VICTORIA—This week’s federal budget shows that the B.C. Liberals have failed to stand up for British Columbians on issues that matter to them, including affordable housing, childcare and the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic, New Democrat Opposition MLAs said today.

Bruce Ralston"You can’t trust the B.C. Liberals to advocate for British Columbians on the federal stage," said Bruce Ralston, NDP Finance critic. "Premier Gordon Campbell cares more about maintaining a cushy relationship with Prime Minister Stephen Harper than fighting for the budget priorities of B.C. families."

Diane Thorne

"The B.C. Liberal government has a responsibility to provide safe, affordable housing," said Diane Thorne, NDP critic for Housing. "They could have enlisted the help of the federal government to start filling the housing gap, which has grown tremendously under Premier Gordon Campbell’s watch. But the Campbell government refused to act. And B.C.’s low-income families will pay the price."

Claire TrevenaNew Democrat childcare critic Claire Trevena added that B.C. families wanted the Campbell Liberals to push for more childcare funding from the federal government.

"Once again, the B.C. Liberals have let families down. Clearly, the Campbell government doesn’t care about the thousands of B.C. parents scrambling to find affordable, quality childcare spaces for their children."

NDP Forests and Range critic Bob Simpson noted that Minister Rich Coleman seems more interested in keeping good relations with the Harper government than getting results for British Columbia. Bob Simpson

"We’re still waiting for the billion dollars in pine beetle money the federal government has promised this province," said Simpson. "However, the main reason it isn’t coming is the failure of the Forest Minister to present a comprehensive plan to the federal government, and matching funding from the province.

"Thanks to Minister Coleman’s lack of leadership and advocacy, forest dependent communities were left out in the cold by the Harper government."

Bruce Ralston

Surrey-Whalley

Bruce Ralston was re-elected as the MLA for Surrey - Whalley on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.

Claire Trevena

North Island

Claire was first elected in May 2005 and was re-elected on May 12, 2009.

Diane Thorne

Coquitlam-Maillardville

Diane Thorne was re-elected as the MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville on May 12, 2009. She was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.