Only in B.C. you say?
Always expect the unexpected when it comes to B.C. politics.
But that has also been the case in at least three recent Canadian provincial elections – in Ontario, Alberta and now British Columbia. Once again the pollsters were proven wrong and the trailing party was able to claim victory on election day – proving once again that the only poll that counts is the one on election day.
It has been a bit amusing to listen and read the thoughts and explanations of the political pundits and so-called experts who are desperately trying to save grace (and in some cases their jobs) as they come up with the strangest excuses to explain what happened on May 14. It would be nice if they just admitted that politics is not an exact science – and that it is much easier to examine the data following an election than to try and make predictions. It almost seems nowadays that elections are beginning to come impossible to predict.
And despite all the hype around the May 14 provincial vote, it was one of the lowest turnouts ever – something that is very hard to explain in this age of new media and social media. The messages were out there and the weather was good, so why didn’t so many people bother to vote? With another majority government now in place for at least four more years, there will be lots of time to figure that out.
Congratulations to Premier Christy Clark and her new BC Liberals and it is time to get back to governing the province. It is expected the new Cabinet will be in place by early June and look for longtime Fort Langley-Aldergrove MLA Rich Coleman to be named Acting Premier while the details of a by-election are sorted out to bring Ms. Clark back into the Legislature. Coleman was the Deputy Premier in the past session.
Making predictions in sports today is also getting to be quite difficult. Hockey playoffs are almost over and who knows who this season’s Stanley Cup finalists will be – and in many cases, who cares?
It seems that more and more that usually ardent hockey fans are tuned out following the early dismissal of our beloved Canucks and other Canadian teams such as Toronto and Montreal.
Ottawa Senators (who are badly named) have never captured a following outside the nation’s capital and will likely be eliminated by Sydney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins, who may be the eventual winners. But I wouldn’t bet on it.
During early June seniors can move to more fun things now such as the Senior Star singing competition. Auditions will be taking place on Wednesday, June 5 at the Renaissance Retirement Residence, and on Thursday, June 6 at the Langley Gardens Retirement Community. The top 10 contestants will be performing on June 20 at the Summit Theatre in the Cascades Casino in downtown Langley.
The auditions are open to seniors aged 65 or older who live anywhere in B.C. A panel of judges will evaluate the contestants on talent, ability, look and style.
Seniors Week in B.C. is being celebrated June 3 to 7. Find out what is happening in your community and be sure to enjoy the various activities and entertainment being planned at seniors’ homes and centres. Try to get out and have some fun!