Legislative clash reflects B.C.’s history

Re: “Legislature sessions ends with itchy clash,” column, June 2.

There’s an interesting comparison between Premier John Horgan’s comment in the legislature on June 1 in reply to questioning from Opposition Leader Andrew Wilkinson, and quotes from Amor De Cosmos and Dr. John Helmcken in George Woodcock’s British Columbia: A History of the Province.

When challenged by Wilkinson about B.C.’s “dismal” record with other governments, Horgan’s response was: “Like that [disagreement] has never happened in Canada? Come on, man.”

In 1870, the Colony of British Columbia was trying to conclude an agreement with Canada to enter confederation. Helmcken was a member of the colony’s legislative council. He supported confederation, but had doubts about Canada imposing a taxation system.

“Anything that deprives this colony of the power of protecting the local industries and interests of the colony, and of regulating and fostering its commerce and trade, cannot be otherwise than dangerous and injurious to the country,” he said

Amor De Cosmos (later to become B.C.’s second premier) was also a strong supporter of B.C. joining Confederation. However, as frustration and doubts grew about the sincerity of Canada’s offer of a railway and other terms, he is quoted as saying: “I would not object to a little revolution now and again in British Columbia, after confederation, if we were treated unfairly: for I am one of those who believe that political hatreds attest the vitality of the state.”

Arnie Campbell Otter Point