Category Archives: social issues
Campbell Government Ignores Rural Communities
The Campbell government gave their fuel tax legislation a mere two hours of debate in the legislature last week, signalling they will ignore the unfair burden the tax places on families, businesses and public bodies in rural and remote communities. … Continue reading
Filed under press release, rural bc, social issues, transportation
Coons Questions Government About Cuts to Rupert School District
Despite government claims about record funding for school districts, the reality on the ground is school districts are struggling to deal with huge budgetary shortfalls, says New Democrat Gary Coons. The North Coast MLA took the Education Minister to task … Continue reading
Filed under education, press release, social issues
We have a responsibility to take care of all our citizens
I recently read a report put together by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives that shed light on the unfortunate and depressing reality facing people on welfare in this province. Most of the people that the study looked at were … Continue reading
Filed under op-ed, social issues
Hartley Bay Deserves the Same Treatment As Robson’s Bight
A recent announcement that the wreck at Robson’s Bight will be cleaned up by the province and the federal government has North Coast MLA Gary Coons wondering why the Queen of the North is being left to continuously leak contaminants … Continue reading
Filed under First Nations, press release, rural bc, social issues
Coons Calls for an End to Child Poverty in British Columbia
North Coast MLA Gary Coons joined New Democrats from across the province that are supporting a motion introduced to the Legislature by NDP critic for employment and income assistance Jagrup Brar, which calls for the elimination of child poverty. “Instead … Continue reading
Filed under press release, social issues
Campbell Government’s Message to Rural B.C. — “Boo Hoo”
The Campbell government’s message to the Interior and northern B.C. was clearly delivered by Cabinet Minister Kevin Falcon last week, when he responded to concerns about forest mismanagement and increased ferry fares with two simple words, “Boo Hoo”. “In … Continue reading
Filed under economy, press release, rural bc, social issues
NDP Blasts Campbell Government for Arrogant Dismissal of Ferry Dependent Communities
New Democrats held the Campbell government to account today for their arrogant dismissal of coastal communities concerned about rising ferry fares. “Will the [transportation] minister finally, finally take a leadership role with this file and freeze fares?” asked New Democrat … Continue reading
Filed under ferries, press release, social issues, transportation
Post-Secondary Education Must Be Available to Everyone
We live in an information rich society. Jobs in all sectors, from labour and trades to education and government, require the ability to perform complex tasks. Most jobs require training beyond high school and a few days on the job. … Continue reading
Filed under education, op-ed, social issues
Bridging the Rural Urban Divide
There are two British Columbias, rural British Columbia, and urban British Columbia. Ours is a unique province. We are the most urban jurisdiction in Canada, but our rural areas are, in many ways, much more remote than those in neighboring … Continue reading
Filed under economy, rural bc, social issues
Excessive Surplus Shows Poor Fiscal Planning
Recently, Carole Taylor, British Columbia’s finance minister, made an announcement that she touted as good news for everyone in the province. The province, she said, had under-budgeted by $4.1 billion, producing the largest surplus in British Columbia history. Now, I’m … Continue reading
Filed under op-ed, social issues