[LabComm] Another privatization failure for Campbell — James

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

VANCOUVER — This afternoon’s last-ditch effort from Premier Gordon Campbell to rescue the RAV project shows just how desperate the Premier has become to demonstrate a successful privatization project, BC NDP Leader Carole James said today.

“Rather than shift the project’s risks to the private sector partner — as any true partnership would — the Premier instead has moved all risk to every taxpayer in the province,” said James. 

“I’m sure this announcement was intended by Mr. Campbell to convince British Columbians that the Premier had finally put together a privatization scheme the public can accept.  But it falls far short of that goal.  

James said the announcement represents little or no change from the arrangement previously rejected by GVTA directors over concerns of financial risk if the construction were to go over budget.  

“The Premier’s offer still holds much-needed rapid transit improvements to the Northeast corridor of the Lower Mainland hostage to acceptance of the RAV portion.

“This is another example of Mr. Campbell’s ideological approach to governing,” said James.  “Both the Northeast transportation corridor and the RAV project are too important to sacrifice to Mr. Campbell’s privatization agenda. True leadership would mean sitting down with the GVTA and the federal government to hammer out a partnership that really works, particularly for taxpayers.

“Rather than taking a consultative approach, the Premier’s methods have given us the bizarre spectacle of him making major announcements without even talking to GVTA directors.

“That’s not good government.  Lower Mainland commuters, and all British Columbians deserve better leadership.”

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