From newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca Mon Oct 4 18:12:03 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Mon, 4 Oct 2004 17:12:03 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] CN cutting freight service on Prince George-North Vancouver line, NDP Reveals Message-ID: -- Carole James demands Campbell release sale contract -- VICTORIA -- BC Rail's new owner, CN, is cutting freight service from Prince George to North Vancouver by two thirds, NDP Leader Carole James said today. James released a September 29 letter from CN detailing the service cuts and planned layoffs. "These cuts to service show once again that Gordon Campbell can't be trusted to look out for the interests of northern BC," said James. "He promised that rail service to the North would improve. He wasn't telling the truth. And, once again, Northern residents are paying a heavy price for his failed privatization schemes." The letter from CN Corporate Vice President Dave Edison says that CN is cutting freight service from Prince George to North Vancouver from three trains per day to one. It also says 113 jobs will be lost. "From the start, the Premier has kept northern British Columbians in the dark about this deal," said James. "We all deserve better. British Columbians deserve to see the entire contract with CN, so they can separate the government's spin from reality." Opposition MLA Jenny Kwan and Joy MacPhail asked the Premier about the CN letter earlier today in the Legislature. They demanded that the government explain these service cuts and release the details of the contract with CN. "How can you trust a Premier who said rail service would improve for every community on the line, when we now know that's not true," said Kwan. "Northerners have had enough of this government's arrogance and broken promises. It's time Gordon Campbell came clean and admitted this deal is a rip-off for customers, for communities and for the taxpayer." - 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 Oct 6 16:19:04 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Wed, 6 Oct 2004 15:19:04 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] Campbell wasting precious public health resources on for-profit clinics, says James Message-ID: NANAIMO - The Campbell government is aggressively stepping up for-profit health care in BC, NDP Leader Carole James said today. "The Campbell government's drive to privatize health care in BC is taking resources away from the public system and putting them into the hands of private shareholders," said James. James pointed to a recent disclosure from the Interior Health Authority that it will pay a private, for-profit clinic in Kelowna $615,000 to perform 480 day surgeries over the next 6 months, or $1280 per surgical procedure. "The Campbell government is making the wrong choices for health care in BC," said James. "They let operating rooms in some public facilities sit idle, while they push their privatization agenda for health care." The IHA's disclosure follows similar news that other health authorities are preparing to pay for-profit clinics to perform procedures. Children's Hospital is currently seeking a private, for-profit facility to perform surgeries that could be done in the four operating rooms currently not being used at the hospital. James said the Campbell government isn't interested in finding innovative ways to deliver public health care more efficiently. "If Mr. Campbell is really committed to public health care, he'd tell us how much it costs to provide surgery in a public facility. We know private health care delivers less service for more taxpayer dollars." James pointed to the Liberal government's recent move in Ontario to return private MRI clinics to the public system because it can provide services more efficiently. A study conducted at McMaster University and published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found using for-profit hospitals to provide health care would cost Canadian taxpayers over $7 billion more per year than the public system. "We need to look at innovation in the public system, not privatization," said James. "For example, government could use financial efficiency models like per-surgery funding to make public healthcare services more efficient and accountable. And we could consider establishing small, non-hospital based clinics to provide outpatient surgeries." When the Manitoba government put a private clinic back into the public system it found the for-profit clinic had been billing 30 per cent more for surgeries than it cost to provide the procedures. At the Pan AM clinic in Winnipeg, the cost per surgery is $750, but the clinic had billing the medical system $1000 per procedure. "A 30 per cent premium for the Interior Health Authority represents $180,000 that could provide more surgeries instead of lining the pockets of private shareholders," said James. "People are waiting longer for surgery in BC under Gordon Campbell. Now, taxpayers will pay more to have surgeries performed in private, for-profit clinics." - 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 Thu Oct 7 17:35:01 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2004 16:35:01 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] "Safe" streets legislation exposed as cynical political ploy, says James Message-ID: - With no enforcement provisions or penalties, it's clear Premier is just playing politics - Victoria - The "safe" streets legislation brought down by the BC Liberal government has been exposed as a cynical political ploy, NDP