Budget '09 Does Nothing to Help B.C. Families
VICTORIA – By refusing to end the gas tax, cutting funding for crime and safety, and repeating empty promises to protect health care and education, Gordon Campbell’s election budget does nothing to help B.C. families, New Democrat Leader Carole James said today.
“Gordon Campbell’s budget breaks promises he made just last week on crime and 
Carole Jamessafety and repeats promises to protect health and education he has broken over and over again,” said James. “But one thing is clear: this budget has a very short shelf life and will be followed by radical cuts if Gordon Campbell remains Premier.”
James said the budget points directly to the Premier’s post-election agenda. The budget forecasts deep cuts to crime and safety, fewer social workers to protect children, and cuts to student aid. She said the budget also contains no commitment to improve seniors’ care and walks away from rural communities devastated by the pine beetle and job losses.
“In tough economic times, British Columbians expect their government to look after the fundamentals,” said James. “But the Campbell government won’t even keep its promise to fight gang 
Bruce Ralstoncrime. The new budget cuts prosecutors, courts and corrections. And after eight years of devastating cuts to vulnerable children, the Campbell government is poised to make the same mistakes again and again.”
NDP Finance Critic Bruce Ralston said the Campbell Liberals are too arrogant and out of touch to even pretend they are serious about their promises. He said the government pretended that B.C. was immune from the recession and has failed to take action to secure B.C.’s economy.
“Gordon Campbell’s plan doesn’t help people when they need it. By making education less accessible, ignoring forest communities, and cutting vital public services, the Campbell Liberals’ agenda is making life harder for B.C. families."
