B.C. LIBERAL BUDGET BOMBSHELL PUTS LIE TO PREMIER’S ELECTION PROMISE
VICTORIA – Today’s admission by B.C.’s finance minister that it’s not “near possible” to contain the provincial deficit to $495 million shows that Gordon Campbell wasn’t telling the truth during the provincial election, say the New Democrats.
“This admission puts the lie to the premier’s fundamental election promise that he would contain the deficit and protect vital social programs from deep cuts,” said New Democrat finance critic Bruce Ralston.
“It’s now obvious that the deficit is ballooning, and that deep cuts are coming to health care, education, and other key services that British Columbians need.”
Ralston noted that when Carole James challenged Campbell’s budget assumptions during the election, the premier accused her of “fear mongering”.
“This arrogant government can’t get its story straight,” said Ralston. “One day the deficit is $495 million ‘maximum’ and anyone who challenges that is fear-mongering. Another day and the deficit isballooning and the government claims no one could have seen it coming.”
Ralston said Finance Minister Colin Hansen’s attempt to explain the flip flops are not working.
“The minister’s effort to construct an alibi for this mess is just not credible,” said Ralston. “Colin Hansen claims the news that his numbers were flawed came from the federal government like a bolt outof the blue on June 24. But top business leaders have been warning him since February that his budget didn’t add up.
“Now British Columbians are paying the price. We’re getting both a bigger deficit and cuts to programs. We’ve already seen the start, with massive funding shortfalls at the health authorities and schoolboards, and layoffs are coming to vital ministries like environment and forestry,” said Ralston.
VICTORIA – Today’s admission by B.C.’s finance minister that it’s not “near possible” to contain the provincial deficit to $495 million shows that Gordon Campbell wasn’t telling the truth during the provincial election, say the New Democrats.
“This admission puts the lie to the premier’s fundamental election promise that he would contain the deficit and protect vital social programs from deep cuts,” said New Democrat finance critic Bruce Ralston.
“It’s now obvious that the deficit is ballooning, and that deep cuts are coming to health care, education, and other key services that British Columbians need.”
Ralston noted that when Carole James challenged Campbell’s budget assumptions during the election, the premier accused her of “fear mongering”.
“This arrogant government can’t get its story straight,” said Ralston. “One day the deficit is $495 million ‘maximum’ and anyone who challenges that is fear-mongering. Another day and the deficit isballooning and the government claims no one could have seen it coming.”
Ralston said Finance Minister Colin Hansen’s attempt to explain the flip flops are not working.
“The minister’s effort to construct an alibi for this mess is just not credible,” said Ralston. “Colin Hansen claims the news that his numbers were flawed came from the federal government like a bolt outof the blue on June 24. But top business leaders have been warning him since February that his budget didn’t add up.
“Now British Columbians are paying the price. We’re getting both a bigger deficit and cuts to programs. We’ve already seen the start, with massive funding shortfalls at the health authorities and schoolboards, and layoffs are coming to vital ministries like environment and forestry,” said Ralston.
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