Leader Carole James said today. James said it's clear the premier is just playing politics in the lead up to the next election. "If this is the Premier's answer to concerns about crime and safety on our streets, he is really out of touch," said James. "How can we take seriously a bill that doesn't even address the real problem of crime. Clearly, in its rush to score political points by playing to peoples' fears, the government did not think through this bill very carefully. "The public has very legitimate concerns about crime and safety on the streets. But this legislation does absolutely nothing to address those concerns in real terms." James said that under the BC Liberals crime rates are going up and the government has been unable to craft a real anti-crime strategy. She said that government has cut the funding for the organized crime agency, downloaded police costs onto municipalities, and closed courthouses and correction centres. "The Campbell government has failed to effectively fight crime," said James. "At a time when crime rates are going up and when organized crime activity is on the rise, the government's answer has been to cut resources for police and community safety, to close courthouses, and cut mental health and addiction services. That's wrong. And it isn't fixed by this piece of toothless legislation. "Now, when the RCMP reports that organized crime is eating away at the fabric of our society, Mr. Campbell's answer is to crack down on panhandlers. His priorities are all wrong." James said the NDP caucus will vote against the bill. "The NDP is calling on the government to take a tough approach to crime by giving police the resources they need to protect public safety. We're also calling the on the government to take seriously the startling growth in organized crime activity. "New Democrats will get tough on crime and get tough on the causes of crime. We won't play games with the Premier and support a public relations exercise dressed up as a plan to make our street safer." - 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 Oct 12 14:43:07 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Tue, 12 Oct 2004 13:43:07 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] Campbell breaks promise with expanded internet gambling, says James Message-ID: -- NDP Leader says new games show the Premier can't be trusted to keep commitments -- VICTORIA - After promising not to expand gambling, the BC Lottery Corporation's new internet sports betting scheme shows, once again, that the Premier can't be trusted to keep his campaign commitments, NDP Leader Carole James said today. Late last week, the BCLC announced it will offer sports betting on the internet, saying it expects to scoop up $130 million in new gambling revenue. "Again and again, the Premier shows he can't be trusted," said James. "This new lottery scheme is in addition to a massive expansion of slot machines and more than a doubling of revenue the government takes from gaming operations." James said the Premier spoke out against gaming in Opposition, and featured his promise not to expand gambling in his "New Era" platform. She challenged the Premier to justify allowing the Lottery Corporation to break his promise. "Gordon Campbell doesn't think he is accountable to the public for his promises. Whether it's the sale of BC Rail, the carving up of Hydro, the privatization of health care, or the expansion of gambling, the Premier has broken faith with the public and demonstrated that his promises before an election aren't worth the paper they were printed on." James called on Liberal backbenchers, like Kamloops MLA Kevin Krueger, who opposed expanded gambling to have the courage to speak out against the Premier. "MLAs like Mr. Krueger staked their credibility on the promise to keep gaming in check," said James. "The Premier is making them look very foolish, and they will pay a price at the polls if they keep quiet about this broken promise." James said the Premier's broken promises call into question the truthfulness of his campaign commitments leading up the 2005 election. "How can we trust the Premier when he says he will spend more on health, education, and children, when he can't be trusted to keep a simple promise to halt the expansion of gambling," said James. "Clearly, the Premier is happy to say one thing to get votes and to do another once in power." - 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 Oct 13 13:58:05 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Wed, 13 Oct 2004 12:58:05 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] Brar calls on Polak to fight for public auto insurance Message-ID: SURREY - NDP Candidate Jagrup Brar today issued a challenge to BC Liberal Mary Polak to stand up for public auto insurance and to fight to maintain ICBC's effective anti-car theft programs. "British Columbians don't trust Gordon Campbell to protect public auto insurance in BC," said Brar. "That's why it's critical that the Premier's hand-picked candidate in the Surrey-Panorama Ridge by-election takes a clear position on the privatization of ICBC and commits to fight the Premier's privatization schemes." Brar said that Surrey residents are benefiting from public auto insurance in the form of low rates and ICBC's effective efforts to combat car theft through programs like the Bait Car initiative. He said programs that protect Surrey from car theft are at risk with the Campbell government. "Gordon Campbell desperately wants to carve up and sell-off ICBC," said Brar. "That's why he recently fired the ICBC chair and installed Paul Taylor, his point-man on privatization, to head up the company. We can't let Mr. Taylor and the Premier do to ICBC what they did to BC Rail and what they tried to do to the Coquihalla." Brar was joined by NDP Leader Carole James, who said that ICBC's Bait Car program is an example of how public auto insurance benefits Surrey. With one of the worst car theft problems in Canada, the residents of Surrey need ICBC to continue to support initiatives like the Bait Car program to combat increased crime. Launched in 2002 by the Vancouver Police, and supported with funding from ICBC, the Bait Car program works by leaving cars in auto-theft target areas. When someone breaks into a car, an automatic system videotapes the thieves and police are sent to investigate. ICBC contributes about $38 million per year to public safety and loss prevention programs, including the bait car program and Counter Attack. James said that under a private insurance system, BC could lose valuable programs. "For three years, the Premier has aggressively pursued privatization schemes with little public input or accountability," said James. "This by-election is an opportunity to send Mr. Campbell a clear message that he doesn't have a blank cheque to sell-off ICBC and, along with it, programs that fight car theft." - 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 Thu Oct 14 14:30:03 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 13:30:03 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James calls on Campbell to halt ads during by-election, says NDP will ban all partisan government advertising Message-ID: VICTORIA - NDP Leader Carole James today called on Gordon Campbell to pull taxpayer-financed government ads for the duration of the by-election campaign in Surrey-Panorama Ridge. James said that as Premier she would restrict government advertising to information that served the public interest and would ban taxpayer-financed partisan ads. She said that she would ask a non-partisan, blue-ribbon committee to develop strict guidelines for government advertising. "Taxpayer funded partisan advertising is out of control. And as Premier I will put a stop to it once and for all." said James. "With paycheques declining, health waitlists growing, and schools being closed, it is irresponsible and wrong to spend tens of millions of tax dollars telling the public how good things are. "It's also irresponsible for this Premier to refuse to tell taxpayers exactly how much of their money he is spending to polish his own image during the lead-up to the general election next May." James said this is not the first time that the Premier has wasted taxpayer money on partisan communications. In 1996, he spent $1 million of Liberal caucus funds on a partisan mailer that triggered an investigation and recommendation from BC's Auditor General. (See below). James said that the government is also using millions of tax dollars to try to influence the outcome of the by-election in Surrey Panorama-Ridge and called on the Premier to pull the ads. "Gordon Campbell promised not to advertise during the four-month period before an election," said James. "He's breaking that promise to the people of Surrey-Panorama Ridge, and he should at least pull the ads until after the by-election, if not altogether." James said that in some instances government must advertise. She cited ads that promote tourism, that inform the public about how to access important government information, and that promote public safety as legitimate. "At times government has a responsibility to advertise. But to ensure taxpayers get value for their money, I will take politics out of the equation. Under my leadership, not one dime of taxpayer money will go to partisan ads that are designed simply to promote the government." - 30 - Backgrounder In June 1996, BC's Auditor General issued a report entitled "Issues of Public Interest, Public Communications: Distinguishing Between Government Program and Partisan Political Communications." The report was the result of an investigation into a controversial mailer sent out by Gordon Campbell and the Liberal Caucus using $1 million in taxpayer funds. In the report, the Auditor General suggested guidelines for government advertising that revolved around the following principle: "Public communications paid for by the taxpayer should not contain information or have a tone or presentation that may be considered to be of a partisan political nature." Among the guidelines suggested by the Auditor General were the following: "Public communications...should not be aimed solely at setting out the positive achievements of the government." "Advertising undertaken either shortly before or after an election writ is issued should have a clear commercial or essential community information purpose and be necessary at that particular time. It should not give grounds, through its content or timing, for a claim that it is being used for partisan political gain." 