After weeks of slogans, forums and campaigning, the British Columbia provincial election is over.
During the campaign period, party platforms were presented and candidates talked about ideologies and countless positions in an attempt to appeal to the voters.
Now that the election is over, it is time for the 93 members of the legislature to put aside their partisan or ideological differences and instead work together to address ongoing problems facing the province.
These include a housing shortage and housing affordability, health-care challenges, the ongoing opioid crisis, the effects of climate change, education needs and others.
Such issues should not be defined by ideological differences. Instead, they affect the day-to-day lives of British Columbians, in all parts of the province.
As a result, the search for workable solutions needs to be about results, not partisan politics or rhetoric.
Those elected have been charged with representing their constituents and addressing the needs of their communities. This is not necessarily the same as representing a party.
The 93 members of the legislature will need to listen to each other鈥檚 views and opinions, working as a team. More importantly, they will need to listen to those who are knowledgeable about the issues facing this province.
Such a model, sometimes referred to as the consensus process, considers input from all before making decisions. In this way, the process can take longer than under the traditional party-based structure used in the past. However, it can be useful when examining serious and complex issues.
The issues facing this province are difficult, and the solutions can have far-reaching consequences, whether positive or negative.
Addressing these challenges together, considering input from all, has the greatest possibility of finding workable, sensible solutions for all British Columbians.
鈥� Black Press
