Many in B.C. aren't benefiting from the boom
The Record (New Westminster)
September 1, 2007
By: George Heyman, president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union.

We hear a lot these days about B.C.'s "red-hot" economy.

Feeling flush perhaps from their own 29 per cent salary increase and lavish new pension plan, Liberal MLAs can't stop crowing about the "booming" B.C. economy. To hear them talk, you'd think we are living in a Golden Age brought on by their prudent fiscal management and good governing.

Oblivious to the role played by low interest rates, oil and gas revenues and migration, Gordon Campbell and his government are more than happy to take full credit.

But how many British Columbians are really benefiting from this supposed economic boom? A small, already wealthy segment of the population is certainly reaping the benefits. But, for most British Columbians it's just as tough as ever to find affordable housing, education, child care or a decent paying job.

We all know how this government treats workers during tough economic times. We now have an opportunity to see how they treat workers during relatively strong economic times.

The arguments the Liberals trotted out to justify their own salary increase are no less valid for the thousands of workers who have seen their salaries and working conditions eroded over the years.

Finance Minister Carole Taylor's big dilemma now is what to do with the $4.1-billion provincial budget surplus.

The government can begin by rebuilding public services. Recruitment and retention is an issue throughout the public sector. This won't be fixed with a few scholarships and cheap incentives. It will need restoration of capacity to protect the public interest and meet new and expanding public needs.

The Supreme Court of Canada has given the Campbell government 12 months to address the damage it did in 2002 when it used Bill 29 to trample on workers' rights.

The government should fairly compensate those workers and halt the layoffs that are still being carried out due to the illegal Bill 29. The first step is to meet with unions to decide how we address the damage done to individual workers.

The government should establish a universal child-care program. Parents, grandparents, educators and business people all understand that quality early-childhood education is crucial to the well-being of society. We can afford it now, and studies show that the benefits and savings far surpass the initial investment.

The government should use part of the $4.1-billion surplus to restore and expand the home care program for seniors, relieve hospital overcrowding and provide aid to family members who are ever more stretched trying to look after older parents since the government cut these services earlier this decade.

The government can legislate a new minimum wage, one that compensates hard-working people with a salary that at minimum allows them to live above the poverty line. This won't cost Carole Taylor a penny.

Instead of offering more tax cuts to the wealthy, the provincial government should reinvest in the social infrastructure that will inevitably slow down. Let's hope they don't miss the opportunity.