Throne speech offers little for B.C.’s kids

Government misses chance to help mental health and addiction programs

The Liberal government’s Speech from the Throne rings hollow when it comes to taking care of B.C.’s kids, according to the B.C. Government and Service Employees’ Union (BCGEU).

"Gordon Campbell has done nothing to restore the cuts to child care let alone provide funds to improve the system," said George Heyman, BCGEU president.

"While the government talks about communities being caring places for children, the government says nothing about improving our child care system," said Heyman. "They have the money to improve and expand child care. The premier’s own Progress Board, parents, and others have all said that the improvements are necessary."

"The provincial government’s cuts are devastating to families," said Heyman. "The cuts mean higher fees, longer waiting lists and fewer child care facilities and resources."

"We will work with parents and our members who work in the child care field to see that child care is improved in British Columbia," he said.

Heyman spoke earlier in the day at a rally at the legislature organized by child care workers.

"After a month of controversy, the government continues to let our health care system drift," said Heyman.

"The government continues to ignore all the evidence and studies that show how a properly funded home support program can ensure that seniors can remain in their homes and communities instead of relying on more expensive acute care," he said.

"The Premier made much of his Council on Aging and Senior’s Issues’ recommendation to remove mandatory retirement, yet he didn’t even acknowledge the recommendation to improve and expand home support services. He is cherry picking the recommendations that appeal to him and ignoring the ones that people around the province want to see implemented.

"Missing from the speech is any mention of the need to improve our mental health and treatment programs. Thousands of British Columbians suffer in silence and do not get the professional help they need," he said.

"The ‘Conversation on Health’ would have more credibility if the government responded to the clearly identified needs of seniors and people suffering from mental illness," Heyman said.

-30-

Contact: Brian Gardiner, BCGEU Communications (604) 291-9611

cope 378