Bruce Responds to 2007/08 Budget

The 2007 provincial budget represents a missed opportunity. At a time of large surpluses due to high commodity prices, government should be investing in programs for working people. But this year's budget misses the mark and it raises questions about the current government's ability to govern in the interests of ordinary British Columbians.

Last month, the speech from the throne unveiled a rhetorically ambitious plan to tackle climate change. In the words of the Premier: "The science is clear. It leaves no room for procrastination." But despite the sense of urgency in those words, the government has chosen not to make climate change a priority in the budget.

It's a case of all talk and no action. In the next three years, the government has allocated a mere $4 million to tackle climate change. There's a substantial cut in alternative energy programs in the ministry of energy and mines. And there's still no plan for short term targets for green house gas emissions.