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“The thing that the government needs to keep in mind is that when economic forecasts are dropping, the services that BCGEU/NUPGE members provide are more important than ever” – BCGEU/NUPGE president Darryl Walker.
Vancouver (3 July 2013) – The B.C. budget update confirms that revenues are dropping and that services will be cut as a result, says the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU/NUPGE).
B.C. economy weakening
“It’s clear from today that the economy is weakening, which decreases government revenues and increases demand for services,” says BCGEU/NUPGE president Darryl Walker.
“The thing that the government needs to keep in mind is that when economic forecasts are dropping, the services that BCGEU/NUPGE members provide are more important than ever.”
Province announces new cuts
Public services, which are already stretched, are facing an additional $130 million in cuts over the next three years. The government announced today new cuts of $30 million in expenditures this year and $100 million through the core services review over the next three years.
“Up until today’s budget the government has said that the core services review was a matter of cutting red tape. Now we find out that they intend to cut $100 million,” says Walker.
“This means our members' jobs and the vital services they provide are at risk.”
Developmental services in jeopardy – promised action in natural resources missing
Also in the budget update are continued cuts to Community Living BC (CLBC).
“As British Columbians increasingly rely on CLBC, the government puts those services in jeopardy through continued cuts,” says Walker.
Missing in the budget is a financial commitment to reduce natural resource permitting wait times.
“The throne speech talked about reducing wait times for natural resource permits but today’s budget locks in previously announced budget cuts,” says Walker.
Role of public services in an economic recovery ignored
“This budget update creates uncertainty for BCGEU/NUPGE members and for all British Columbians,” warns Walker.
“In a weak economy, government needs to understand the role that strong public services play in a quick recovery. BCGEU/NUPGE and our members have valuable input to offer in terms of improvements to public services and we hope the premier and her ministers will accept our offer to sit down and discuss these improvements.”
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 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