Skip to main content

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

We never thought the NDP would be so disrespectful to the hard-working people of British Columbia by pulling a stunt like this ~~ Labour Critic, and Chilliwack MLA John Martin

BC Liberal Labour Critic John Martin


After months of refusing to use WorkSafeBC surplus funding to help workers and businesses buy much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE), it's been discovered what the NDP has chosen to spend that money on instead: hoodies, tote bags and stainless-steel water bottles.

"To say this is an absolute gross mismanagement of funds is an understatement," said BC Liberal Labour Critic John Martin.

"The NDP Minister of Labour Harry Bains said just a few months ago that WorkSafeBC didn't have any money to help buy masks, gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers, but they somehow found the means to buy a bunch of swag with the company logo on it?’

“Every worker who has contributed their hard-earned money to WorkSafeBC should be outraged."

I asked John if he’d had a chance to bring this up in Question Period, with Labour Minister Bains;

Sadly, I did not”, he stated. “I learned about this Thursday afternoon. There was no Question Period on Friday, and likely won’t be anytime soon.”

Friday’s media release, from the BC Liberals, indicated the request for proposal is currently listed on the BCBids website -- has been up since August 4th. