From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Wed Nov 10 12:17:10 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2004 12:17:10 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James slams Campbell government for sharp increase in food bank use among children Message-ID: James slams Campbell government for sharp increase in food bank use among children VICTORIA - BC New Democrat Leader Carole James today slammed the Campbell government for new figures showing a sharp increase in the number of children relying on food banks. According to an annual survey of food bank use published by the Canadian Association of Food Banks, there was a 43 per cent increase in the number of children in BC using food banks in 2004 than in 2003. Overall, BC recorded a 16 per cent increase in food bank use in the same period. "At a time when the province is enjoying surpluses and the BC Liberals are spending millions of tax dollars on partisan advertising to get re-elected, it is shameful that the number of children relying on food banks is on the rise." James said that the survey specifically cites the Campbell government cuts to social services as a major factor contributing to the increase in food bank use. She said the survey also reports more seniors using food banks. In 2003, the same survey reported a 22 per cent increase in food bank use over 1997, the first year the food bank survey was undertaken. "No matter how hard Gordon Campbell tries to re-make his image in the lead up to the next election, he can't escape his record," said James. "As a result of his extreme policies, there is more hunger today in BC. More children and seniors are relying on food banks. And many others are falling behind. "That's why after three and half years of broken promises, extreme tax cuts, and mean-spirited policies that have hurt vulnerable British Columbians, it's time for a fresh approach - a fiscally responsible and caring government." - 30 - To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Wed Nov 10 13:28:12 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2004 13:28:12 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] MacPhail Issues REALITY CHECK on BC's GDP Growth Rate Message-ID: MacPhail Issues REALITY CHECK on BC's GDP Growth Rate VICTORIA - Yesterday, Finance Minister Gary Collins issued a news release praising his government for achieving a 2.5 per cent economic growth rate in 2003. Here's what the Finance Minister didn't say: * Under the NDP, (1992-2000) average annual GDP growth in BC was 3 per cent. * Since the Campbell government took office, average annual GDP growth in BC has been 2.2 per cent Collins makes much of the fact that BC's GDP growth rate surpassed the national average in 2003 for the first time since 1996. What he doesn't point out is the extent to which GDP growth in the territories, particularly the Northwest Territories, skews this measure. For example, growth in the NWT (driven by diamond exploration) averaged 13% between 2000 and 2003. When one compares just the provincial economies, BC's GDP rate is actually below the provincial average for 2003 (2.5% compared to 2.7%). In fact, the last time BC's GDP rate exceeded that of the other provinces was 2000????????under the NDP. Compared to the other provinces, BC's economic growth rate was 4th best in 2003 following two years of being 7th best in the country. And the fourth-best ranking Collins is crowing about just gets us right back where we were in 2000. And the Standard & Poors upgrade that Collins is celebrating also points out that the upgrade is based on the knowledge that S&P is confident that the NDP would manage the provincial economy responsibly if elected to govern in 2005. Gordon Campbell and Gary Collins are spending millions of taxpayer dollars on partisan political television spots, newspaper ads, and glossy mailers promoting their record. But they're not being straight with the facts. Compared to the 10 years prior to their taking power, the BC Liberal economic record is worse than the NDP's, health waitlists are much higher, per-pupil funding for education is down, and crime is up. That's the real BC Liberal record. - 30 - To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Mon Nov 15 19:18:15 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2004 19:18:15 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] BC Liberals sound like New Democrats with budget recommendations Message-ID: BC Liberals sound like New Democrats with budget recommendations -- But Premier can't be trusted to keep promises, says MacPhail -- Victoria - In the lead-up to the next election the BC Liberals are beginning to sound like New Democrats, but we now know the Premier can't be trusted to keep his promises, New Democrat MLA Joy MacPhail said today. MacPhail was responding to the release of recommendations of the Legislature's pre-budget consultation committee. Among the proposed recommendations, the Liberal-dominated committee asks the government to commit to more long-term care beds for seniors, to explore tax relief for low-income British Columbians, and to promote skills training. "The committee's recommendations read like Gordon Campbell promises from 2001," said MacPhail. "But we know what's happened since then: long-term care beds were closed, taxes were increased for average families, and skills training was axed. Now the Liberals are asking British Columbians to have faith once again." MacPhail said the BC Liberals are desperate to erase the past three years from the public's memory, hoping that by sounding more caring they will soften public anger about the impact of their extreme agenda. "Many people who voted for the Liberals feel betrayed," said MacPhail. "Few expected that the Premier would use his massive majority to target women, children and the most vulnerable with extreme cuts so he could pay for huge upper-income and corporate tax giveaways. But this time a few last-minute promises won't fool anyone. This time he'll have to account for his record over the past three and half years." MacPhail said the BC New Democrats are offering a fair and balanced approach that reaches out to business, grows the economy, and ensures strong health care and education programs. "Gordon Campbell and the BC Liberals are out of step with the needs of most British Columbians. We've seen the pre-election Premier before. But once election day has passed, no doubt, he will be up to his old tricks." - 30 - To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Fri Nov 19 14:13:15 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 14:13:15 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James