“In May of this year we heard clearly from British Columbians that they wanted a stable government that would live within its means, improve and protect vital services, and lower costs on the economy so that we could invest in jobs and infrastructure,” said Campbell.
Among the specifics of the government’s plans was the HST lowering business costs by $2 billion a year with $1.6 billion from the federal government to implement the new tax and protect health and education services. Also mentioned was a commitment to reconciliation with First Nations, tackling climate change and more support for families including a new Residents’ Bill of Rights for those living in residential care facilities.
But some have been quick to suggest a less positive outlook for the government.
“This throne speech signals widespread cuts that are irresponsible in our current economic situation,” said Darryl Walker, president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees Union. “Just a few months ago, the government was saying that everything was fine and now we are looking at deeper cuts and larger deficits.”
Norm Macdonald, Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA, was also disappointed with the Liberal government’s economic plans.
“I had expected, in this time of economic crisis, that there would be a number of items put forward in the speech to attempt to improve our economic situation,” said Macdonald. “But instead, the only substantive piece of economic policy championed was an additional tax that could cripple a primary industry in my communities.”
Another place where concern is being voiced is health care.
“British Columbians are looking to government to ensure that health care and other vital public services are protected, especially when their own economic security is at risk,” said Judy Darcy, secretary and business manager of the Hospital Employees’ Union.
Darcy added: “Our health care system is already stretched to capacity. Further cuts from frontline services and staff would be a costly mistake.”
Nurses agree that cuts to health care will have negative effects.
“The impact on patients seeking care, on seniors needing assistance to stay well, on the mentally ill and disabled will be devastating,” said Debra McPherson, president of the B.C. Nurses’ Union, adding, “In many areas there is no way the government can rejuvenate its aging workforce without addressing skill shortages.”
Norm Macdonald will be holding a meeting day in Invermere on September 9 to meet and speak with constituents.
The meeting day will be held at the Best Western Invermere Inn between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and those wishing to meet with the MLA are asked to make an appointment by calling 1-888-870-4188.