B.C. Liberals Abandon Victoria By Refusing To Fund Johnson Street Bridge
VICTORIA – The B.C. Liberals' refusal to help fund a replacement for the aging Johnson Street Bridge is the latest example of how they have abandoned the capital region, New Democrats said today.
“This new bridge has been identified as a top priority for Victoria. The federal government has recognized this is an important project, but the B.C. Liberals just 
John Horgandon’t get it,” said John Horgan , New Democrat MLA for Juan de Fuca.
“This region is supposed to be served by two B.C. Liberal cabinet ministers, but Murray Coell and Ida Chong seem to have abandoned our community,” said Horgan, noting that the bridge is important for the capital region as a whole.
The federal government recently announced they will fund one third of the project, but taxpayers in Victoria will be on the hook for $42 million without provincial support.
Maurine Karagianis“This is an important infrastructure project that will have regional implications,” said Maurine Karagianis , New Democrat MLA for Esquimalt-Royal Roads. “Victoria should not have to go it alone."
With the recent announcement that the federal government will help pay for the bridge, the only funding link missing is the province.
“A new bridge would serve our community for another 100 years,” said Rob Fleming , New Democratic MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “The bridge will improve access to the downtown core and make it safer for 
Rob Flemingbicycles, cars, and pedestrians to co-exist."
Carole James and the New Democrats have been holding the B.C. Liberals accountable for breaking their word on the HST, and for backtracking on their election promises to protect health care, education, and other vital services.
