This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
The B.C. Liberal government "treats vital social programs and services as a privilege, rather than a right of citizens and families — and most offensively, not a primary responsibility, but secondary duty of government."
Vancouver (29 Feb. 2016) — The B.C. Liberal government has delivered yet another of its “balanced” budgets, dressed in sleight-of-hand fiscal manoeuvering, ambiguous language, and cavalier comparisons to other provinces and jurisdictions, says the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE).
Balanced budget? More like slight of hand budget
In its response following the introduction of the budget in the legislature, BCGEU/NUPGE shared its analysis saying, "Sadly, and once again, the fiscal planning of our elected government puts in second place the essential public goods and services British Columbians require to lead prosperous, inclusive and dignified lives. Instead, it treats vital social programs and services as a privilege, rather than a right of citizens and families — and most offensively, not a primary responsibility, but secondary duty of government."
"Budget 2016–2017 is steadfast and resilient in its commitment to investing little in programs and services that benefit working families and individuals, and is balanced only insofar as when something is given with one hand, it is quickly taken away with the other."
Read ministry-by-ministry analysis
The BCGEU/NUPGE has reviewed the provincial budget, ministry-by-ministry, to help understand how government’s choices in the fiscal year of 2016–2017 will affect the work members do and the services people rely on. It identifies areas where progress has been made and the many areas where far more is needed.
Read BCGEU/NUPGE's complete analysis here.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE