SOOKE- Interim Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson’s platform makes it clear why he’s been hiding it: it would mean cuts to healthcare and infrastructure projects, putting projects in Juan de Fuca-Malahat-Sooke on the chopping block.

“Sadly, the BC Conservatives aren’t being up front with people in my riding,” said Dana Lajeunesse, BC NDP candidate for Juan de Fuca-Malahat. “Much needed healthcare, school and infrastructure projects are all at risk with the Conservative plan.”

The Conservative platform says currently planned infrastructure spending under the BC NDP is too high and promises a review of infrastructure spending, while setting no targets of their own – a sure sign of hidden cuts and project cancellations to come. The BC NDP’s planned infrastructure investments include clinics, hospitals, schools and transportation projects across the province.

Local projects at risk from Conservative cuts include:

• the Phillips-Throup connection,
• the new UPCC on the way for Sooke,
• a new UPCC for the Shawnigan Lake, Mill Bay and Cobble Hill communities,
• and the Port Renfrew Elementary Replacement.

“It’s clear in the Conservative's platform that there are cuts to investments that aren’t accounted for,” added Ravi Parmar, BC NDP candidate for Langford-Highlands. “We know that Conservatives saying that infrastructure investments are too high means roads, healthcare and schools are at risk.”

The Conservative platform also includes a backdoor healthcare cut to a part of the budget that funds surgeries, and services at clinics, hospitals and long-term care homes. Conservative cuts to healthcare spending would mean fewer doctors and nurses and longer wait times for British Columbians.

The BC NDP believes in investing in the services and community projects that make life better for people across B.C. That means strengthening health care, creating good jobs, and building the infrastructure and services our communities need to thrive.