Paul Forseth - Conservative Candidate for BC Conservatives - New Westminster

Harper's Vision

2012-01-27T20:42:00.000-08:00

Typically the media and the NDP read-into the speech what their bias thinks they hear, rather than what was actually said. Where are the plans to gut Old Age Security or to completely skew Immigration and so forth. It is just not there, so read the actual comments in full for yourself. Nothing scary here. PF

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada at the World Economic Forum

January 26, 2012 Davos, SwitzerlandPrime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland:
“Thank you Professor Schwab for that kind introduction, I also want to thank you particularly for the invitation to speak here that you extended to me earlier this year. But more than that, Professor, you have made the World Economic Forum an indispensable part of the global conversation among leaders in politics, business, and civil society. And in the face of continuing global economic instability, the opportunity this gathering provides is now more valuable than ever. So I know everyone here joins me in thanking you for, in service of the common good, your vision and your leadership.

“My Greetings to Ambassador Santi; to the Governor of the Bank of Canada, known internationally as Chair of the Financial Stability Board, Mark Carney; to our hard-working Minister of International Trade, Ed Fast; and to the best finance minister on the planet, Jim Flaherty. And let me just say that I’m especially proud to see so many outstanding Canadian business leaders making their presence felt here in Davos.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I will use my time today to highlight Canada’s economic strengths and to frame the choices we face as we work to secure long-term prosperity for our citizens in a difficult global environment that is likely to remain so.

“As you know, Canada has economically outperformed most industrialized countries during these recent difficult years for the global economy.

“Forbes magazine ranks Canada as the best place on the planet for businesses to grow and create jobs. The OECD and the IMF predict our economy will again be among the leaders of the industrialized world over the next two years.

“And, one more cherished accolade, of course, is that for the fourth year in a row, this body, the World Economic Forum, says our banks are the soundest in the world.

“These evaluations are the result of sound fundamentals. Among G-7 countries, Canada has the lowest overall tax rate on new business investment. Our net debt-to-GDP ratio remains the lowest in the G-7 – and by far.

“And, while we remain concerned about the number of Canadians who are still out of work, Canada is one of only two G-7 countries to have recouped all of the jobs lost during the global recession.

“Indeed, more Canadians are now working, than before the downturn. How was this achieved?

“Faced with the worst global economic crisis since the 1930s, our Government implemented some of the most extensive and targeted economic stimulus measures of the G-20.

“We made historic investments in infrastructure. We encouraged businesses to invest and helped them to avoid layoffs. We put substantial funding into skills training, and we extended support for workers who lost their jobs.

“These things we did on a timely, targeted and temporary basis. We did not create permanent new programs or government bureaucracy. As a consequence, our deficit is now falling, our debt-GDP ratio has already peaked and we do not need to raise taxes. I should add that we also did not reduce immigration or give in to protectionism.
“Instead, we have maintained the high levels of immigration that our ageing labour force of the future will require. We have continued to pursue new trade agreements.

“And we have taken action to make Canada, among G-20 countries, the first tariff-free zone for manufacturers. We have pursued these policies, Ladies and gentlemen, because our number-one priority as a government is prosperity, that is, economic growth and job creation.

“Now, that may sound obvious, almost clichéd. But is it really? As I look around the world, as I look particularly at developed countries, I ask whether the creation of economic growth, and therefore jobs, really is the number-one policy priority everywhere?

“Or is it the case, that in the developed world too many of us have, in fact, become complacent about our prosperity, taking our wealth as a given, assuming it is somehow the natural order of things, leaving us instead to focus primarily on our services and entitlements?

“Is it a coincidence that as the veil falls on the financial crisis, it reveals beneath it, not just too much bank debt, but too much sovereign debt, too much general willingness to have standards and benefits beyond our ability or even willingness to pay for them?
“I don’t know. But what I do know is this. First, that the wealth of western economies is no more inevitable than the poverty of emerging ones, and that the wealth we enjoy today has been based on – and only on – the good, growth-oriented policies, the right, often tough choices and the hard work done in the past.

