Adrian Dix, BC NDP candidate for Vancouver-Renfrew, issued the following statement:

"Amid growing controversy about his candidates, John Rustad is trying to distract with another hastily made up announcement.

"People in Surrey remember that John Rustad and the BC Liberals sold off land meant to be a hospital and rejected a second medical school. Now, it seems he will say anything, but he has no plan, no costing and no intention to follow through.

"We’ve started construction on a new hospital for Surrey and we’re adding a major expansion to Surrey Memorial that includes a new maternity unit and pediatric services as well as a new acute care tower.

"If there’s land from the City, we’d be happy to work together to use that to further strengthen health care services for families in Surrey.

"John Rustad’s plan for cuts would put all of these projects and investments at risk."