KELOWNA - Interim Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson’s platform makes it clear why he’s been hiding it: it would mean cuts to healthcare and infrastructure, putting services and new schools in Kelowna on the chopping block.

“Kelowna is rapidly growing and the services need to keep pace,” said Binny Boparai, BC NDP Candidate for Kelowna - Lake Country. “The BC NDP has a plan to build more schools and a seniors care facility - and Conservatives put all that 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.

The BC NDP plans for Kelowna includes:

• An addition at Black Mountain Elementary - 200 new seats
• Burtch Road Middle School – 800 new seats
• An addition under construction at Hudson Road Elementary – 265 new seats
• George Pringle Secondary which is under construction – 1,200 new seats

“If the Conservatives oppose infrastructure spending, it’s clear what they would do - cancel projects that are in planning like the Burtch Road Middle School, and even cancel new additions like at Black Mountain Elementary,” said Boparai. “Our kids would pay the price.”

With the Conservatives’ opposition to the BC NDP’s infrastructure spending, it’s clear that projects underway are at risk of being cancelled and that they aren’t planning to follow through on their commitments to Kelowna residents.

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.