Premier Christy Clark says her government will spend this spring focused on her previously-announced jobs plan, as well as a new seniors agenda and anti-bullying strategy.

Clark outlined her legislative agenda with an eight minute statement on CKNW radio in Vancouver.

It was largely a recap of her first 11 months in office and her B.C. Jobs Plan, which was unveiled last fall.

“We are fighting for the economic future of British Columbia and trying to make sure families can look forward to a stable future,” she said. “I want to keep B.C. a safe harbour in the midst of economic turmoil.”

Clark promised “comprehensive anti-bullying strategies for our schools” this spring, as well as a new “seniors agenda” for the fastest-growing part of B.C.’s population.

The premier also served notice her government’s budget, to be tabled next week, will cap spending in order to meet its goal to reduce the deficit, saying “balancing the budget is a very difficult thing” and will require saying no to some programs.

She also took a shot at the B.C. Teachers’ Federation, which is currently locked in stalled labour negotiations with the province.

“I’m just not interested in raising taxes to pay for public sector wage increases,” said Clark.

She added she’s “not terribly optimistic” a negotiated solution can be found because, after 73 negotiating sessions, there has been little movement at the bargaining table. The comments will likely add to speculation the government is moving to legislate the teachers back to work in coming months.

Clark also said her government will set aside $165 million to hire new teaching assistants in the school system, which was a repackaged announced she made last October during negotiations with teachers.

The premier’s decision to outline her legislative agenda on a Vancouver radio station attracted criticism last week.

Veteran political scientist Norman Ruff described the move as demeaning the legislature, because major government policy should be outlined in the capital building on behalf of British Columbians and not on private radio.

The Opposition NDP has said if Clark had a message for the province she should have delivered it in the legislature.

The legislature reconvenes Feb. 14.

rshaw@timescolonist.com