MLA Jackie Tegart
Despite communities in Fraser-Nicola ending up on the news every year from the devastating effects of wildfires, we see no mention of them in the NDP’s Budget 2024.
I am disheartened to see barely a mention of our region in the budget, despite families calling out for assistance, closing emergency rooms, and the continued struggle families face with affordability. Despite amassing a record-breaking $7.9 billion deficit with his spending, David Eby found no money for our rural communities.
During these trying times, we’ve repeatedly heard the NDP mention that they “have our back,” yet when it comes to action, they have left us high and dry. For two-and-a-half years, residents of Lytton have been forced to live in motel rooms. The government has spent close to $41 million, yet not a single home has been built.
In Merritt, residents are still feeling the impact of the November 2021 atmospheric river that left homes destroyed. The emergency room has faced an unprecedented number of closures, forcing families in medical distress to make the long trek to Kamloops.
We’ve heard the NDP boast about “building B.C.,” yet whether it’s affordability, health care, or public safety, every corner of our province is struggling. I had hoped this record amount of spending would bring change to our struggling communities, but somehow government is delivering less for people than ever before.
Instead, our grandkids will be left paying off the largest deficit in B.C.’s history, all while not improving the situation for families. Never before have I seen this much spending to achieve so little.
But I know the future of our province could be better. Under a Kevin Falcon-led BC United government, I am confident that we will restore confidence in our communities and deliver relief to families. It is time for a change – United, we can fix it
Jackie Tegart is the BC United MLA for Fraser-Nicola.