February’s budget shows the government is out of steam and can’t be trusted to help B.C. families.

With a leadership race in progress, no one expected a sweeping agenda. But it would have been good, at the very least, to see an acknowledgement of the real economic stresses facing B.C. families, including the fact that we have the highest rate of unemployment west of the Maritimes, the most shameful rate of child poverty in Canada, and the worst financial vulnerability in the country.

Even though many in B.C. are struggling to make ends meet, this budget shifts yet more of the burden onto families. We’re already paying over 70 per cent more in Medical Services Plan premiums than in 2002, and will face a 6 per cent increase again next year. Electricity bills will be going up by an average of $7 per month, or about 10 per cent, each year from 2012 to 2014. That means the average household will spend $252 per year more on their electricity bill by 2014. These increases are in addition to the increase of nearly 13 per cent planned for 2011 and nearly eight per cent this year, totalling more than 50 per cent over five years.

Rather than ensuring the next generation is trained for jobs in emerging industries, this budget cuts student aid by $34 million and fails to invest in colleges and training. Student debt levels are among the very highest in Canada, averaging $27,000 for a four-year program. B.C. provides the least student aid in Canada, and student loan interest rates are the highest.

Between 2001 and 2009, B.C. had the lowest growth in average hourly wages and the second lowest growth in weekly wages in Canada.

The government’s narrow agenda over the last ten years has made life tough for middle class British Columbians. And many people, especially the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities, have simply been left behind.

With the election of Christy Clark as premier designate, we can only expect more of the same. After all, Clark can’t escape the fact that she was a key Campbell loyalist in the devastating first B.C. Liberal term. In fact, Christy Clark was one of the two co-authors of the B.C. Liberals’ 2001 ‘New Era’ election platform. As education minister, Clark picked fights with teachers and forced through changes to the school funding formula that have led to the closure of 113 schools.

My colleagues and I continue to work on fair and pragmatic solutions to address B.C.’s social, economic and environmental challenges.

Meaningful Movies series gives neighbours something to talk about

I was delighted to attend last month’s Meaningful Movies, a series of free documentary screenings and community discussions held at St. David’s Church every month.

February’s viewing of The Way Home, a documentary about homelessness in B.C., generated important discussion about housing issues in B.C., particularly the urgent need for more social housing.

Organized by community members, with the support of Hastings North Community Partners, Meaningful Movies is a great way to get to know your neighbours and delve into issues that affect our community locally and globally.

The next scheduled movie is Digital Dumping Ground, a film about electronic waste and its spread across the globe, scheduled Thursday, March 24. April’s movie will be The Spirit Has No Colour, a local film about First Nations issues and history, scheduled for Thursday, April 28.

Get updates on the next set of movies by joining the Meaningful Movies Facebook group. Special thanks to Eric Harms and Rev. Michael Batten for creating and co-ordinating this thought-provoking and enlightening project.

Cell Tower meeting update

Thank you to all who came to the cell phone tower forum I co-hosted with Vancouver East MP Libby Davies Sunday, February 20. The meeting was prompted by the surprise installation of a 14.9 m monopole antenna at McGill and Nanaimo, which has caused residents significant distress.

Although there is no immediate resolution at the present time, Libby and I were encouraged to hear that the City of Vancouver and Rogers are working together towards the goal of removing the tower. We were also heartened to hear that the City of Vancouver has met with all the major telecommunications companies operating in the city and discussed the issue of compliance with city bylaws and regulations.

However, as long as federal regulations set by Industry Canada allow telecoms to install cell phone towers under 15 m without regard to local ordinances, bylaws, or permit requirements, telecom compliance with City of Vancouver regulations will be strictly voluntary.

Libby will be following up on this issue with Industry Canada, and pressing for a resolution to this issue at the federal level. In the meantime, I encourage you to write your concerns regarding Industry Canada regulations to Minister Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, at [email protected] . Please copy Libby on any correspondence with Minister Clement.

Read the rest of my March newsletter by clicking on the pdf below: