Bruce Ralston, MLA • Surrey-Whalley

VICTORIA – Today’s budget demonstrates the B.C. Liberal government is out of steam and cannot be trusted to help B.C. families, say B.C.’s New Democrats.

“No one expected the government to lay out a sweeping agenda today. But British Columbians would have liked at the very least to have seen an acknowledgement of the real economic stresses facing B.C. families, including the fact that we have the highest rate of unemployment west of the Atlantic provinces, the most shameful rate of child poverty in Canada, and the worst financial vulnerability in the country,” said New Democrat finance critic Bruce Ralston.

“At a time when the government should be laying the foundation for a new tomorrow, the B.C. Liberals are out of ideas and out of touch. Unfortunately, this budget isn’t about the real priorities of British Columbians. It appears to be more about creating a slush fund for the B.C. Liberals’ new leader.”

Ralston said today’s budget highlights how out of touch the B.C. Liberals are with the priorities of British Columbians.

“While the government found $6 million to pay the legal fees for two former political aides and shut down the BC Rail corruption trial, they’ve cut the court prosecution budget by the same amount, and the court services budget by another $9 million,” said Ralston.

“Rather than ensuring the next generation is trained for jobs in emerging industries, this budget cuts student aid by $34 million and fails to invest in colleges and training. Even though many British Columbians are already struggling to make ends meet, this budget continues to shift more of the burden onto families. We’re already paying over 70-per-cent more in Medical Services Plan monthly premiums than in 2002, and will face a 6-per-cent increase again next year.”

Ralston said the B.C. Liberals’ environmental hypocrisy is also evidenced by the fact the government is cutting parks funding on the one hundredth anniversary of B.C. Parks.

“This government just doesn’t get it. And each of the frontrunners in the Liberal leadership race sat at the cabinet table during the last decade. British Columbians are looking for change they can trust, and they won’t get it from any of the people running to be leader of the B.C. Liberals,” said Ralston.

Ralston noted that the 2010/11 budget deficit is five times what the B.C. Liberals promised for this year before the 2009 election.

“This budget makes it clear that even though the B.C. Liberals have had a decade, they haven’t delivered. The government’s narrow agenda over the last ten years has made life increasingly tough for middle class British Columbians. And many people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities, have simply been left behind,” said Ralston.

B.C.’s New Democrats are offering real change British Columbians can trust, with compassionate, fair and pragmatic solutions to address B.C.’s social, economic and environmental challenges.