Investing in public services = a sustainable economy

I recently stood before the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and asked the BC government to make investing in public services its top budget priority for 2010. I spoke about how public services provide education, health care, environmental oversight, and solid jobs in our communities.

Sure, we need to invest in the ‘shovel ready' jobs that build roads and public facilities. But to create a truly sustainable society, we must also focus on investing in social infrastructure. That means expanding - not slashing - the public services that keep our families and environment healthy.

I'm pleased to see that the Committee listened to input from our union, and scores of other British Columbians. It's putting forward important recommendations that include ensuring all-day kindergarten is fully funded, and increasing funding for mental health and addictions. And a recommendation to expand apprenticeship opportunities is something we've called for, for years.

But some recommendations are troubling. I ask whether working with the federal government to adopt a single environmental assessment program will actually improve or weaken BC's environmental protection measures further?

The report will be tabled in the Legislature soon. Watch for how government deals with the recommendations.