SURREY– One look at Interim Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson’s platform makes it clear why he’s been hiding it: it would mean cuts to healthcare and major projects in Surrey.

“This Conservative plan would mean cancelling healthcare projects in Surrey,” said BC NDP Surrey-Newton candidate Jessie Sunner. “Surrey is the fastest growing city in the province, and that is why we have invested more in Surrey than any other city. These Conservative platform cuts would mean cutting projects like the new Surrey medical school, new urgent primary care centres, and new MRI and CT scanners at Surrey Memorial."

The infrastructure budget goes to essential projects for Surrey, like the second hospital, the Surrey-Langley-Skytrain, dozens of new and expanded schools, and the new medical school at SFU Surrey.

The Conservative platform document criticizes the BC NDP for tripling infrastructure investments and promises a review of infrastructure spending. They set no targets of their own for infrastructure spending – a sure sign of hidden cuts to come.

“Under the BC NDP, Surrey has received $12 billion worth of major projects, which is more than any other community,” said Sunner. “It takes real budget investments to deliver for Surrey. You simply can’t cut the budget for infrastructure and expect people to believe you’re going to build the projects Surrey needs.”

The Conservatives have already announced plans to cancel the Massey Tunnel that is already under construction. The medical school at SFU Surrey, which took on its first class in August, is just beginning construction of its permanent home and is at particular risk of being cancelled.

Even the Conservatives admit in their document that they wouldn't begin work on their hospital promise in the next four years – a sign they never intended to deliver it to begin with.

“Conservative commitments in Surrey aren’t worth the paper they’re written on if they aren’t backed up with money,” said Sunner. “People in Surrey deserve a government that understands that infrastructure investments need to keep up with Surrey’s population. Surrey simply can’t afford these Conservative cuts.”