Pressures Campbell to Take Immediate Action on Homelessness in Vancouver Message-ID: James Pressures Campbell to Take Immediate Action on Homelessness in Vancouver NDP Leader Says Province Should Contribute to Municipal Plan VANCOUVER - After almost four years of BC Liberal neglect, the Campbell government needs to join with the City of Vancouver and take specific steps to alleviate the city's growing homelessness crisis, NDP Leader Carole James said today. "Despite Mr. Campbell's rhetoric, the Premier has paid very little attention to homelessness, and his government has removed many needed supports," said James. "It's time Mr. Campbell woke up to the issue by taking immediate concrete steps to support the City's plan to deal with the crisis." NDP MLA Jenny Kwan said that according to Vancouver city staff, homelessness has doubled since 2001, with up to 1200 people now living on Vancouver's streets. She pointed to the Campbell government's cancellation of over 1,000 new housing units in 2001 as one example of the decisions that have contributed to the current crisis. NDP MP Libby Davies, who has long advocated for action on homelessness, said that Ottawa needs to focus more resources on social housing to support the City's efforts. "If we are going to deal with this growing crisis, we need a true partnership between all levels of government," said Davies. James said there are three immediate specific steps the Campbell government can take to help the City implement its Homelessness Action Plan. 1. Partner with the City and the Federal government to build 800 supportive housing units. Cost: $6-11 million. 2. Increase funding for Assertive Community Treatment, programming for those coping with mental illness and drug addiction. Cost: $5 million. 3. Take steps to ensure homeless British Columbians have access to social assistance to help pay for housing. Cost: $5 million James said that the City of Vancouver has earmarked $2 -$3 million a year for the plan and is working with the Federal Government for added contributions. Linda Mix, the Coordinator for the Tenants Rights Action Coalition, echoed James' call for Provincial action in support of the City's plan. "The City of Vancouver is taking a lead role in Canada to reduce homelessness. With a budget surplus, what we need now is a serious financial contribution from the Campbell government to fulfill the plan, and get more social housing built to provide homes for British Columbians on the housing waitlists." James also noted that homelessness is not just an issue for Vancouver. Other cities are currently examining their needs. Victoria, for example, is now engaged in a homelessness survey and the Surrey Roundtable on Homelessness is actively developing its own plan. "As these needs are brought forward, Gordon Campbell must respond immediately to solve the problems his government has created," said James. "But next Monday is National Housing Day, and it is a great opportunity for Mr. Campbell to start the ball rolling with a financial commitment to the Vancouver Plan." - 30 - To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Fri Nov 19 18:33:19 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 18:33:19 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] RAV cost over-runs underscore need for independent oversight, says James Message-ID: RAV cost over-runs underscore need for independent oversight, says James VICTORIA - Today's revelation that the privatized RAV line project is already well over $100 million over budget -- before a single shovel has touched the ground -- provides further evidence that the project needs an independent financial analysis, as previously called for by New Democrats, NDP Leader Carole James said today. "Construction has yet to begin and this private RAV project is already grossly over-budget," said James. "Premier Campbell has proven that he's incapable of properly managing the construction of the RAV line in the public interest." James said at a time when people are waiting longer than ever for surgery, and when education funding has been cut, the Premier is allowing the RAV line costs to spiral out of control before it has even started. "Given that the RAV project gets more expensive every day, what British Columbians need now is straight answers and accountability," said James. "That means the Premier should immediately order an objective, independent financial analysis, through the Auditor General, of what this project will finally cost. "The Premier is spending millions of public tax dollars to convince British Columbians he's changed, that he now cares about the priorities of ordinary people. But the ongoing mismanagement and cost overruns on the RAV project serve as a reality check for British Columbians about this government's misplaced priorities." - 30 - To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Tue Nov 23 12:46:12 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 12:46:12 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James Challenges BC Liberal Health Progress Report Message-ID: James Challenges BC Liberal Health Progress Report NDP Leader Says Self-Congratulatory Review Insults Patients on Longer Waitlists VICTORIA - The BC Liberal health progress report released today is an insult to tens of thousands more British Columbians waiting longer for surgery as a result of Gordon Campbell's mismanagement of health care, BC New Democrat Leader Carole James. "With health wait lists skyrocketing under this government, it really is shameful for the Campbell government to release a report patting itself on the back for its health record," said James. "It shows, once again, that Gordon Campbell just can't be trusted to tell the truth." The taxpayer-funded report card heaps praise on the Campbell government for its changes to seniors' care and makes excuses for ballooning wait lists. "Gordon Campbell promised to reduce waitlists. He said they were too long under the NDP. But under his government, those same waitlists have gone through the roof, more than doubling for some surgeries. Now with an election on the horizon, he's spending our money to say it's not his fault." James said that British Columbians can expect more of this kind of taxpayer funded propaganda in the lead up to the election. She said that the tens of millions of dollars the Premier has spent on television ads and self-serving reports would be better spent providing surgeries. Just one of the government's television ads running in prime time would pay for 12 surgeries. Last month, James announced the BC NDP would ban all taxpayer-funded political advertising. "Gordon Campbell