“And second, that regardless of what direction other western nations may choose, under our Government, Canada will make the transformations necessary to sustain economic growth, job creation and prosperity now and for the next generation.

“That further means two things: making better economic choices now and preparing ourselves now for the demographic pressures the Canadian economy faces.

“On what we must do now, first, we will, of course, continue to keep tax rates down. That is central to our Government’s economic vision. But we will do more, much more. In the months to come our Government will undertake major transformations to position Canada for growth over the next generation.

“For example, we will continue to make the key investments in science and technology necessary to sustain a modern competitive economy. But we believe that Canada’s less than optimal results for those investments is a significant problem for our country.

“We have recently received a report on this – the Jenkins Report – and we will soon act on the problems the report identifies.

“We will continue to advance our trade linkages. We will pass agreements signed, particularly in our own hemisphere, and we will work to conclude major deals beyond it.
“We expect to complete negotiations on a Canada-EU free trade agreement this year. We will work to complete negotiations on a free trade agreement with India in 2013. And we will begin entry talks with the Trans-Pacific Partnership, while also pursuing other avenues to advance our trade with Asia. Of course, I will again be making an official visit to China very shortly.

“We will also continue working with the Obama administration to implement our joint ‘Beyond the Border’ initiative – our plan to strengthen and deepen our economic and security links to our most important partner.

“However, at the same time, we will make it a national priority to ensure we have the capacity to export our energy products beyond the United States and specifically to Asia. In this regard, we will soon take action to ensure that major energy and mining projects are not subject to unnecessary regulatory delays – that is, delay merely for the sake of delay.

“This complements work we are already doing, and that we will move forward on, with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to cut the burden of red tape on entrepreneurs.

“We will also undertake significant reform of our immigration system. We will ensure that, while we respect our humanitarian obligations and family reunification objectives, we make our economic and labour force needs the central goal of our immigration efforts in the future.

“As I said earlier, one of the backdrops for my concerns is Canada’s ageing population. If not addressed promptly this has the capacity to undermine Canada’s economic position, and for that matter, that of all western nations, well beyond the current economic crises.
“Immigration does help us address that and will even more so in the future. Our demographics also constitute a threat to the social programs and services that Canadians cherish. For this reason, we will be taking measures in the coming months, not just to return to a balanced budget in the medium term, but also to ensure the sustainability of our social programs and fiscal position over the next generation.

“We have already taken steps to limit the growth of our health care spending over that period. We must do the same for our retirement income system. Fortunately, the centerpiece of that system, the Canada Pension Plan, is fully funded, actuarially sound and does not need to be changed. For those elements of the system that are not funded, we will make the changes necessary to ensure sustainability for the next generation while not affecting current recipients.

“Let me summarize by saying, ladies and gentlemen, that, notwithstanding Canada’s many advantages, we remain very concerned about the continuing instability of the global economy of which we are a part. The problems afflicting Europe, and for that matter, the United States, are not only challenging today but, in my judgement, threaten to be even greater problems in the future.

“Having said that, each nation has a choice to make. Western nations, in particular, face a choice of whether to create the conditions for growth and prosperity, or to risk long-term economic decline. In every decision, or failure, to decide we are choosing our future right now.

“And, as we all know, both from the global crises of the past few years and from past experience in our own countries, easy choices now mean fewer choices later.

“Canada’s choice will be, with clarity and urgency, to seize and to master our future, to be a model of confidence, growth, and prosperity in the 21st century.

“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for your kind attention.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

2011-12-31T09:36:00.000-08:00

I wish you the very best. I trust that you will choose to be your best self; we all affect so many. Choose wisely from compassion rather than resentment. With a thankful attitude, may we build a better future that we can proudly leave for our children. Happy 2012 !

Christmas

2011-12-23T11:56:00.000-08:00

New flag in New Westminster at Royal and Stewartson,

raised for the first time at 10:30am Dec 23, 2011

Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends, and to look back with thanks, and to look forward with hope. In spite of global troubles, Canada has performed well compared to other countries. We are fortunate.

