In the Legislature
Once booming, B.C. to post $3-billion shortfall
Rod Mickleburgh
Vancouver — From Thursday's Globe and Mail Last updated on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009 02:55AM EDT
British Columbia, not so long ago a Canadian leader in job creation and booming economic returns, is finding itself far from immune to recessionary winds.
What was once projected to be a modest $495-million government deficit for the year is now ballooning into the billions, B.C. Finance Minister Colin Hansen signalled Wednesday, as he prepared to bring down an updated budget at the beginning of September.
B.C. LIBERAL BUDGET BOMBSHELL PUTS LIE TO PREMIER’S ELECTION PROMISE
VICTORIA – Today’s admission by B.C.’s finance minister that it’s not “near possible” to contain the provincial deficit to $495 million shows that Gordon Campbell wasn’t telling the truth during the provincial election, say the New Democrats.
Ralston Bill Will Promote Safer Neighbourhoods
Surrey-Whalley MLA Bruce Ralston has introduced new legislation that promotes safer neighbourhoods by holding landlords accountable for criminal activities occurring on their properties.
“It’s time for B.C. to catch up with other provinces and bring in strong measures to target criminal organizations and gang-related activities operating in residential areas,” Ralston said after introducing the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act.
CAMPBELL MUST CURB SPENDING ON ADS
CAMPBELL MUST CURB SPENDING ON ADS AND EXECUTIVE SALARIES AS GOVERNMENT REVENUES PLUMMET
VICTORIA – Given the dramatic drop in revenues revealed in today’s updated financial figures, the Campbell government should immediately put a stop to the millions of dollars being spent on self-promotional advertising and pay raises for top executives, New Democrat finance critic Bruce Ralston said today following the release of the government’s updated financial figures.
"If Gordon Campbell was really serious about showing leadership, he would put a stop to the millions of dollars being spent on self-promoting ads and pay raises for top executives," said Ralston, the MLA for Surrey-Whalley.
The government’s second quarterly report, released today, shows a drop in projected provincial revenues of over $800 million.
"We’ve seen government revenues plummet by over $800 million since September. But the finance minister said he’s not going to look at curbing spending until February. That’s just not good enough," said Ralston.
"British Columbians deserve a government that will show leadership by cutting unnecessary spending now, not next year."
Ralston noted that Campbell wasn’t even in B.C. today to answer questions about the updated financial figures, he had flown to Toronto receive an award from big businesses for privatization.
