What should I do with the referendum ballot?

The concern of British Columbia Conference is that a referendum is not a helpful or appropriate vehicle to use with respect to treaty negotiations. In addition, this particular referendum does not allow us to say what we think we should say.

Recognizing that people will make up their own minds, we also have been asked to provide some guidance to those who may wish to register their concerns in a way that respects the democratic process and maintains the public credibility of our voice.

If you have concerns about the referendum process or the "Yes-No" vote does not allow you to say what you think you should say, we suggest the following course of action.

1. Write "Void" diagonally, in large letters, across the ballot, insert in the appropriate envelope and seal the envelope.

2. Follow the remaining procedures enclosed with the ballot, making sure your signature is included.

3. Consider if your congregation is willing to be a drop-off point for such ballots since other community members may be seeking a drop-off location. (Please let Conference Office know if you are so willing.)

If your congregation has a designated, sealed BALLOT BOX, drop the sealed envelope in the BALLOT BOX provided at the church. The sealed ballot box will be delivered to the office of the BC Conference of the United Church of Canada. Otherwise, mail your ballot to Referendum, BC Conference Office, 4383 Rumble Street, Burnaby, BC V5J 2A2

4. An independent auditor will count and tally the ballots and re-seal the ballot box.

5. BC Conference will deliver the count and the sealed ballot box to the First Nations Summit, who will issue a report on the total results of the count. We will be clear that the ballots are not to be burned but to be delivered to the government.

In accordance with our desire to respect the democratic process, we also urge people to be in contact with their local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) In order of priority, we urge people

.to make an appointment to see their MLA personally to express their concerns

.to write a formal letter expressing their concerns

.to phone their MLA or

.to write an email.

Any further questions about this recommendation may be directed to

Conference Office (1-800-934-0434) or to Keith Howard (keithhoward@shaw.ca).

February 20, 2002

Premier Gordon Campbell

Dear Mr. Premier:

We continue to pray that wisdom and compassion shall mark the decisions and actions of your government. The leadership of this province is a profound and vital trust, the burdens of which are significant.

We would like to express our concern about the proposed referendum on treaty matters.

The United Church of Canada (BC Conference) has long been on record as advocating a just resolution to the land question. We are also on record as opposing the use of referenda to deal with land questions.

We seek reconciliation between the First Nations and the other residents of British Columbia and so endorse the statement in the recent report of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs indicating that this is also the interest of the provincial government. Our concern is that a referendum will further inflame divisions and contention within the province. Whatever your government chooses to do with the results, the process itself fosters discord.

Further, we believe the process of negotiation will be hindered by such action.

The questions proposed are destructive, implying a false impression of how First Nations and negotiations now function. Some questions foster stereotypes and have the potential to derail the negotiation process.

The negative consequences of this action on relationships within the province vastly outweigh any benefit.

The budget that your government brought before the Legislature February 19th clearly demonstrates that you are prepared to make tough choices. Given the fiscal concerns highlighted in the budget we believe the 9 million dollars allocated for the referendum could be more effectively used in other ways by the province to alleviate suffering and care for the poor.

Mr. Premier, we ask you to set aside the referendum process on First Nations treaty negotiations.

It is the right thing to do.

Sincerely,
Tanis van Drimmelen,
President
BC Conference