FRENCH CONNECTION: Elections ended with a hung jury

It was election night, and as I write this we still don’t know who won. Even knowing this, it would be strange to govern with two major rival parties so close in numbers. The two parties have a few things in common. Both appear to support repealing the carbon tax and continuing to use liquefied natural gas for export, but they disagree on some key issues, particularly the environment and climate change.

In fact, both sides missed the issue of climate change, nature issues were not much of a topic on the agenda. This was surprising considering the extreme weather conditions we experienced (floods, fires and drought). Wildfires are still burning in BC; Forget about what’s happening elsewhere in the world. But they disagree on most issues, and that’s the big problem.

It is not uncommon for British Columbians to become fed up with incumbent governments after two or three terms in office, regardless of whether they are right-wing, left-wing or centre-wing. We want someone new. Usually when we get rid of the IN party we do a good job of it and give the new faction at least a minority. Looks like we have a hung jury this time.

Regardless of whether the NDP or the Conservatives take the final victory, it is unlikely that either side will have a large majority when all the votes are counted. I don’t remember a time when British Columbians were this politically divided. There’s only one way to ensure we stay happy, healthy and safe, and that’s for all 93 MLAs to work together. So please, please, please, Mr. Rugstad and Mr. Eby, forget the pointing fingers and verbal attacks and remember that half the voters don’t want you.