MLA says liberals put politics before children

Invermere Valley Echo -- December 12, 2007

You tell me that you believe that the care of our children and the care of our seniors should be a top priority for our Provincial government.  You also tell me that this government is failing to provide an acceptable level of service to children and seniors.

Right now in British Columbia, we have more children living in poverty than any other province in Canada.  British Columbia has had the highest rate of child poverty in Canada for four years, and British Columbians find that shameful.

Premier Campbell has shown that he is indifferent to the needs of children and families in poverty.  The NDP Opposition has put forward a number of proposals for policy changes that would benefit children and families across the province.

Last year the government was forced to reinstate the Representative for Children and Youth.  We were fortunate to be able to recruit Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond.  Ms. Turpel-Lafond has shown herself to be an outspoken and aggressive advocate for children in this province.  Her good work has naturally made the government uncomfortable, but that is good for children and youth.

But children are not the only ones who are vulnerable in British Columbia.  Seniors are also vulnerable, and we have the deepest obligation to make sure our seniors are treated with dignity and decency.

We need to ensure that the service and supports that seniors require are available in all our communities.  We need to be sure seniors in care facilities live in a safe and comfortable environment.

The NDP Opposition has proposed a Seniors Representative that would be an independent officer of the Legislature.  Following the same model as the Representative for Children and Youth, the Seniors Representative would be a powerful ally to guarantee the dignity and safety of seniors.

I know that people in my area believe that we must show respect for our youngest and our eldest.  I believe that British Columbians deserve a government that understands that responsibility.