BC NDP Connection Newsletter

Campbell must accept blame for rich-poor gap, James says

The gap between the rich and poor continues to grow, and Premier Gordon Campbell must take his share of the blame.

A new report released this week shows that the gap between the haves and the have-nots has increased, and that the richest 10 per cent are the only ones who aren't working longer and harder just to keep up.

" Thanks to the continued high commodity prices, our economy is doing very well," said New Democrat Leader Carole James. "But because of the B.C. Liberal government, not everyone is benefiting.

" In fact, we're seeing many people falling further behind. It's shameful that at a time when the province is doing so well, we wouldn't be doing everything we can to make sure the results of a strong economy were spread more evenly."

James said the most recent budget shows the B.C. Liberals don't care about making life better for British Columbians already on the margins of our society. Blessed with one of the largest budget surpluses in the province's history, Finance Minister Carole Taylor could have taken some concrete steps to help even the playing field.

" Instead, they put $2 billion toward a tax cut that no one asked for, and tried to pass it off as a plan to ease the homelessness crisis," said James. "They put money into rent supplements, which don't help if you can't actually find an affordable place to rent. What's needed is good, affordable housing.

" And yes, they gave income assistance recipients an extra $50 for their shelter allowance, but that was simply a political move. The Premier announced it in November, but it didn't come to light until February, after people had spent another winter trying to get by.

" They should have implemented it immediately after it was announced, but the Campbell government just doesn't care."

James said there are practical steps the government could take to improve the lives of the less fortunate.
" They could start by increasing the minimum wage, which hasn't been increased in the life of this government," said James. "And it should be indexed, so it keeps pace with inflation.

" They should give back the earnings exemption to people living on income assistance, which helps connect people back to the work force. And they should be taking steps to ease the tuition burden on students, so they can afford to get the skills they need."

Sadly, James said, the B.C. Liberals have shown little interest in taking any of these steps.

" What we've seen from this government is a lot of political posturing, which doesn't help people in need," James said. "We need a real commitment, and that commitment is sorely lacking from Gordon Campbell."