Why the Community Counts campaign matters, and what you can do

The BC Conservatives released an alternate throne speech this week in advance of the Liberals’ official speech today.

It’s striking that community social services or support for British Columbians facing short- or long-term challenges aren’t mentioned in the document. 

The alternate throne speech is only 1,400 words. Some things have to be left out.

But it’s a warning to those who care about community services that the party and its candidates might not be aware of their importance, or the current challenges.

That won’t magically change. People who do care - clients, family, supporters, those who work in the sector - need to write the Conservative party (contact information is here) and explain why it is important.

Let your local Conservative candidate know that you care about the issues facing the sector, explain why, and ask what he or she would do to help if elected. Send an email, go to a forum, write a letter to the editor.

Community services have to be part of this election campaign, addressed by all parties and candidates. But making that happen is up to every one of us, and can take as little as 20 minutes a week. That's not much to help build a better future for British Columbians.