Image Credit: The Canadian Press

By Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: NDP budget ignores crisis in rural B.C.

Feb 27, 2020 | 4:22 PM

THE NDP BUDGET released earlier this month did not provide the relief that rural British Columbians – including those in my riding of Cariboo Chilcotin – desperately need.

Hard-working people and their families have been devastated by the worst forestry crisis our people have faced over 40 years. This is only made worse by the effects of floods, fires, mountain pine beetles and economic downturns such as mill closures and softwood lumber disputes.

What we are left with is a sector in crisis with massive layoffs, strikes and shutdowns announced consistently throughout NDP’s term in government.

Now is a time where we need help more than ever.

But that’s not how the NDP see it. Instead, the NDP seem to care more about buying votes in the Lower Mainland and appeasing their union friends than helping forest workers get back on their feet. The NDP have a million dollars to hand out for free tickets to the symphony — but not a single new dollar for forestry?

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The NDP budget mentions $13 million going towards forestry, all of which was previously allocated funds. I am saddened to see there is absolutely nothing new to help our forestry workers and their families in the budget.

In fact, there is simply no mention of the much-needed Rural Dividend Fund whatsoever. The fund, worth $25 million, was ripped out of rural and forest-dependent communities last year with a promise to return. Instead the NDP break their promise, cancel existing programs and replace them with their $69 million early retirement program.

With revenue from the forestry sector dropping over 40 per cent since 2018, their early retirement program is not a solution to an entire industry in crisis. Our communities can tell you this is not the way to help forestry families in their time of need.

Forestry is not the only industry neglected in this budget; agriculture’s budget is cut by nearly $3 million. What’s going to happen to the poultry industry? Or to the cattle industry?

This budget, an insight into the NDP’s priorities, is the exact opposite of what we should be seeing.

Of minor comfort is the increase to the health budget. With an aging population, this is a necessity. I look forward to seeing the shovels in the ground in 2021 for the redevelopment of the Williams Lake hospital.

I will continue to stand for our communities and demand more action to ensure that rural B.C. does not continue to be left behind.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.