Login / RegisterFormer finance minister Colin Hansen won't seek reelection with B.C. Liberals
Colin Hansen is the latest high-profile B.C. Liberal MLA not seeking another term in 2013.
The former finance minister, who introduced the unpopular harmonized sales tax, confirmed this morning (September 21) that he will keep his seat in Vancouver-Quilchena until the next provincial election.
Hansen also announced that he will assume the role of deputy campaign manager for the B.C. Liberal campaign, saying he is "proud of what has been accomplished under the leadership of Premier Christy Clark".
"It is with very mixed emotions that I announce that I will not be seeking re-election," Hansen said in a statement. "By the time the election rolls around next May, I will have served as the MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena for 17 years. I have enjoyed each of those years."
In his statement, Hansen listed off the "many accomplishments" of the B.C. Liberal government, but conceded that it made mistakes in its handling of the HST.
"With regards to the HST issue, we did not do an adequate job in how decisions were made and how they were implemented and, as the Minister of Finance at the time, I take the responsibility for that," Hansen said.
"Many became convinced that we had planned the HST from before the election and that we had explicitly promised during the election that it would not be introduced. Neither of these perceptions is true and I accept responsibility for not being able to correct the public perception."
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Because Colin, that’s the only way to interpret your “apology” for “not being able to correct public perception”.
Obviously, you continue to cling to the notion that the public failed to grasp your brilliant tax policy initiative. All of us “little people” are really too dumb to keep up with your genius, right?
Here’s an alternative apology, based on honesty and reflection:
“I’m sorry that we failed to consult with the people of BC and rushed headlong into a major tax shift with nothing more than a quick slideshow for the media. I’m sorry that I didn’t point out the connection between a huge, hidden deficit and the bribe from Ottawa. I’m sorry that I destroyed the political career of my boss. And I’m sorry that I have destroyed the BC Liberal Party. Goodbye.”
Sadly the strongest trait you have is ego, and the weakest is intelligence and self esteem.