travel to the Island depend on them. But, let’s keep using the recently overhauled ferries on the Horseshoe Bay/Departure Bay route. They would be fine for another decade or two, at least, giving us plenty of time to complete the bridge.”

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BC LIBERAL GOVERNMENT ENDANGERS LIVES OF EAST KOOTENAY RESIDENTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 6, 2006

Cranbrook: BC Conservative Leader Wilf Hanni said today that he is very concerned by the BC Liberal Government’s continuing cuts to Health Care Services in the Interior of the Province. Hanni said that, citing Budget shortfalls, the BC Liberal Government has dramatically reduced the quality of Health Care in the Interior of the Province over the last few years, at considerable risk to the health and safety of the residents. “After balancing the budget, we expected Campbell to restore some essential services or at least maintain the status quo,” said Hanni. “Instead, we have learned that these dangerous and life threatening budget cuts are continuing, The single remaining ambulance driver in the Elk Valley has now been laid off and replaced with a part-time on call person.”

The loss of full time staff means our ambulance service will have absolutely no continuity, grounding or mentoring. BC Ambulance has also cancelled the training of their staff to national standards of competency. It has also started the practice of hiring untrained and inexperienced Ambulance attendants off the street to cover the vacant full time ambulance positions. Our area is losing qualified Paramedics to other communities because of theses cut backs.

“These decisions by the BC Ambulance Management are killing our ambulance services and putting countless lives at risk,” said Hanni. “The Elk Valley and the East Kootenays are busier and busier every year. Our communities are growing and our hospitals and ambulance services are getting over worked. It does not make sense to continue making cut-backs”

Hanni called on the BC Liberal Government to reconsider this decision and restore the full time positions immediately, before someone in the East Kootenay loses their life because of these cut-backs.

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BC CONSERVATIVE PARTY HOLDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2006

Kelowna: The British Columbia Conservative held its 2006 Annual General Meeting at the Best Western Inn in Kelowna last weekend.

Party Leader Wilf Hanni stated that it was an excellent meeting with many positive results for the Party.

The Party elected a new Board of Directors, including:
• President: Shirley Abraham of North Vancouver
• Vice President: Bob Eedy of Kamloops
• Secretary: Alan Clarke of Kelowna
• Treasurer: Garry Rieger of Kelowna
• Directors: Patrick Burke of Fernie, John Hallam of Hixon, Sharon Israelson of Armstrong, Del Israelson of Armstrong, Miles Lehn of Vernon, Wayne McGrath of Vernon, Grant Mitton of Dawson Creek, Gill Picard of Abbotsford, Art Robatzek of Vernon, John Weintraub of Vancouver, and Kevin Wendland of Lumby.

Ryan Warawa remains on the board as Past President. Bob Eedy, Alan Clarke, and Garry Rieger all served as Directors last year. Wayne McGrath and Sharon Israelson served as Vice President and Treasurer respectively last year. Shirley Abraham, John Hallam, Miles Lehn, Grant Mitton and Kevin Wendland are all new to the Board.

A number of new policies were also approved, including:
• Reduction of PST from 7% to 6%
• Current personal income taxes would be replaced by a single flat rate of personal income tax
• Zero based budgeting for provincial expenditures
• Elimination of the BC Property Transfer Tax
• No implementation of tolls on existing highways
• Elections for local police boards
• Direct elections for TransLink Board of Directors
• Elected regional health authorities and hospital boards
• Holding a Spring and Fall sitting of the Legislature each year
• Co-operating with the federal government to amend the federal Constitution to include Property Rights
• Amendment of the Mineral Tenure Act to prohibit unathorized access to private property for mineral exploration
• Regulate the sale of materials used in the production of crystal methamphetamine
• Loss of one’s drivers license for three offences of street racing.

Other measures that were approved were moving the Head Office from Vancouver to Kelowna and a Leader's tour: planned for next spring.

Hanni said that he is very pleased with the composition of the new Board, as well as the new initiatives that have been approved, and expects great things to happen over the next 12 months.

