Sebastian points to local areas of need, where surplus could be put to use
The Daily Townsman (Cranbrook)
August 7, 2008
By: Dean Bassett

While the provincial election is 10 months away the race is already heating up in the East Kootenay.

Constituents can expect a healthy ongoing debate on a range of issues …This time around Sebastian responded to some specific areas of need in the riding, where the province's record $2.9 billion surplus could be put to good use.

"This government has neglected to adequately fund services and programs," Sebastian said.

Consequently, he said this has lead to British Columbia having the highest child poverty rate in Canada.

"We (the NDP) wouldn't have to be challenged to deal with this issue -- it would be a priority," Sebastian said.

One of the strategies to lift families, and consequently children above the poverty line would be increased funding for child daycare.

"This is a proactive approach on a social issue," Sebastian said. "Increasing child care spaces, which is a huge challenge across the province, is very important."

The rationale for this approach is thus - parents from low income families would be able to either seek better employment opportunities or improve their skill set without worrying about child care issues. Eventually, with better job opportunities a family can rise above the poverty level.

"So, having adequate daycare spaces would go a long way to solving child poverty," Sebastian said….

While the BC Liberals will tout their ability to balance budgets and manage finances, Sebastian said much of the record surplus has come as a result of cutbacks to numerous programs and services.

"The surplus is based on cutting back on service," Sebastian said. "The BC Liberals cut services by 30 and 40 per cent at the beginning (of their mandate)," At the same time, Sebastian said things like MSP premiums increased all of which negatively impacted moderate and low-income earners.

Furthermore, Sebastian noted much of the economic activity in the province is being driven by construction activity related to the Olympics.

In terms of fiscal responsibility Sebastian couldn't resist citing the financial predicament of the new and improved Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"It's a question of choices," Sebastian said. "Do you spend more than $800 million on a convention centre in Vancouver and then argue its benefit to the East Kootenay. Is it also fiscally prudent to go $400 million over budget…