Re: “B.C. budget cuts 2M MSP premiums in half,” Feb. 22.
Finance Minister Michael de Jong should not brag about a fifth consecutive balanced budget, with surpluses predicted at $295 million on $50.8 billion in revenue in 2017-18.
B.C.’s budget surplus has been due to a chronic service deficit to our most vulnerable citizens.
The B.C. Liberals have not increased income-assistance rates in 10 years, and continuously cut back child-protection services and education. Most shocking, however, is that British Columbia has the second-worst poverty rate in the country despite boosting the province’s wealth.
B.C. has a surplus on the backs of children, the most vulnerable, voiceless citizens in the province. Approximately 13.2 per cent of children live in poverty, a shame when the Liberals are boasting a surplus.
B.C. has no poverty-reduction plan like those in the majority of provinces.
It is time we changed governments in May. We need a government that represents all citizens of B.C., especially those most vulnerable.
Marilyn Banfield
Victoria
