Reform BC Fully Endorses Statement by Prince George Committee to Save BC Rail

July 15, 2004 - Prince George: Reform BC endorses the folowing Press Release of the Prince George Committee to Save BC Rail in its entirety. These principles are part of the Reform Party platform and foundation and the very spirit of the party itself. A Reform Party government would do exactly as these suggestions state, given the existing circumstances.

For further information, call

Erle Martz
Vice President, Reform BC
Prince George - Phone: 250 962 0147

On July 14, the Gordon Campbell Liberal Government announced that it has completed its deal to sell BC Rail to CN Rail. In making this announcement, the government is attempting to create the impression that the issue is over. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In light of the grave breach of public trust committed by Gordon Campbell and his government in selling BC Rail, the Prince George Committee to Save BC Rail calls upon all candidates and parties in the next provincial election to endorse the following points and pledge to implement them if elected:

To convene a broad public inquiry into the sale of BC Rail, including the entire process leading up to it, and including the various issues connected to it, such as the RCMP raids on the Provincial Legislature; to appoint a commissioner with subpoena powers; to require witnesses to testify under oath; and to serve notice on CN that, if wrongdoing by any of the parties to the agreement is uncovered, the deal will be declared null and void.

To support First Nations in their claim that the sale of BC Rail is, indeed, a de facto change of ownership of the land underneath the rail bed and thus involves issues of Aboriginal Title and Rights.

To bring into legislation the principle that any sale of a publicly owned corporation or institution must be taken to the voters in a provincial referendum.

To bring into legislation the principle that if a government decides to break a significant election promise, it must seek approval from the voters through a provincial referendum.

The above four points were unanimously supported by resolution at the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council Forum held in Fort St. James on July 15. The Prince George Committee to Save BC Rail applauds this important action by the Tribal Council and calls upon individuals and organizations throughout the province to endorse the above points and to support candidates and parties that publicly pledge to implement them.

For further information please call:
Ron East
(250) 961-0677
Spokesperson, Prince George Committee to Save BC Rail

(Press Release reproduced in its entirety with permission, 16-Jul-2004)