Gary Coons

With eight weeks before the next provincial election, I believe many British Columbians are concerned about their jobs and the services they need to get through tough times.

 

But just as we saw in both 2001 and 2005, the premier recently presented a litany of empty promises that do nothing to help BC families, seniors and students through difficult times. The question we all have to ask ourselves, after eight years of longer waitlists, overcrowded emergency rooms, larger class sizes and skyrocketing tuition fees ….should we believe him this time?

 

This is déjà vu for British Columbians.  In 2001, Gordon Campbell made many of same commitments. He said he would improve patient care, that children were his first priority, that seniors would get the care they deserve, and that there would affordable tuition.

 

But after that election, he disclosed a severe agenda on British Columbians. A pathway that few voted for or expected.  We witnessed massive tax cuts that were paid for by cuts to health, education, and services for children.  Hospitals were closed, seniors separated, and children put at risk.

 

Eight years later, the economic times have changed dramatically but the crucial truth remains: Gordon Campbell can’t be trusted to focus on the fundamental priorities that make a difference in the lives of average British Columbians.  And their record during the current economic downturn proves it.

 

Last October while the whole world was preparing for a recession both the premier and finance minister acted like everything was ok.

 

Four months later, the BC Liberals look like “deer in the headlights”.  Deficits, vanishing jobs, and no recovery in sight have put eight years of BC Liberal feel-good rhetoric to rest.   British Columbian families are hurting and this government didn’t have a clue, or a plan, of what do about it.

 

Just last week, Gordon Campbell said he would get tough on gangs.  A few days later, his budget had deep cuts to courts, prosecutors and justice services.

 

In the Throne Speech, the premier said advanced education was critical to securing opportunity. The very next day he cuts funding for student aid.

 

The premier says children are his first priority.  His budget cuts the social workers protecting children.

 

First Nations still are under the “referendum” of this Premier as he pushed a 20% cut to the Min of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.

 

And despite the premier’s promise not to add costs onto business and families, his budget will triple the gas tax in the coming two years.

 

We understand that to compete and win in tomorrow’s economy, people and infrastructure must be central to creating wealth and strong communities.   A strong business climate is essential.  But that’s just part of the equation.

 

To increase economic opportunity we must also make significant investments in education, skills training, and green infrastructure.  And we must ensure that universal public health care remains the social and competitive advantage that it has been for a generations.

 

Other jurisdictions are making those changes….so must we.

 

The needs of average families must be considered.  We need a plan to start building affordable housing, to reduce crushing student debt-loads, and to make work pay by raising the minimum wage.  We’ve proposed protections for seniors in care and will follow through on the long-term care beds Gordon Campbell never built.

 

Our Green Bond announced last week invests in green infrastructure here at home, and our agenda includes bold reforms to our forest industry to put it back on solid footing.

 

The real plan has to focus on helping average, hardworking British Columbians in every part of the province through these difficult times.  We can’t waste taxpayer money on pet projects, privatization giveaways, and big raises for top aides.

 

We need to hone in on the fundamentals, securing a better future for every family and every community.