A little more than a year ago the Gordon Campbell Liberals were returned to the legislature with a mandate to govern. However, it appears bereft of ideas, vision or direction, the second-term Liberals have decided to forgo the leadership necessary to govern the province and instead coast on the successes of their first mandate.

The government cancelled the fall sitting of the legislature. No new business, legislation, debate or action needed. British Columbia is doing just fine. While it's true that our economy is humming, unemployment is down, investment is up and labour peace has been struck-albeit with a high price-future growth isn't a given. Now is the time to be proactive and to lead with vision.

The Campbell Liberals should know that prosperity doesn't happen by accident and it won't last without action. So here's some free advice, courtesy of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF):

1. Give us a break. It's time for taxpayers to reap some benefit from our booming economy. The CTF has been advocating the government establish a tax review committee to simplify, flatten and lower income taxes. British Columbia has one of the most complicated and convoluted income tax systems in Canada with five different rates of taxation, hundreds of deductions, exemptions and credits. The first round of income tax reductions in 2001 are fuelling economic success today; by simplifying, flattening and lowering the income tax future prosperity will be assured. If not now, when

2. Pay down the debt. Yesterday's spendthrift decisions are costing us today. After two years of record high debt payments, British Columbia is still $34 billion in the red. Roughly $2 billion each year goes just to interest. And without a debt plan, that figure will rise. Unlike most other provinces, British Columbia can be debt free. A legislated debt retirement schedule is the only way to ensure the next generation of taxpayers aren't hamstrung by our inaction today.

3. Follow through. An audit of the New Era promises made in 2001 reveals many unfulfilled commitments by the Campbell Liberals. Motorists are still waiting for more choice in auto insurance and private liquor merchants are still waiting for government to get out of the booze industry. And, whatever happened to the promise of eliminating all government subsidies to business

4. Be a leader. Eliminate the prohibition on the purchase and sale of private medical insurance. After the Supreme Court Chaoulli decision BC's prohibition is constitutionally suspect at best. A similar prohibition in Alberta is now being challenged. Patients deserve and want choice in health care. The first step is to allow patients the freedom to spend their after tax dollars how they chose-including on health care. BC should be a leader and repeal the prohibition on the provision of private medical insurance and services.

The Campbell Liberals should be applauded for many of the measures implemented in their first term. But, platitudes will not keep our economic engine running. Foresight and leadership need to be trademarks of governing, even in the good times.