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GUEST COLUMN – NDP
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IT’S TIME THE CAMPBELL GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZE THAT THE REST OF US MATTER |
By Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley
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When the news spilled out about the massive 43-per-cent pay raise Gordon Campbell gave to his top deputies, the Campbell Liberals sent B.C.’s hardest workers a clear message – you don’t matter.
The Premier should start by explaining why he pushed through more obscene wage hikes for his top executives and then snuck out of town on a private jet before it was announced.
The truth is that the Premier knew it was wrong and did it anyway. Worse, he didn’t have the courage to take responsibility.
When Campbell was asked why he broke his promise not to hike deputies’ salaries for four years he had this to say: “One of the important things we have to do is make sure that we are treating people fairly.”
Treating people fairly? This is beyond hypocritical.
It’s a level of hypocrisy that shows an arrogant Campbell who thinks he can get away with anything.
Recently, Finance Minister Colin Hansen said that the Campbell government has “a lot of work to do, explaining our policies to the public”.
Maybe the Campbell government should start by explaining why they thought it was a good idea to push through yet more obscene wage hikes for their top executives while still refusing to consider a raise to the minimum wage.
While the average British Columbian’s median income has remained stagnant, the Premier’s Deputy Minister’s salary now ranks first in the country.
Everyday in B.C., life gets more expensive for families already stretched by rising costs and a cooling economy.
While British Columbians struggle to pay their taxes, meet the mortgage, and balance the family budget, the Premier acts as though he couldn’t care less.
As though the people he’s hurting don’t matter.
Whether it’s Campbell’s new gas tax, higher hydro rates, record housing prices, higher food costs, increased ICBC premiums, rising ferry costs or higher transit fares, it’s harder than ever to balance the family budget.
But does Gordon Campbell care that family budgets are stretched?
Does he care that high gas prices are eating into pay cheques, savings accounts and the monthly mortgage payment.
No. Gordon Campbell doesn’t care.
The Campbell government's response is to dismiss people's concerns.
As New Democrats, we believe that the government’s top priorities should be issues that matter to British Columbians. That’s why we are focused on improving the education system for our children, fixing health care, ensuring seniors are treated fairly, and repealing the gas tax.
Over the coming months, you can count on Carole James and the NDP to continue to fight for average families and to hold the Campbell government accountable for their arrogance and inaction.
The New Democrats are ready for the fight. We’re challenging Campbell’s priorities and pet projects and speaking out for average families.
That’s what the next election will be all about.
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