Media Release

Consumers and small businesses in Surrey are being asked to pay the price for the B.C. Liberal government’s betrayal SURREY – Liberal MLA Dave Hayer’s weak attempt to defend the Campbell government’s new Harmonized Sales Tax is a betrayal of his constituents who are calling on him to stand up for their concerns, the New Democrats said today.

“Many families and small businesses in Surrey will be hurt by the HST. Mr. Hayer should know that introducing a new tax when families are struggling to make ends meet, without any public consultation, is outrageous,” New Democrat finance critic Bruce Ralston said.

For Immediate Release

October 15, 2007

B.C. LIBERALS CONFIRM THEY WILL NOT TAKE ACTION ON TRAFFIC CONGESTION UNTIL 2013

VICTORIA – The Campbell government confirmed today in the Legislature that it will allow traffic congestion in the South Fraser to worsen for another six years – a decision that New Democrat MLA Bruce Ralston calls appalling.

“I was deeply disappointed to hear Mary Polak and other Liberal MLAs confirm in the Legislature that they will not start expanding transit prior to 2013,” said Ralston, MLA for Surrey –Whalley. “After six years of doing nothing about traffic problems that plague the people of Surrey, the Campbell Liberals are going to make people wait at least another six years for any kind of relief.

“That’s not good enough, the people of Surrey deserve better.”

B.C. Liberal MLA Mary Polak told the Legislature this morning nothing can be done to provide transit solutions in the South Fraser region until the Port Mann Bridge gets built in 2013. “Transit before a bridge is like putting the cart before the horse,” Polak said.

Ralston said Polak and the B.C. Liberals are simply wrong. “A new bridge is being built, but if we don't have transit in place, it will not provide a long term solution," he said. "There is no reason why we can’t have an immediate expansion of transit to start relieving traffic congestion right away. By investing in transit now, we can make sure the new bridge is incorporated into a comprehensive transit system that will provide solutions now and into the future.

“The Campbell Liberals could immediately act to make transit fares more affordable. They could act on the Surrey Mayor’s call for an additional 500 buses. They could get to work on expanded sky train service and an alternative light transit system serving the South Fraser region. A queue jumper lane could get transit moving reliably across the Port Mann within a year,” said Raltson. “Instead, they’re saying the people of Surrey have to stay stuck in traffic.”

New Democrat Transportation Critic Maurine Karagianis said today’s remarks by Polak and other Liberal MLAs show the Campbell Liberals are out of touch with the needs of people in the Lower Mainland.

“The Campbell government has the wrong priorities,” said Karagianis. “If the government was serious about addressing traffic congestion, they would be making a substantial investment in transit so that communities who have waited so long for transportation options don’t need to continue waiting.”

For Immediate Release
May 3, 2007

VICTORIA – Solicitor General John Les has made it crystal clear in estimates debate in the B.C. Legislature that he will not allow the use of speed cameras to make Pattullo Bridge safer, Surrey - Whalley NDP MLA Bruce Ralston said today.

Ralston said it is unfortunate that the Minister refused to budge in debate yesterday from his ideological stance regarding traffic cameras despite strong recommendations by senior police officers.

“Earlier this week, senior police officers from New Westminster and Surrey publicly talked about the merits of installing safety devices to help reduce fatalities on Pattullo,” said Ralston. “Instead of pausing for a moment to re-think his position in light of this advice, the Minister chose to flatly disagree with any suggestion to bring in speed cameras.”

“It shows a complete disregard for public interest and an attitude that puts politics above people,” said Ralston.

Minister Les’ colleague, Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon, has spoken in favour of a safety device on the Pattullo Bridge, where 15 people have lost their lives in the last eight years. Additionally, the New Westminster and Surrey City Councils have strongly recommended the use of a safety device.

“Not only is the Minister unwilling to accept the advice of experienced police officers and the community, but he hasn’t demonstrated a willingness to explore alternative measures either. Basically, he has no plans or ideas whatsoever to make Pattullo safer,” said Ralston.

“For the B.C. Liberals to not realize the seriousness of this issue that impacts a large region just shows how out of touch the B.C. Liberals really are,” Ralston said.

Yesterday’s HANSARD debate can be read at: www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/38th3rd/D70502y.htm

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Media Contact: Neera Ritcey, 604-317-4450