COQUITLAM - 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 Coquitlam on the chopping block.
“We know what conservative politicians do - they close schools and cut the services and infrastructure people rely on,” said Jodie Wickens, BC NDP Candidate for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain. “There is too much at stake for our community right now, we cannot risk the Conservative cuts.”
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 infrastructure budget for Coquitlam includes funding to complete the Burke Mountain Secondary School, build a new middle school for Burke Mountain, complete the replacement for the Montgomery Middle School, add a new MRI machine at Eagle Ridge Hospital, and open a new Urgent and Primary Care Centre.
With the Conservatives’ opposition to the BC NDP’s infrastructure spending and planned capital review, 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 Coquitlam 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.