has the wrong priorities. He's wrecking public health care and spending our money to say he's doing a great job. Either the Premier is out of touch, or he's deliberately misleading British Columbians. Whatever the case, this health care progress report is an expensive joke." - 30 - To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From dgawthrop at cupe.ca Tue Nov 23 10:12:57 2004 From: dgawthrop at cupe.ca (Dan Gawthrop) Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 10:12:57 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] Website upgrade/website poll Message-ID: Hi all, Just a quick note to let you know that the CUPE BC website upgrade is now up and running. Have a look, and make sure to vote in the new poll--our webmaster informs me that there are actually a few "yes" votes to the question "Are you better off under the B.C. Liberals?". Hmmm. It seems a lot of folks are visiting--not just allies! Insol, DG From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Thu Nov 25 15:51:06 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2004 15:51:06 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James proposes Pine Beetle Community Investment Fund for Northern BC Message-ID: James proposes Pine Beetle Community Investment Fund for Northern BC NDP plan would see communities take control of revenue from harvesting operations PRINCE GEORGE - BC New Democrat Leader Carole James today proposed a Pine Beetle Community Investment Fund for communities in Northern British Columbia. Modeled on the Columbia Basin Trust and the Nechako-Kitimat Development Fund, the new fund would be established with revenue generated from harvesting operations to control the spread of the pine beetle infestation. "The pine beetle threatens the future of Northern communities," said James. "My plan would help secure that future by keeping revenue generated from increased harvesting operations in the North, where it belongs, rather than in Victoria." As a result of the increase to the Annual Allowable Cut established to control the spread of the pine beetle infestation in the Quesnel, Prince George and Lakes timber supply areas, the government can expect to collect revenue on an additional 5 million cubic metres this year alone. James said the added revenue should be used to help communities plan for the future. She said the new trust would see representatives from business, labour, First Nations, and municipal and regional governments working together to prioritize and invest the revenue to the benefit of their communities. According to BC's Chief Forester, over the next 10-15 years there will be a long-term decrease of between 20 to 40 percent in the amount of timber that can be harvested each year in the pine beetle affected areas. "Northern British Columbians generate a tremendous amount of wealth for all of BC," said Quesnel Mayor, Nate Bello. "This initiative recognizes the need to invest in the economic future of those communities directly impacted by the pine beetle infestation, including forestry and pine beetle recovery, transportation, tourism, energy, small business and sustainable economic development." Prince George City Councillor, Murry Krause echoed Bello's comments saying that empowering local communities to take control of their destiny by stopping the outflow of wealth from the North is a key part of any long-term economic plan for the region. "Northern communities have suffered as a result of the Campbell government's policies," said Cariboo-North NDP Candidate Bob Simpson. "Northern British Columbians have a right to take control of their future with wealth created in their communities. That's what this plan is all about." James said that that BC Liberals should take action on this issue before the election is called. "I'm challenging Gordon Campbell to adopt this initiative, and to use the final sitting of his government in February to enact it. He will have the full support of all three NDP MLAs to pass the needed legislation speedily." - 30 - To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Fri Nov 26 18:47:12 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Fri, 26 Nov 2004 18:47:12 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] Windfall Surplus Provides Opportunity to Keep Broken Promises, Says James Message-ID: Windfall Surplus Provides Opportunity to Keep Broken Promises, Says James VICTORIA - The windfall budget surplus announced today by the government provides Gordon Campbell an opportunity to pay down the debt racked up by his government and to keep his broken promises on health care and education, BC New Democrat Leader Carole James said today. "High commodity prices and a huge cash transfer from Ottawa are the reason for the surplus," said James. "Rather than blow it on another reckless tax cut for high-income earners, Gordon Campbell should start paying down the debt and start fixing the mess he's created in health care and education." James said that as a result of Gordon Campbell's broken health care promises, patients are waiting longer for surgery and seniors are being forced out of care homes. She pointed to the case this week of Prince Rupert resident, Maxine Benson, who was forced out of long-term care as an example of the kind of person this surplus should be used to help. "For three years, seniors like Ms. Benson have been hurt to pay for record deficits caused by Gordon Campbell's reckless high-income and corporate tax cuts," said James. "Mr. Campbell broke his promise to seniors when he cut long-term care. Now he should use this windfall to start fixing the problems he's created." James said that the Premier must also take steps to ease the backlog on health capital spending that developed as a result of his neglect. She said that with operating rooms backed up, patients waiting in hallways and surgeries being cancelled, there is a need to re-open operating theatres that are sitting idle and to fund more beds. "Gordon Campbell also now has an opportunity to solve some of the problems he's created in education, whether it be soaring tuition rates that are putting post-secondary education out of the reach of thousands of BC families, or the cuts to K-12 education that have hurt students and families. "Mr. Campbell's extreme agenda has caused a lot of damage to health care and education. With ominous economic warning signs on the horizon, the Premier needs to prudently manage this windfall by both helping those he's hurt and paying down the debt he's racked up," said James. To unsubscribe or change your settings go to: http://www.e-2ve6y.signup.bc.ndp.ca/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: