[LabComm] REALITY CHECK

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

REALITY CHECK

What the Campbell Liberals aren't saying about their pre-election education promise

Gordon Campbell says that he will spend an extra $150 million of education this year. 

Here's what he's not saying:

- The Campbell government already made this announcement

In March 2004, the Campbell government said it would spend $170 million extra on education through 2005/06. This announcement simply moves some of that funding forward by one year.

- In 2001 Gordon Campbell froze education spending in BC. 

Over the three years that policy was in place, the Liberals forced school districts to pay for rising transportation costs, rising hydro costs and the teachers' salary increase. As a result, school districts were forced to make drastic cuts in order to pay costs imposed by government. 

In 2002/2003, the total shortfall to school districts was $210 million.

- In 2002 the Campbell government imposed a wage settlement on school boards, costing $338 million, but they only funded the first year of the contract. The result was a $188 million shortfall for school boards 

Today's announcement of $150 million doesn't even cover the shortfall imposed in 2002.

After four years, British Columbians know they can't trust Gordon Campbell to invest in education and students

Classroom sizes have increased, schools have been closed, teachers have been cut, and critical programs have been axed.

Gordon Campbell made the same promises before the last election, and he broke them. He is up to his old tricks again.

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