B.C. premier signals major service cuts and job losses

BCGEU president Darryl Walker concerned by potential impact on frontline services.

Vancouver (4 Feb. 2009) - The government of Liberal Premier Gordon Campbell has signalled that it is preparing for major cuts to important public services in its Feb. 17 provincial budget.

Campbell, accompanied by Finance Minister Colin Hansen, issued the warning at a news conference this week, saying the province is preparing for deficit budgets over the next two years. Up to 20% of all management positions will be eliminated, he said.
 
Darryl Walker, president of the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE), is deeply concerned at the implications of the news.

"The Liberals seem ready to embark on yet more upheaval in public services at a time when many British Columbians have been hurt by the downturn and will need to rely more on important public services," Walker says.

"Where do they think they can cut? Child protection? Services for vulnerable children and families? Women's services? Environmental protection or forestry? Conservation services? And what are the implications for services funded almost exclusively by government, like home support for our seniors, and services for adults with developmental disabilities?"

Walker sys it is contradictory for the Liberals to promise job creation through infrastructure investment at the same time as they eliminate public service jobs and opportunities, especially since B.C. continues to have one of the leanest public services in Canada.

Walker has asked for a detailed briefing from the premier's office on the proposed public service cuts. "We'll be watching closely and working very hard during the next two weeks leading up to the budget and be ready to respond to protect public services from a renewed attack by Premier Campbell," he says. NUPGE