The Christmas spirit means each one doing their share, and being especially considerate of others. We honour the Christmas story and message.

Christmas in our hearts means that we will keep promoting the things that unite us as Canadians. Let us remember those who are less fortunate. Let us honour our men and women in uniform. Let us give thanks for our great country. I wish you the best for the holiday season, and for the year to come.

What is clear !

2011-12-20T17:44:00.000-08:00

What is CLEAR !

The BC Liberals are not going to win the next election (for sure).

The Provincial Conservative-Liberal coalition is over.

The BC Conservatives are here to stay.

The BC Liberals have broken democratic faith with citizens.

History has proven that NDP socialism has no answer for the economic dilemma.

Now is the time to build a conservative movement, to protect our Province, and realistically face future challenges.

Go to “www.bcconservative.ca” and use your credit card to join up.

The BC Conservative Team is ready to serve.

Now there is a credible choice !

Join the BC Conservatives

2011-12-01T23:43:00.000-08:00

Paul Forseth and John Cummins BC Conservative Leader

The Provincial Conservative-Liberal coalition is over.

Now there is a credible choice!

The BC Liberals have broken democratic faith with citizens.

History has proven that NDP socialism has no answer for the economic dilemma.

It is time to build a conservative movement, to protect our Province, and realistically face future challenges

Leader John Cummins and the BC Conservative Team is ready to serve

Some Basics

*Clearly defined public programs that are affordable and effective, for which delivery is accountable to all British Columbians.

*Managing government to the highest standards of integrity and transparency.

*Governments at all levels are responsible to serve and respect all individuals and their families, including freedom from unnecessary law, regulation, and excessive government.
*Members of the Legislative Assembly are primarily responsible to represent their Constituents, rather than Party or Leader.

*Restructuring the taxation system to maximize benefits for all citizens.

*Competitive free enterprise system as the basis for prosperity and growth.

*Protection and management of the environment and natural resources to optimize benefits, now and the future.

*Rigorous system of law and order, focusing on the rights of victims and the protection of the public.

*Patient-centered health care, and student-focused education.

*Inter-Provincial “Free Trade” across Canada.

*Equality of opportunity for all British Columbians, with special privileges for none.

Paul Forseth and John Cummins were both elected to the federal House of Commons in 1993. They remained together as part of their political caucus until 2006.

Paul says, “After a full career as a Court Officer in the Justice System, I was elected to protect our community from fiscal mismanagement and inadequate legal responses to crime.”

Paul Forseth was elected four times, and also was a federal candidate in the 2011 election.

“I offer my years of public service and legislative experience to my home town. New Westminster is not doomed to repeat the results of so many previous elections.” “I offer a credible choice, and trust voter turnout will respond.”

Join for CHANGE !

The easiest way to join is to open the web site, and use your credit card.

Show your solidarity with those who are supporting choice and change. Join the group who will work effectively for the community, and responsibly represent our City in the BC Legislature.

Join at >>> www.bcconservative.ca www.paulforseth.ca

e-mail forsethpaul@hotmail.com

* * * * * * *
BC Conservative Riding Association for New Westminster
#702 - 1245 Quayside Drive, New Westminster V3M6J6
Phone: 604-520-0254

There is a choice !

Paul Forseth and the BC Conservatives for New Westminster

BC Conservatives on the move !

2011-09-26T16:35:00.001-07:00

TIMES COLONIST

B.C. Conservative leader John Cummins strikes law-and-order theme
By Les Leyne, Times Colonist September 25, 2011

Conservative leader John Cummins hardened up his party's unabashedly right-wing platform Saturday with a couple of law-and-order pitches.

Ten years ago, there wouldn't have been much ground to be gained by the B.C. Conservatives.

The Liberals were the tax-slashing, government-shrinking right-wingers and everybody knew it. But they gradually drifted back into the centre, which is where the New Democratic Party has been wandering around.

