We turn to you, with due reverence, to bring for Christmas what the B.C. Liberal government, BC Ferries and its workers' union could not.

Please be mindful that we taxpayers have a very long list, but since your goodwill and spirit exist for the joy of so many, we believe you'd agree that our single wish would spread cheer and abundance over many households, at least here in British Columbia.

First, we humbly state that we've been very good this year. In fact, our collective generosity has been so plentiful toward those Wise Persons who desperately seek to create gun registries and fund Formula One car races that we barely have enough to care for our broods. But you know that already, after reading so many of our supplications and Auditor General reports.

And so, Santa, we begin by asking this: Why did B.C. Ferries CEO David Hahn agree to binding arbitration in the ferries dispute

We know why the union agreed: when beaten into an indistinguishable mass, a slithering wretch can only beg for quarter. As you recall, in the past it was always the taxpayer (via the government) that was subjected to a merciless beating. Last week, however, we taxpayers were counting on the Ferries boss to do what was right, which finally would have brought a measure of justice, even if an unseasonable amount of union writhing would have ensued.

Instead, defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory. Rather than pressing for a sane contract that matches salaries with capabilities and a work week that doesn't rival France's laws protecting near-idleness, Mr. Hahn made the tough and regrettable decision to defer the pain to another time and to someone else.

Yes, travelers would have been inconvenienced further had the strike continued. But public opinion was crammed to bursting in the company's camp. Yes, businesses suffered especially. But they would have had every legal and moral means to seek retribution for their losses with law suits against the union.

Now, with binding arbitration, the union will get part of what it was rightfully denied. And all as a reward for breaking the law.

Consider your own transportation for a moment. Would it do if your reindeer shut down such an essential service as getting goodies and services to nearly every non-union household in B.C. on Christmas Eve Would you not be rather put-out by the timing, hysterics, and self-interest of your reindeer frothing about getting nearly double the oat rations of similar beasts, or that they work hours only found in French sleigh space

We bet you'd blush with rage if Prancer & Co. said the sleigh was "ours, and go suck on a carrot" to those who universally knew otherwise.

While we can't be certain there is always labor peace in your workshops and stables, we know, given the prevalence of Christmas arriving on time every single year, that your agency is a perfect model for B.C. Ferries. No strikes allowed, ever, period.

And so what we taxpayers ask for Christmas is a series of small preferences. Please give arbitrator Vince Ready the wisdom to hear that what the company seeks is what taxpayers seek. There should be no compromise on this, given the naughtiness of the union today and yesteryear.

If not that, or if something worse, please give the Liberal government the courage to bring in a legislated contract that, again, looks, feels and smells like the company re: taxpayers' version. Could it also include the provision that the union be decertified

The 700,000 residents of Vancouver Island, businesses here and on the mainland, tourists, and the general public would be forever grateful if our ferries were as your sleigh and wonderful team of reindeer. Always there, always on time, always delivering.

From all of us at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, we applaud you and your fine labor agreement, and wish you many happy travels throughout B.C..