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 Oct 19 14:47:06 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Tue, 19 Oct 2004 13:47:06 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] Money wasted on government ads could be used to reduce waitlists, says James Message-ID: -- NDP Leader says one BCTV ad could pay for 12 surgeries -- VICTORIA ? Instead of wasting millions of tax dollars on partisan political advertising Premier Gordon Campbell should reduce skyrocketing waitlists for surgery, NDP Leader Carole James said today. James said the money being spent by Gordon Campbell to take out full-page ads in the province's daily and weekly newspapers and to run 60-second television commercials in prime time on BCTV and other channels would be better spent on providing much needed surgeries to those suffering on waitlists. "Wait lists for surgery in BC are out of control, with a 30 per cent increase since the day Mr. Campbell took office," said James. "But instead of honouring his promise to reduce waitlists, he's spending millions of dollars on partisan political advertising, breaking another promise in the bargain. James said the average cost according to the government for in-patient procedures is $3000. "Running a 60-second commercial on BCTV just one time could pay for up to 12 surgical procedures," said James. "And this government is running these television ads dozens of times every day, seven days a week. "A single full-page ad in the Saturday Vancouver Sun can cost over $20,000. That's nearly 7 procedures that could be performed. Instead, Mr. Campbell prefers to run partisan political ads on a daily basis and in every major newspaper in the province." Before the last election, Gordon Campbell promised to reduce waitlists and promised not to run government advertising during an election campaign. But waitlists have grown by over 30 per cent since 2001, and during the Surrey-Panorama Ridge by-election, in addition to the millions being spent on provincial ads, the Campbell government is targeting community papers in Surrey in an effort to boost the Liberal campaign there. "No wonder his Liberal candidate hasn't bothered to take out ads in local papers," said James. "She doesn't need to when BC taxpayers are footing the bill for her advertising instead." James called on the premier to pull all advertising immediately. "At the very least, he should halt government advertising until after the by-election is over," said James. James announced that NDP House Leader Joy MacPhail would introduce a private members' bill into the BC Legislature Wednesday that would ban partisan political advertising using taxpayer dollars during by-elections and elections. - 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 Oct 20 16:04:12 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2004 15:04:12 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] NDP tables Bill banning government advertising during elections Message-ID: VICTORIA -- The Opposition New Democrats today tabled a bill in the Legislature that would make it illegal for the government to use taxpayer funds on partisan political advertising during a general election or a by-election. "Gordon Campbell promised not to spend tax dollars on partisan government ads during elections," said NDP MLA Joy MacPhail. "But he's breaking his promise and spending millions of dollars during the Surrey-Panorama Ridge by-election trying to influence its outcome. This bill would put a stop to Gordon Campbell's binge advertising spree." MLA Jenny Kwan said she's heard from many British Columbians who are angry that the government is putting resources into ads at the same time waitlists are going through the roof. According to the government's own reports, waitlists have grown by 31 per cent in the three years since the Liberals took office. The number of British Columbians waiting for hip surgery alone has doubled since 2001. "It costs taxpayers roughly $35,000 every time Gordon Campbell runs one of his ads on prime-time television. That would pay for 12 surgeries at a BC hospital," said Kwan. "It's time governments of all stripes ended the practice of taxpayer funded partisan ads. This bill restricts partisan advertising during elections, but the NDP would go further and end the practice all-together." The bill introduced by the NDP Opposition makes government advertising an offence during the campaign period of general election and by-election and comes with a fine of up to $5000 for the Premier of a government that commits the offence. The standards by which government advertising will be governed will be established by a non-partisan committee. "Government advertising is out of control. It's time legislators put a stop to it. This bill is an important step in that direction, and I hope that at least some government MLAs have the courage to support its passage into law," said MacPhail. - 30 - Click here to read the Opposition Bill. To view the full-page ads the government should be running if they were interested in telling British Columbians the truth about health care in BC, click here. 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 Oct 25 16:30:04 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2004 15:30:04 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] Internal Hospital E-mail Alert Puts Lie to Inflated Health Satisfaction Numbers, says James Message-ID: -- NDP Leader Says Government Should Move to Independent Health Performance Research -- VICTORIA ? An internal e-mail alert from staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital detailing critical bed shortages puts the lie to inflated health satisfaction numbers released by the BC Liberal government, NDP Leader Carole James said today. "Gordon Campbell wants British Columbians to believe that health care is improving," said James. "But the facts on the ground tell a very different story. Beds are in short supply. Patients are waiting in hallways. And surgeries are getting cancelled." James released a September 29, 2004 e-mail from staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria (see attached) urgently asking