Time for Liberals to earn keep Victoria — If the B.C legislature in the first few weeks of the new session has borne a strong resemblance to the annual deliberations of the B.C. Youth Parliament, there’s a good reason — - lack of experience, particularly by the Liberal Opposition. The 17 Liberals who suddenly found them- selves thrown into an arena that is notorious for its acrimony and short tempers are still a bit confused by it all and have, so far, not provided effective opposition to the NDP government, many of whose members have been seasoned by years in opposition. The first to suffer from the slings and arrows of outrageous political fortune in the legislature was opposition leader Gordon Wilson. Trying to nail the government to the wall for allegedly having laid on a special ferry trip for its friends, who went back to Vancouver after the Throne Speech, Wilson quickly had the tables tured on him. The government, said Finance Minister Glen Clark, had not ordered a special ferry run. B.C Ferries, he said, orders special runs quite regularly if, in the opinion of management, there is a need. And then, Clark threw Wilson a curve ball. The only request for special consideration, he said, had come from Wilson, who had asked for free ferry passes for some pageant contestants. - When Wilson cried foul, calling Clark’s remarks cheap shots, an NDP member asked across the floor of the House whether Wilson thought the legislature was a boy scout camp. That stung. The Liberal inexperience continued to take its toll the following week when they inadvertently were the cause of a very late-night sitting. At about 2:45 Monday, March 30, the legisla- ture began debating the Supply Act. That act sought the legislature’s approval for the money that has already been spent without debate, by way of special warrants. Determined to get their teeth into the govern- ment for not having called the legislature earlier, the Liberals laid into the NDP. When the finance minister and government house leader suggested the House give first reading to the act and proceed to debating the legislation in committee, the Liberals refused. They smelled a trap, which it wasnt. The debate at the committee stage allows the Opposition to question ministers on every detail of an act, which they can’t do before first reading. Stubbomly refusing to do the obvious and smart thing, the Liberals blocked any attempt to get the legislation to the committee stage. Shortly after 10 p.m., exhausted and irritated, the Liberals moved adjournment, but the govern- ment said nay, and the debate went on till well after midnight. It took the Liberals until about 10:41 to finally get the message that it might be a good idea to give the bill first reading and get down to brass tacks. There’s nothing wrong with inexperience. Nobody can expect the Liberals, none’ of whom have ever satin the B.C. legislature before, to be seasoned politicians. What one might expect them to do, however, is seek advice from experts, and that they have, so far, not done. Former Liberal MLA Barry Clark has offered to give some pointers to the rookie opposition, free of charge. They didn’t take him up on it. Former Liberal Leader David Anderson would, no doubt, be more than willing to share some of his expertise with the novice Liberals. He hasn’t been asked. The result is a highly disorganized opposition that can’t seem to get its act together. The Socreds are in better shape. Four of their members have legislative experience, and it shows, particularly in the case of interim leader Jack Weisgerber. Weisgerber provides the best opposition, by far, to the government. He knows how to use a scalpel and where to make the incisions. Already the government has the scars to prove it. Weisgerber launched repeated attacks, each one more scathing than the previous, on Premier Harcourt for breaking numerous election prom- ises. Weisgerber also made a good case against Harcourt for bringing the government’s socalled fair-wage policy through the back door by way of cabinet order, instead of introducing appropriate legislation which could be fully debated by the legislature. Weisgerber’s questions during question period are short and hit the mark, while the Liberals still have to learn how to ask a question without embarrassing themselves. True, the session is still young, but if the Liberals want to establish themselves as an effective opposition, they must do so soon. TheReview Wednesday, April 8, 1992 — A7 7 DAY DELIVERY - Custom Draperies ¢ Blinds e Valances ¢ Sheers PATIO DOOR VERTICAL BLIND SALE $99°° 78” x 84” (incl. Valance) wa ISLAND WINDOW COVERINGS CS 3372 Tennyson Ave. 383-2500 Maureen Parlby 656-6742 THE PHILBROOK’S PENINSULA PEE WEE “AA” REP HOCKEY TEAM WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR FINANGIAL SUPPORT AND DONATIONS TO THE ISLAND PLAYOFF RAFFLE ENABLING THE BOYS TO ATTEND THE PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN DAWSON CREEK: Philbrook’s Boatyard Sidney Lions Club Sidney Rotary Club Pacific Coast Credit Union Scott-Moncrieff & Company Tanners-A Bookstore & More Realty World-Sidney. Realty Magic Colour Decorating Centre Workwear World, Sidney Wescraft Mfg. Christine Laurent Jewellers Albion Properties Sidney Review Sidney Auto Supply Ltd. Peninsula Co-Op Street Wize Shoppers Drug Mart Air B.C. Old Dutch Foods Bank of Montreal Sidney Super Foods Deborah Gray Touch of Glass Ladies Wear Michael MacGillivray Big O Tire; Sidney Peden R.V. Sweet Talk & Lace Lunns Pastries Beacon Bakery Harvey's Sporting Goods All Sports Trophies & Sportswear O'Neill Sports Service Centre Sports Trade Mall And a big thank you to Coaches Dave Williams & Garry Zielinski Learning opportunity on land d claims ISN’T IT IRONIC THAT we live as neighbors, yet there is so little dialogue on the major issues that divide us? That’s the question Bill German asks after reading a Statement from Rod Robin- son of the Nisga’a Indian band. “Today the aboriginal people and other Canadians stand on opposite shores of a wide river of mistrust and misunderstanding. Each continues to search through the mist for a clear reflection in the waters along the opposite shore. If we are truly to resolve the issues that separate us, that tear at the heart of this great country Canada and this great province of B.C, then we must each retrace our Steps through our history to the source of our misperceptions and misconceptions of each other’s truth.” To find out more, attend St. Paul’s United Church for an evening under the leader- ship of UVic’s Dr Ken Coates with guests from the Tsawout, Tsartlip, Pauquachin and Tsey- cum bands on the Peninsula. Everyone is wel- come to the event which starts at 7 p.m., Friday at the church on Fifth Street and Malaview Avenue. * KOK IF THAT SPRINGTIME hay fever is getting you down, the B.C. Lung Association may be able to help. The organization is offering a free brochure called Facts About Hay Fever to help sufferers deal with the problem. The information is available on request by calling toll-free 1-800- 665-LUNG. * KX STELLY’S STUDENTS were among the don- ors to Timmy’s Springtime Telethon, giving $250 to the B.C. Lions Society-sponsored charity. School] District 63 members of CUPE donated $310 to the March 29 telethon. * kK x QUIZ YOUR Member of Parliament and enjoy tea at the same time. The Peninsula’s Save The Children group is holding its annual spring tea Starting at 2 p.m. on April 25 in the Silver Threads Centre, on Resthaven Drive in Sidney. Guest speaker will be Saanich-Gulf Islands NDP MP Lynn Hunter. Admission is by donation. * * OX FUNDS FOR A FIELD study program in the Himalayas are being raised by Dianne Alessio of Saanichton, a university student who has been chosen for the University of Waterloo- -sponsored project. Alessio will travel to the Himalayas to join in the study of human ecology in the region. A garage sale to raise money will be held this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2490 Foul Bay Road, Victoria. Donations are appreciated. For information, call 592-8854. * K * LIVE IN CONCERT | *ONE NIGHLONLY* *International Recording Stars *Juno Award Winne = EARLYBIRD ~ TICKETS a. N ony * #@° NOW ON SALE THE BEAR PUB 2280 BEACON AVE. SIDNEY Victoria a tbort