Bill Vander Zalm applauds B.C. First Party’s “totally different approach”

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      People who are tired of B.C.’s more-of-the-same kind of politics may want to take a look at some ideas the B.C. First Party is putting forward.

      How about electing a premier at large for a change? Or having a system that provides for free votes in the legislative assembly? Another idea is an easier process for initiatives, referenda, and recall so the government becomes more accountable to the people.

      B.C. First launched a revamped and better-looking website this summer, and its most prominent cheerer yet is Bill Vander Zalm.

      The former Social Credit premier emphasized, however, that he’s not returning to politics. “I’ve been there. I’ve done it all,” Vander Zalm said in a phone interview with the Straight.

      But he’s been aiding causes on the side. Like opponents of B.C. Hydro’s smart meters.

      Vander Zalm also helped the Sal Vetro-led B.C. First with some of their policies but he said that’s the extent of it. However, he encourages people to take a serious look at B.C. First.

      “They have a totally different approach to politics than what it is we’ve seen in the past, which is probably a very good thing,” Vander Zalm said.

      According to Vander Zalm, B.C. First is the only party that proposes “real change”.

      “Changing parties is not the answer anymore,” he said. “I think what needs to happen is that the system needs to be changed. I don’t know if B.C. First has all the answers but it goes a long way towards it. We need to change the system. Changing parties is like changing musical chairs.”

      Isn’t B.C. First a party too? It’s more of a movement, a coalition of independents, Vander Zalm said.

      Comments

      7 Comments

      Sean Smith

      Sep 19, 2012 at 1:40pm

      BC First is now being run by Sal " I've tried every Liberal and Right Wing Party that will have me" Vetro? What ever happened to Chris "I'm not getting my way in this party, so i am going to start another one that Sal can follow" Delany?

      GZLFB

      Sep 19, 2012 at 9:07pm

      Sal Vetro was a CAP Candidate in Van-East I think. I am not all that impressed by this. BCCP is still for me. I am fond of Vander Zalm, but not enough to attract my interest.

      Musical Chairs

      Sep 19, 2012 at 10:45pm

      "Changing parties is like changing musical chairs." -- says the man who went from the BC Liberals to Social Credit to Family Coalition to BC Unity to BC First. The only reason why Vander Zalm never joined the BC Conservatives was because his puppet Chris Delaney was unsuccessful in taking it over.

      GZLFB

      Sep 20, 2012 at 6:21pm

      Ah yes the Delaney/Hanni wars (BC First, guess Hanni lost another one). Oddly enough a sign that infighting made the BCCP stronger.

      cherylb

      Sep 21, 2012 at 5:17pm

      I hear that Chris Delaney is now a Republican in Florida.....

      GZLFB

      Sep 28, 2012 at 2:15am

      Destroying the infighting lost the BCCP a lot.

      Don Harrison

      Apr 25, 2013 at 8:13pm

      British Columbia is at a cross road as our premier continuously reminds us. I agree. B.C. is once again in the same position it was when W.A.C Bennet came on the scene with new ideas. B.C.First seems to be offering a chance for all the kitchen whiners to get involved and to put forth their ideas to be heard. I am sure that and if that stinking Liberal garbage can called B.C.Rail is ever opened up and examined properly their will be some Liberal party M.L.As that will be candidates for the crow bar hotel.I will never understand why the Liberals paid $8000000.00 in legal fees for two confessed criminals.