Metro Vancouver citizens to vote whether to add taxes to pay for better transport.

       Very, very interesting Referendum story coming out of the only Canadian  province touting such a democratic process, – British Columbia. It is  about to hear from the citizens of Metro Vancouver to determine whether they would  be prepared to add .5 cents to their sales taxes, in order to pay for a new, large inter-area transportation system. Apparently such is badly needed there, in that fast-growing, but congested city.

         It would add maybe $125.00 to their average, annual taxes. At the moment the polls suggest the mood is fairly evenly matched, between, yes, and no. The National Post on Sat. March 14, however, suggests the people will probably vote against the idea, not wanting more taxes. But, the details do sound well researched, and they have been apparently, widely communicated.

         It certainly is a democratic process, though initiated by the government, not by the citizens – the more proper method to pursue referendums, according to the Swiss and most US states.  It appears that premier Christy Clark promised that there would be such a city-wide vote, when running for her leadership at the last provincial election. The region was given a few months to “whip up a transportation plan” about which the voters could vote. It is a breath of fresh air, it seems to me, to permit the citizens to have a real say in an important, expensive, public works. 

         The vote is  next week. Will keep you posted.