Premier Christy Clark’s inaugural throne speech shows a government that is out of gas and out of ideas and apparently incapable of offering substantive measures to address the very real challenges British Columbians face, said New Democrat Leader Adrian Dix.

“This is a very disappointing showing from a government that seems to value slogans and photo ops over serious policy proposals,” said Dix. “There is nothing here to address growing inequality beyond mention of an already scheduled increase to the minimum wage. Except for a reference to a sawmill in Quesnel, there is nothing here for our forest sector, and nothing on training and post-secondary education to give our young people the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
“There is nothing to address the plight of developmentally disabled adults due to cuts at Community Living BC. There is nothing about using government purchasing to stimulate local economies and jobs. There is nothing about speeding up a return to the PST/GST system to help the struggling construction industry.
“On education, the Liberals are contemplating major changes at a time when basic needs are not being met. These significant changes they are contemplating will require cooperation with teachers at a time they are seeking confrontation on other fronts.”
Dix said that Premier Clark needs to show she understands British Columbians’ anxiety about their future and that it is the middle class that is the engine of prosperity in B.C.
“Christy Clark needs to show that she is prepared to govern on behalf of British Columbians feeling the effects of widening inequality, high unemployment and poor job growth. Her jobs plan so far has not shown that. It’s a jobs plan without jobs, lacking clear job targets, leaving vital investments in people out of the equation,” said Dix. “Premier Clark seems to have invested most of her time into new party logos and seeking the next photo opportunity.”
B.C. New Democrats are offering positive solutions to address inequality and substantive measures that recognize the middle class is the driver of economic growth in B.C.