Today NDP leader Carole James was caught deliberately misleading British Columbians on the true value of public-private partnerships. Once again, she has her facts completely wrong.
Here are the facts:
- Every P3 project undertaken in B.C. has been on time and on budget, and many have actually exceeded that target. http://tinyurl.com/dm3q3a
- B.C.’s independent Auditor General has confirmed that the use of P3s has saved taxpayers millions of dollars. For example, his office reviewed the Canada Line Project and the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre P3 projects and confirmed $92 million and $39 million in respective savings for taxpayers over a traditional building model.
- These and other reviews have determined that taxpayers are projected to save over $330 million through the use of P3s – and this approach has resulted in new hospitals, new highways, new bridges, and new green infrastructure across the province.
- Other jurisdictions are envying B.C. for its experience and success with P3s. After reviewing B.C.’s P3 projects, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stated: “It’s like when you look at British Columbia or other places where they have a public-private partnership, where everyone is happy.”
It’s time for Carole James to set aside the rhetoric and be straight with British Columbians. These continued attacks against students, travelers, taxpayers and our construction industry are misleading and destructive, and they need to stop. More Information: The Real Story …on the NDP and Public-Private Partnerships
