November 29, 2008
Carole James Promises ‘Change’ – A Change to a Have-Not Province
NDP leader Carole James told the BC NDP Provincial Council in a speech on Nov. 29 that her economic scheme will “deliver the kind of change British Columbians are looking for.” Unfortunately the only “change” the NDP have in store is to change budget surpluses into deep budget deficits; change B.C. back into a have-not province; and change B.C. back into the highest-tax jurisdiction in North America - just like it was the last time the NDP were in government:
- As numerous journalists and columnist have pointed out - Carole James’ economic plan would put B.C. billions into debt. Her budget is nowhere close to being balanced.
- The plan calls for at least $1 billion in new spending at a time when the global economic slowdown has reduced government revenue.
- The NDP insists that 7,200 units of affordable housing can be funded at a one-time cost of $650 million. However, the true capital cost is closer to $2 billion, plus an additional $200-250 million each year to operate.
- The NDP would have to add nearly $2.3 billion in new annual spending to fulfil their health care commitments.
- Add it together and you have billions in unfunded NDP promises. The only way for Carole James to make her plan a reality would be to go deep into deficit, or raise taxes sky high.
