“They are cutting enough to worry social advocates but spending enough to worry the fiscal Conservatives out there,”
That’s from UNBC Political Science lecturer Jason Morris after the provincial budget was tabled by the NDP, which includes a record 13-billion dollar deficit, and several tax increases.
Morris told Vista Radio the budget puts BC residents and families between a rock and a hard place.
“British Columbians are supporting protecting core services like health care and education but moving forward as we spending more in these areas citizens are going to want to see shorter waiting lists for health care and better schools for their kids.”
“When you combine an income tax rate increase with rising utility and transportation costs not to mention food costs – the affordability measures here in the budget plus the tax rate increase with the rising cost of living are going to make things challenging for every family moving ahead here.”
“I’d have to say on the other side where the left that includes advocates and unions they are going to argue that job cuts and capital delays are like an austerity budget that is going to hurt frontline service delivery. So, in terms of an election, politically, I think the government believes they have shifted to a defensive middle ground but I think they are exposed on both sides,” added Morris.
He adds its like the NDP used ever fiscal lever available by raising taxes, cutting staff and delaying projects.
PG’s lone mention in the budget document is part of new investments totaling 131-million going towards specialized mental health and addictions treatment, including involuntary treatment beds.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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