for help from other hospitals to cope with serious overcrowding. The e-mail alert describes very sick patients waiting without stretchers, cancelled surgeries and hallway overcrowding. James contrasted the patient suffering described in the alert with a patient satisfaction survey released by the government apparently showing widespread satisfaction with health care on Vancouver Island. She called the survey into question pointing out that the satisfaction rating isn't supported by the surveys own findings. "We've learned that we can't trust a thing Gordon Campbell's government says about its record," said James. "The Vancouver Island patient satisfaction survey is just one example: Mediocre marks from patients on every category measured magically turn into overwhelming approval of health care. But it's all a fantasy concocted by the BC Liberals in the lead up to the next election." James said rather than allow unaccountable health boards to grade themselves, the government should charge an independent third party to undertake objective health performance research. "British Columbians deserve a clear picture of how health care is serving patients, not inflated spin from unaccountable health boards appointed by the Campbell government. That's why I would take the resources health boards are spending to pat themselves on the back and transfer them to independent health researchers who don't report to the Premier." - 30 - To view the leaked e-mail from Royal Jubilee, click the following link: http://nid-876.newsdetail.bc.ndp.ca/upload/20041025133828_041025VIHA_email.pdf 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 Oct 26 13:47:08 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2004 12:47:08 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] Debate on " =?iso-8859-1?q?=92Safe?= Streets" Legislation Uncovers Serious Flaws, says Kwan Message-ID: Victoria -- Attorney General Geoff Plant made a number of startling admissions during debate on the BC Liberal government's "Safe Streets" legislation, NDP Opposition MLA Jenny Kwan said today. Kwan said that for the first time, Plant admitted that asking for a quarter to make a phone call, or change to take a bus is an offence under the legislation, which passed third reading this morning. The Attorney General also said that vendors selling newspapers to motorists on the roadway at BC Ferries' terminals are also now breaking the new law. "The Attorney General's admissions are proof that the 'Safe Streets' Act has more to do with cheap politics than good policy," said Kwan. "It's clear that in their rush to get a headline, the government did not think through the consequences of what they were proposing, and now, as a result, the previously harmless act of asking for change to plug a parking meter is illegal in BC." Kwan said that the Criminal Code already covers aggressive panhandling. She said that's why the mayors of Vancouver and Victoria are opposing the government's scheme. She said the bill was so rushed and ill-conceived that government had to amend it to protect charity fundraisers at banks. "This new legislation does nothing to make our streets safer. Instead it criminalizes normal behavior and turns law-abiding British Columbians into law-breakers," said Kwan. "As the implications of this bill become obvious, the constitutionality of the government's actions will likely be challenged," said Kwan. "In trying to score political points, they have saddled British Columbians with unworkable and absurd rules." "The government is complaining that the debate took too long on this bill, extending the session for an extra day at a cost to taxpayers. But the cost to debate this ill-conceived bill is less than the cost of one taxpayer-financed partisan ad running on prime-time television." BACKGROUNDER >From Hansard, October 25, 2004 J. Kwan: Does this bill ban anyone from asking for change at a phone booth, for example, or at a bus stop or a parkade? I myself have done it when I'm faced with a situation where I don't have the appropriate change to stick into the machines. Does this act actually create an offence in those situations? Hon. G. Plant: If you are within five metres of the ATM, the pay phone, the public toilet facility or the bus stop, yes. Hon. G. Plant: The newspaper vendor, who may be on the [BC Ferry] roadway for the purpose of selling a newspaper to somebody in a vehicle, would be committing an offence. 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 Oct 26 14:13:08 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Tue, 26 Oct 2004 13:13:08 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] NDP to freeze tuition fees in 2005 Message-ID: -- Plan will provide compensation for institutions -- NEW WESTMINSTER ? NDP Leader Carole James today announced that a New Democrat government would freeze post-secondary tuition fees for the 2005/2006 school year. She said the government would provide institutions with added funding to offset the cost of inflation. "Gordon Campbell has driven up tuition fees in British Columbia over the last three years, far exceeding the Canadian average," said James. "That's making it much harder for young people to realize their dreams, denying opportunity to average families and hurting BC's economic and human potential." James pointed to a recent study released by the association representing university faculty showing that the BC Liberal government has shifted the costs of higher education onto the backs of students and their families. According to the study, had tuition increases been limited