YOUR PERSPECTIVE: NDP must show leadership on transit strike

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In fact, last year, the NDP failed to step in during the Sea to Sky transit strike, which turned out to be the longest in B.C.’s history. For six months, people on the Sea to Sky corridor had no access to critical public transit, all while government sat idly by and refused to get involved. People were left with no way to get to work, to medical appointments, or school. Many were effectively stranded in their own communities, all because the NDP government refused to step up.

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Adding to their disappointing track record, the NDP is currently in a labour dispute with its own lawyers. The NDP actually introduced legislation last month that would force BC government lawyers to join a specific existing union, rather than forming one of their own as they have expressed a desire to do. Last week, these lawyers even demonstrated on the steps of the legislature to protest the NDP’s misguided legislation.

It’s clear that despite professing to be on the side of everyday people, this government only cares about getting involved when it comes to forcing people to be in one of their handpicked unions — otherwise, they are content to let people fend for themselves, even when there are serious consequences.

For the Fraser Valley, this transit strike represents yet another significant challenge during an already serious affordability crisis. Many who own a vehicle simply cannot afford to pay the highest gas prices in Canada to put fuel in the tank. Now, their only other transportation option is in jeopardy of disappearing. Residents of the Fraser Valley deserve better — and better is possible. They deserve a government that is willing to get involved and ensure that people’s needs are met, and that they aren’t left without the services they depend on.

Too often, the Fraser Valley feels like an afterthought for this government, and leaving people stranded without access to critical transportation will only exacerbate these feelings. It’s time for this government to finally show some leadership, for the good of our region.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.