2011 budget should focus on five priorities
15 Oct '10

The provincial government needs to focus on five priority areas in its next budget, says the BCGEU in its pre-budget submission to the legislature's Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.

The five areas to focus on are rebuilding the public service, investing in health and social services, dealing with the crisis in our forests, promoting equality in our communities and expanding provincial revenues and moving to tax fairness.

"While there has been some economic growth, all indications are that the economy is still fragile," said Darryl Walker, BCGEU president, who made the presentation. "Now is not the time to retrench and take the steam out of a recovery.

"Fortunately, it appears there is some financial room to move. The provincial deficit is lower and revenue expectations are higher, putting the province in a better financial position," said Walker. "In light of this, we feel that our recommendations for the next budget provide a targeted approach the government can take."

The union's submission focuses on five key areas:

Rebuilding the public service: The union's submission says that jobs and funding should be restored to ministries hit by cuts and layoffs since 2001 and local offices and facilities that were closed should be re-opened. It also mentions that B.C.'s correctional facilities are overcrowded and an expansion is in order.

Health and social services: The government needs to invest in more home support services to allow seniors to remain in their homes the union argues. There is also a call for a comprehensive, fully-funded universal child care program and the need to increase funding to Community Living BC to support the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.

Submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services - Budget 2011 Consultation - October 2010