/
/
/
/
/
Budget 2020 continues shifting of government priorities from a focus on big corporations and the wealthy to building an economy that works for everyone—CUPE BC

Budget 2020 continues shifting of government priorities from a focus on big corporations and the wealthy to building an economy that works for everyone—CUPE BC

VICTORIA—Today’s provincial budget continues the BC NDP government’s successful work in building an economy that benefits everyone and creates more opportunities for working people to build better lives, CUPE BC President Paul Faoro said today.

“We’re very happy to see that under this government, the richest British Columbians—the 1 percent—will pay a little more to fund services and programs that benefit everyone,” said Faoro. “I’m also very pleased to see additional supports for low and middle-income post-secondary students so they can acquire the knowledge, skills and training that are fundamental to success in today’s economy.

“This budget again puts the lie to right-wing and conservative arguments that the only way to balance a budget during challenging economic times is to slash and burn public services and government investment in infrastructure. Not only is the budget balanced, it projects continued modest surpluses over the fiscal plan, while at the same time funding record levels of investment in important public infrastructure all over the province.

“That’s good government, that’s good public policy, and it continues to repair the extensive damage of the BC Liberals’ 16 years in office when they ran the province almost exclusively to benefit their wealthy and well-connected donors,” said Faoro.

“While I am disappointed that public tax dollars are still helping fund elite private prep schools, and would prefer that 100 percent of the education budget went to public schools, overall this budget is good news for our public education system,” said Faoro. “That said, I’m also disappointed that funding for public libraries has not been increased, putting more pressure on these unique and important community hubs. We will continue to work with the BC Library Association to build public and political support for higher levels of funding for the public library system in our province, and hope to see action in the next provincial budget.

“Overall this is an excellent budget,” said Faoro. “It shows working people and their families that government can be a force for good. For more than a generation of CUPE members who knew only the mean-spirited, confrontational and divisive approach of the BC Liberals, this budget demonstrates why elections are so important, and why political action is essential.”

Share this

Latest News

Budget 2024 tackles economic uncertainty with investments in public services and affordability – CUPE BC

Budget 2024 tackles economic uncertainty with investments in public services and affordability – CUPE BC

February 22, 2024
VICTORIA— Budget 2024 continues the BC NDP’s record of making meaningful investments in the public services that matter to people and communities, and creating and expanding programs that make life…
VICTORIA— Budget 2024 continues the BC NDP’s record of making meaningful investments in the public services that matter to people and communities, and creating and expanding programs that make life...

District of Chetwynd workers ratify new contract

District of Chetwynd workers ratify new contract

February 15, 2024
CHETWYND – After a collaborative round of negotiations CUPE 3052 members, municipal workers in the District of Chetwynd, have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract. The new agreement includes wage…
CHETWYND – After a collaborative round of negotiations CUPE 3052 members, municipal workers in the District of Chetwynd, have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract. The new agreement includes wage...

CUPE 1978 ratifies new agreement with Greater Victoria Housing Society

CUPE 1978 ratifies new agreement with Greater Victoria Housing Society

February 13, 2024
VICTORIA – CUPE 1978 members at the Greater Victoria Housing Society have ratified a new five-year agreement that provides improved working conditions for CUPE members, as well as enhanced supportive housing…
VICTORIA – CUPE 1978 members at the Greater Victoria Housing Society have ratified a new five-year agreement that provides improved working conditions for CUPE members, as well as enhanced supportive housing...