to the rate of inflation every year since 1995, it would now cost students almost $2000 less per year than it does today to attend university. "Gordon Campbell is forcing average families to pay more than their fair share of the costs of education, with no end in sight to tuition increases. With a $1 billion surplus, we can afford to put on the brakes and freeze fees next year." James said that she would fully fund the cost of the freeze by providing universities and colleges with an additional $24 million next year to offset inflation pressures. "If BC is going to succeed and grow in the new economy, we need to give every young person the opportunity to get a higher education," said James. "But as a result of Gordon Campbell's high tuition policies, enrolment at many institutions is going down, particularly in the North and the Interior. "BC can do better. BC must do better. And that's why as Premier I will work to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to go to college or university. And instead of spending money on partisan television ads distorting the government's record, I will use the surplus to open the door to new opportunities for all British Columbians." -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 Oct 29 16:20:14 2004 From: newswire at news.bc.ndp.ca (BC NDP NEWSWIRE) Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2004 15:20:14 -0800 Subject: [LabComm] James looks to future at Surrey victory party Message-ID: New Democrat Leader Carole James spoke to 700 enthusiastic supporters at the victory party in Surrey Panorama-Ridge last night. Here's what she had to say: ------------------------- Thank-you -- What a night! Friends, I want to say how proud I am of every one of you. But most of all I want to say how proud I am of the new MLA for Surrey-Panorama Ridge, Jagrup Brar! Jagrup, let me say I've never seen anyone more focused and determined as you've been preparing for this campaign and taking your message to the people of this community. And I want to say thank-you to you and your family ? Rajwant and your daughter Noor - for giving up so much to make this day possible. Everyone here is so proud of you. But I think the happiest people in the room tonight are your new caucus colleagues ? Joy MacPhail and Jenny Kwan. It's not often that a caucus grows by a full third after one by-election ? both in size and height. Joy and Jenny have done the work of 40 MLAs in the Legislature over the last three years. And now, with you sitting next to them staring down the Campbell government, that job will get a little easier and a lot more fun. Yes it's a great night for New Democrats. But more importantly it's a great night for British Columbia and a great night for the people in Surrey Panorama-Ridge.In Jagrup, the residents of Surrey have elected an extraordinary person to be their MLA. A person who will work as hard as he can to represent their interests. A person who will make them proud. And a person who will stand up to the Campbell government. >From day one the BC Liberals have made the wrong choices for average families. And we?ve seen the results. Ballooning health waitlists. Higher taxes and fees for low and middle-income earners. Cuts to education. Cuts to crime prevention. And opportunities denied for average people to make a better life. The government threw everything they had at this election. Millions of dollars in taxpayer funded advertising telling us what a great job they were doing. But all the ads in the world can't cover up the truth. And the truth is, this government is not working for most British Columbians. The truth is, this government is working for the few, not the many who work hard, pay their fair share of taxes, and want the government to be there for them in return. And the truth is, this government is out of step with the aspirations and hopes of the vast majority of British Columbians. British Columbians who are looking for a fiscally responsible, compassionate government that helps them realize their dreams. Friends, tonight, Gordon Campbell and the BC Liberals have been sent a clear message. And that message is: We can't wait for May 17, 2005. And Jagrup and the NDP are ready to take up that challenge all over the province. We are ready with a positive agenda. An agenda of new opportunities for education. New opportunities for skills training. New opportunities for better public health care. And new economic opportunities for a better life for all British Columbians. An agenda that leaves no one out. An agenda that leaves no one behind. Yes, tonight is a great night. But it's just the beginning of a very long campaign. When I became leader I made a commitment to reach out to British Columbians from all walks of life to build a new progressive alternative to this government. We have come a long way. But we're not there yet. Everyday we have to wake up and ask ourselves: "What can we do to earn the support of British Columbians...?" "What can we do to build a province that works for all people. The many, not just the few?" We have seven months to bring our vision to every doorstep in this riding, and every family and every voter in British Columbia. That's a tall order. But if we do that -- strongly, forcefully, passionately -- then friends, we will win a victory that will echo for generations. And we're counting on every one of you to be a key part of that work -- and that victory. Congratulations on this wonderful night. Now let's get out there and take it to May 17! Thank you. -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: