[LabComm] Statement from Carole James on Liberal Cabinet Appointments

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

Statement from Carole James on Liberal Cabinet Appointments



Good afternoon.

Premier Gordon Campbell was sent a strong message from the people of British Columbia in this last election.

British Columbians said they want a different approach. 

They want balance in government.

They want their government to pay attention to the priorities that matter to average families, in every region of the province.

On the whole, the premier's announcement today represents no significant shift in direction for his government.

However, the Premier appears to be trying to strike a new tone ... but whether he has really changed will depend on his actions, not words.

Let me first point to a couple of things I think are positive.

The size of Cabinet for four years was altogether too large, with many Cabinet positions serving a political need to manage the government caucus at the expense of tax payers.

So I'm glad, first of all, to see a significant reduction in the size of Cabinet.

The establishment of a stand alone ministry responsible for First Nations is long overdue.

And I hope that this will go some way to repairing the relationship with Aboriginal people that was so badly damaged in Mr. Campbell's first term.

I note that the premier has acted on our call to re-establish the Ministry of Environment.

It is an acknowledgement from this premier that it was unacceptable for his government to continue without a strong commitment to our natural heritage.

However, I am concerned that he's renamed the Ministry without changing it.

For example, responsibility for regulating fish farming in this province still rests with the Agriculture Ministry -- the same Ministry responsible for licensing the industry.

Mr. Campbell will have to demonstrate a real commitment to improved environmental standards and protections.

During the campaign, we articulated several key priorities for British Columbians.

And it is my sincere hope that those priorities will be at the forefront of all discussions as these Ministers go forward to carry out their responsibilities.

The new Minister of Health must make long-term care and seniors' care a top priority.

The new Minister of Education must revaluate the funding model for our schools, and look to providing stable and secure funding that allows schools, communities and families to plan into the future.

The looming skills shortage cannot continue to be ignored by the Ministry of Advanced Education. 

We need innovative ideas to successfully prepare more British Columbians for jobs in skilled trades.

But most importantly, this new cabinet must provide leadership that listens, and to put into action a new tone for government that restores the principals of respect, cooperation, and integrity.

As the Official opposition, it is our job to hold this government and this cabinet to account.

And that is exactly what I intend to do.

As I said, Mr. Campbell and his government were sent a message from British Columbians that it's time for a significant shift in direction.

It remains to be seen whether or not the premier has heard that message.

As the Official Opposition, my caucus will not only point out the deficiencies of government, but also put forward positive and innovative ideas and solutions.

We will be watching very closely to see that Gordon Campbell keeps his word.

We will be watching to see that he pays attention to seniors and long-term care.

That he works to re-build bridges of trust that he burned in his first term.

That his commitment to reach out is more than just window-dressing.

That he starts to pay attention to education and rising costs for college and university.

And that he starts to treat working people with respect.

In his last term, the Premier made many similar commitments.

And he broke his promises.

This time, British Columbians have effective representatives in the House to hold him accountable.

And that's what the New Democrat Caucus will do.

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