A budget which is described by the government as “status quo” has not won the support of Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson.
“Calling it a status-quo budget is a disservice to the people of B.C.,” said Donaldson.He said there are a lot of areas in the budget which hurt the Northwest and calling it status quo underplays the areas it hurts.
Among the examples he said money has been set aside to pay the legal bill for the Basi-Virk Inquiry in the sale of B.C. Rail.
That amounts to $6 million dollars, a similar amount to what was taken out of Prosecutor Services, he said.He also circled back to the HST issue, noting that it has been said the referendum on the sales tax will cost $25.9 million.
“We could have used that money in a lot of ways.”
The budget also did not take into account suggestions from the Select Standing Committee on Finance, of which Donaldson was Deputy Chair. The group toured B.C. taking the public’s suggestions to guide the budgeting process.
“Perhaps, if another budget is introduced, they will take the advice. The hope is still there.”