Both of them have to be moderate and careful these days not to lose balance and offend anyone.

Which leaves Cummins clear to camp on the right wing and fire at will.

With sworn testimony at an inquiry now establishing that 97 per cent of salmon caught by natives for "food, social and ceremonial purposes" is actually sold illegally for cold, hard cash, Cummins advocated a provincial crackdown on a federal problem.

He said provincial wildlife officers and the police should be empowered to enforce the federal law.

"If B.C. takes that position that, 'If the feds aren't going to do the job, we're going to do it for them,' maybe we can embarrass them into doing their job."

Cummins also advocated allowing police to lay charges, rather than Crown counsel.

The process varies across Canada, but Cummins said the B.C. system lets too many people off. Overworked prosecutors choose cases with the highest chance of conviction.

Conservatives want police to make the charging decisions, and they want more prosecutors hired so more trials proceed.

More than 150 people turned out at the party's annual meeting. Cummins, approaching the four-month mark in his leadership, rallied them with some attacks on special interest groups and wasteful spending.

"Imagine a B.C. where parents and students are the clients of the education system, not the teachers union," he said.

"Where branches of government do not hand out free crack pipes . Where B.C. Ferries is part of the highway system, not an extravagant Crown corporation with vanity advertising, lavish offices and a million-dollar CEO."

He rapped Premier Christy Clark for responding to the federal rejection of Taseko's mine proposal by urging the company to "seek a new deal with the local native bands."

Cummins said that huge investment is now "being held for ransom and shaken down for more money with the active participation of our rookie Liberal premier."

He also slammed Clark's increase in the minimum wage as a job killer that will cost millions of dollars.

Cummins said there is a "realignment" underway in the province. The Liberals and NDP are growing closer together, to the point where he "can't tell the difference" between the solutions they offer.

His takeover of the Conservatives created a bubble of interest in the often-overlooked party. Most of it was based on the novel concept of a professional politician being in charge of the party. The enthusiasm was still evident at the meeting, where they boasted about membership, fundraising and the creation of 60 constituency groups so far.

Whether he can sustain it depends on whether people buy into his vision of where the province should go.

Toward the end of his speech, he referred directly to the model he has in mind.

It was the W.A.C. Bennett government of 50 years ago. Cummins worked on the Bennett dam and has fond memories of the buzz in the air at the time, when B.C. was the place to be.

It's more or less the same vision Clark spent a week trying to outline with her "Canada starts here" theme.

They're just approaching it from opposition directions.

Just So You Know: The precise road map for how to get there was thrashed out in policy discussions all day Saturday. But they were all held behind closed doors, with no media allowed. Cummins may be ready for prime time, but they're not quite ready to share their thought processes with the public yet.

lleyne@timescolonist.com

© Copyright (c) The Victoria Times Colonist
************************************************************************

THE PROVINCE

Cummins rallies B.C. Conservative faithful at Nanaimo AGM
By Chris Koehn, Daily News September 24, 2011

A grassroots conservative political movement that is generating interest across the province has spread to Vancouver Island.

The B.C. Conservative Party met on Saturday in Nanaimo to elect a new board and develop its policy document from which to form the basis of their political platform. The annual general meeting featured a rousing speech from party leader John Cummins who also teased his party’s platform when he announced two key conservative policies.

One rancher with land on the Island and in the Southern Interior believes that Cummins’ leadership will wrangle B.C. towards a new heyday, and their growing following has the B.C. Liberals in full attack mode.

The party has yet to bring together a full-slate of candidates and its platform isn’t set in stone, but Cummins said he is pleased with the way fundraising efforts and the party’s growth has come along.

“This is really just the beginning,” Cummins said. “The policies we’re coming up with today will be broad strokes of where we want to go.”

During his speech, Cummins was able to elaborate on two areas in the party platform, which involve expanded powers for law enforcement.

“A new B.C. Conservative government would restore the ability of the police to lay charges, which combined with more prosecutors, will allow more criminal trials to go forward,” Cummins said.

The party would also give the same powers to wildlife officers to better enforce salmon fishery laws and jail anyone profiting from fish caught under “native food, social and ceremonial licenses,” Cummins explained.

Because B.C. Liberal cuts to prosecutors in 2009 have strained the court system, Cummins said that police only recommend charges to the Crown, who then in turn choose only those cases with the highest chance of conviction. This is why there have been no convictions for the Stanley Cup Riots, Cummins said.

“Almost four months have passed and not one of these rioters that we watched on TV has been charged. Not one. ‘Christy’s Kids’ the bloggers have dubbed them,” he said. “Justice delayed is justice denied to the many victims of the riot and to the embarrased citizens of British Columbia and with each passing day, the message goes out that you can break the law in British Columbia and get away with it.”

In his speech, Cummins also described a B.C. that is friendly to families and business. He also promised a return to the province’s former glory.

Brad Chappel breeds livestock on Vancouver Island and south of Kamloops. He’s convinced that Cummins is the one who will bring an agricultural policy that can both sustain his industry and keep farmers and ranchers afloat. That alone will be enough to challenge the current regime, he said.

“I think it’s going to be a real barn-burner between the Liberals and the Conservatives,” Chappel asserted. “B.C. hasn’t had a real ‘ag’ policy for 25 years.”

He said that Cummins’ appeal to the average family is his strength and that’s why the Liberals are attacking him, Chappel said.

“They’re calling him an NDPer because they’re worried about him.”

During his speech, Cummins acknowledged the Liberals’ attack ads.

He said that the Liberals’ attack ads announced to the public and the press gallery that “we in fact had arrived” and that the Liberals see them as a threat.

The ad campaign focuses on criticism leveled by Cummins at the premier’s job creation strategy, but B.C. Liberals say that the new B.C. Conservative leader hasn’t even given the plan a chance.

“It’s a shame, really. Protecting and creating jobs shouldn’t be a partisan issue,” stated Mary Polak, MLA for Langley and Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.

“Most people would wait to hear the full details of the plan before condemning it. John seems like the kind of guy who walks out halfway through the movie, and then writes a bad review,” she said.

The rest of the meeting was spent in closed-doors policy-making meetings to hammer out a platform based on revamping the educational system and reviewing minimum wage laws.

The new executive was elected as follows: Reed Elley, president; Ben Besler, vice-president; Carolyn Evans, secretary and Lambert Leung, treasurer.

Members at large include: Hamish Marshall, Andrea Smith, Jeff Bridge, Al Siebring, Linda Bellamy, John Crocock, Ryan Warawa, Ian Pyper and John Martin.

ckoehn@nanaimodailynews.com
© Copyright (c) The Province

BC Conservative Party

2011-08-30T18:26:00.000-07:00

Former Conservative MP hopes to run provincially in New Westminster

By Doug Ward, Vancouver Sun August 30, 2011

Former Conservative MP Paul Forseth is seeking the provincial Conservative nomination in New Westminster.

Forseth, who was a MP from B.C. between 1993 to 2006 for the Reform, Canadian Alliance and Conservative parties, said he was urged to not run for the fledgling provincial Tories by B.C. Liberal members who fear vote-splitting on the centre-right will only help the NDP.
Forseth, a 64-year-old retired former probation officer, believes the B.C. Liberal Party under Premier Christy Clark, a long-time federal Liberal, is losing its ability to unite federal Conservative and Liberal supporters against the New Democrats.

"The B.C. Liberal coalition is kind of coming to its shelf-life end," said Forseth, who said he has voted for the B.C. Liberals in the past but has not been a member.

Forseth added that vote-splitting won't be a factor in New Westminster because the B.C. Liberals have no chance at taking the riding, which has traditionally been a strong NDP riding and is currently held by New Democrat Dawn Black who is not seeking re-election.

© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Former+Conservative+hopes+provincially+Westminster/5329749/story.html