By Vicki Huntington

The Liberals and NDP are telling Delta South voters two things: an independent has no ability to serve constituents, and an independent will have no influence. The first statement is untrue, and the second is disingenuous.

Secondly, no backbench MLA has any more opportunity in question period than does an independent. Question priod is structured to enable opposition critics to question ministers. The Speaker, however, maintains a list of MLAs who indicate an interest in putting forward a question, and as time permits they are recognized. An independent would receive that same courtesy from the Speaker of the house.

Thirdly, all MLAs are entitled to the same office privileges, which are controlled by the legislative comptroller. They receive the same constituency office space allowance and the same amount of money with which to pay staff. They are equally provided with all computers, Internet, phone, copier, and stationary. They receive the same start-up allowance, travel allowance, and capital city living allowance. And every MLA, including those who are independent, is entitled to an assignment of office space within the legislative building. In other words, I will not be sitting on the front steps with my laptop and a cellphone.

And whether an independent MLA has influence is an interesting question—and an important one.

In Delta South, the sitting MLA had absolutely no—zero—influence on government policy. She was a member of the government caucus and was utterly ineffective at changing the decision to industrialize the most valuable agricultural land in the country. In the last four years, not one decision was altered by our sitting government MLA. Despite her efforts, not one decision was influenced by our sitting MLA.

Significantly, party discipline also prevented her from publicly opposing government policy. In other words, being a party backbencher not only means having no influence on cabinet decisions, it also means you are muzzled. And that is true whether an MLA is in the government or opposition. Yes, partisan MLAs have the comfort of being a caucus member: but the question for the voters is whether being a backbench member means anything in the face of party policy.

Independents do not have the constraints forced upon partisan MLAs. I can do research on issues important to my riding—or on issues important to the broader public interest. I can speak openly about government policy. I can openly criticize government policy. In short, it if is good for Delta South, I will support the government. If it is bad, I will oppose it. My duty is to the people of Delta South: I will deliver their voice to Victoria—and will never be obliged to deliver Victoria’s voice to them.

The democratic process in this province is unhealthy; I believe the party system has failed us. Representing the people is no longer the purpose of our elected representatives; their new purpose is to represent their party and their first allegiance is to that party—not to their constituents.

Our duty as a people who live in a democracy is to ensure our representatives are held accountable. Without accountability, democracy withers and becomes meaningless.

It is time we said “no more”. And voting independent is one way we can send that message.

Vicki Huntington is an independent candidate for MLA in Delta South.