Referendum should not decide Vancouver transit plan, critics say

Residents of Metro Vancouver are voting in a referendum about a major new transportation initiative. But the biggest question in some people's minds isn't the one on the ballot — but whether a referendum is the way to make this kind of decision. 

It's a hot topic in B.C. this week, as ballots began arriving in mailboxes. A sales tax increase of 0.5 per cent would generate an estimated annual revenue of $250-million.

That money would be used to fund part of an $8-billion, 10-year transit plan, that would see existing bus and SkyTrain services expanded, and new lines built. A new bridge and better cycling routes are also part of the plan. 

But there are those questioning whether a plebiscite is really the best way to approach a major decision on transportation funding. 

To discuss, we were joined by:

Jordan Bateman is B.C. Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.  He's involved in the campaign against the new transit tax.  

Anthony Perl is a professor of urban studies and political science at Simon Fraser University. 

Jason Jordan is Executive Director of the Center for Transportation Excellence, which is an industry-funded group that supports Yes campaigns in American transportation referendums.

Premier Christy Clark and the Transportation Minister were both unavailable to speak with us today.

What do you think?  Is a referendum a good way to decide on major funding decisions? 

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This segment was produced by The Current's Liz Hoath.