COURTENAY - 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 healthcare services in Courtenay-Comox on the chopping block.

“Courtenay-Comox needs continued investment in healthcare and the services people rely on, including the BC NDP’s commitment to a new, second Urgent and Primary Care Centre to improve access to same-day care,” said Will Cole-Hamilton, BC NDP candidate for Courtenay-Comox. “We should be building on progress and improving access to care, not putting projects and services our region depends on at risk.”

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:

• A new, second Urgent and Primary Care Centre in Courtenay-Comox.
• The permanent location for the current Urgent and Primary Care Centre in Courtenay.
• The expansion for 345 new student seats at Cumberland Community School.

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.

“B.C. is still working to address the infrastructure deficit left by the former conservative government,” said Cole-Hamilton. “We can’t afford to repeat the mistakes of the past by neglecting the investments our communities need. We need to keep building the hospitals, healthcare facilities and infrastructure that help people get the care they need and make our communities stronger.”

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.