FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (December 8, 2016)
BC Government conducts flawed consultation, errors in facts on survey
The BC Government Capital Integrated Services and Governance Initiative (CISGI) project has recently published documents and a survey for public input. The project identifies this as one further step in a study for the Provincial government. The published information is clear that the study focuses on integration and is not an amalgamation study.
“We were very disappointed in the scope of the study when it was first announced and now we are additionally concerned about the accuracy and type of information contained in recently posted documents online as well as the nature of the survey for public input”, stated John Vickers of Amalgamation Yes. “The public needs accurate and robust information if it is expected to comment on governance in this area. What is posted is neither!”
If the purpose of CISGI is to inform the Minister, elected officials and the public, then Amalgamation Yes feels obligated to ensure that the current set of Fact Sheets are accurate. Consequently, we have reviewed the data posted and conveyed a response to the Province's consultants to correct errors, omissions and more comprehensively describe the status of service delivery in our region.
On December 2, 2016 Minister Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development urged Greater Victoria residents to let the process play out and confirmed that the study was not an amalgamation study.
“It is difficult to understand how the Province can continue to ignore the will of the public,” added John Vickers “All we are asking is for the Province to assist in providing the information on amalgamation that will help the public decide how it wishes to be governed.”
In the 2014 Municipal election, an amalgamation study was supported by 75% of those who had an opportunity to vote on the question. Poll after poll also confirm support for an amalgamation study. Just recently a poll of Victoria and Saanich sponsored by the Times Colonist reaffirmed that support, with 76% in Victoria and 71% in Saanich in favour.
John Vickers:
Vice Chair and Spokesperson,
AmalgamationYes,
250-661-5350
www.amalgamationyes.ca
Backgrounder:
Information communicated by Amalgamation Yes to the Province's consultants on the Capital Integrated Services and Governance Initiative (CISGI) project
BC Government conducts flawed consultation, errors in facts on survey
The BC Government Capital Integrated Services and Governance Initiative (CISGI) project has recently published documents and a survey for public input. The project identifies this as one further step in a study for the Provincial government. The published information is clear that the study focuses on integration and is not an amalgamation study.
“We were very disappointed in the scope of the study when it was first announced and now we are additionally concerned about the accuracy and type of information contained in recently posted documents online as well as the nature of the survey for public input”, stated John Vickers of Amalgamation Yes. “The public needs accurate and robust information if it is expected to comment on governance in this area. What is posted is neither!”
If the purpose of CISGI is to inform the Minister, elected officials and the public, then Amalgamation Yes feels obligated to ensure that the current set of Fact Sheets are accurate. Consequently, we have reviewed the data posted and conveyed a response to the Province's consultants to correct errors, omissions and more comprehensively describe the status of service delivery in our region.
On December 2, 2016 Minister Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development urged Greater Victoria residents to let the process play out and confirmed that the study was not an amalgamation study.
“It is difficult to understand how the Province can continue to ignore the will of the public,” added John Vickers “All we are asking is for the Province to assist in providing the information on amalgamation that will help the public decide how it wishes to be governed.”
In the 2014 Municipal election, an amalgamation study was supported by 75% of those who had an opportunity to vote on the question. Poll after poll also confirm support for an amalgamation study. Just recently a poll of Victoria and Saanich sponsored by the Times Colonist reaffirmed that support, with 76% in Victoria and 71% in Saanich in favour.
John Vickers:
Vice Chair and Spokesperson,
AmalgamationYes,
250-661-5350
www.amalgamationyes.ca
Backgrounder:
Information communicated by Amalgamation Yes to the Province's consultants on the Capital Integrated Services and Governance Initiative (CISGI) project