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BC CONSERVATIVE PARTY ANNOUNCES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 6, 2006

Cranbrook: British Columbia Conservative Leader Wilf Hanni announced today that his Party will hold its 2006 Annual General Meeting On October 21st and 22nd at the Best Western Inn in Kelowna.

The media and the public are welcome to attend. There will be a registration fee for members of the public as well as Party Members who wish to attend.

Hanni said it promises to be an interesting meeting as a new President and Vice President will be elected, as well as several new Directors. The retiring President and Vice President will stay on the Board of Directors as Past President and Director-at-Large, respectively.

Hanni will address the delegates at a Dinner on the evening of October 21st.

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BC CONSERVATIVE LEADER CONDEMNS CAMPBELL’S ARROGANCE IN CANCELLING FALL SESSION OF LEGISLATURE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2006

Cranbrook: BC Conservative Leader Wilf Hanni today called on Premier Campbell to reconsider his plan to cancel the fall session of the Legislature.

Hanni said, “There is really only one difference between a Parliamentary Democracy and a Dictatorship. A Dictatorship has a President or Premier and a Cabinet who are called upon to govern the people, just like a Parliamentary Democracy. The only difference is that the government, in a Parliamentary Democracy is accountable to the Legislative Assembly, which consists of Legislators elected by the people to hold the government accountable for their actions.”

Hanni went on to say that by unilaterally deciding that the Legislature will not sit this fall, Premier Campbell has crossed the line. He is, in effect, now the Dictator of British Columbia, because the democratically elected assembly is not being allowed to meet in order to hold Campbell and his Cabinet accountable to them, on behalf of the people, for his actions.

Hanni called on Premier Campbell to reconsider this move, which constitutes a serious threat to Democracy in British Columbia. He went on to claim that a BC Conservative Government would be even more democratic than anything British Columbians have ever seen because it would allow individual MLAs a free vote in the Legislature so that they could represent their constituents ahead of their party and would reform the existing Recall Legislation so that voters could fire any MLA that fails to represent them in the Legislature.

Hanni declared that, after this action by the Premier, any vote for the Liberals in any future election in British Columbia is a vote for a dictatorship, while any vote for the Conservatives is a vote for a far more democratic province than we have ever had.

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BC CONSERVATIVE LEADER ANNOUNCES PROVINCE WIDE PETITIONS FOR SENATE ELECTIONS AND PREFERENTIAL BALLOTING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 2, 2006

Cranbrook: BC Conservative Leader Wilf Hanni announced the start of two Province-wide petitions, urging Premier Campbell and the BC Liberal government to improve the democratic process in British Columbia.

The first petition urges Premier Campbell to participate in Senate Reform by holding elections for the six Senate positions in British Columbia in conjunction with the next Provincial Election. "Campbell says he is dedicated to electoral reform in British Columbia," said Hanni. "Here is an opportunity for him to prove it!"

Hanni said the Opposition NDP have already demonstrated their support for Senate reform. "In 1997", said Hanni, the NDP Government passed a private member's bill, M 202 - 1997, which called for the election of six federal Senators from British Columbia in conjunction with the provincial election." Although this bill had a sunset clause, Hanni said that it could easily be revived with a simple motion in the Legislature.

Hanni stated that it is BC Conservative policy to hold senatorial elections for the six Senate seats in British Columbia. "If Premier Campbell fails to take up this challenge and hold Senate elections in conjunction with the next provincial election," said Hanni, "the first British Columbia Conservative government that is elected will do it in conjunction with the provincial election that follows."

The second petition also deals with electoral reform by urging Premier Campbell and the BC Liberal government to utilize "Preferential Balloting" for the election of MLAs in the 2009 provincial election. "Premier Campbell has rejected the BC-STV system," said Hanni, "because it was too complicated and too expensive to implement. Here is an opportunity for him to utilize a very simple and cost effective alternative to the current first past the post system -- one that will eliminate the fear of splitting the vote, which is the biggest problem we have with the current system."

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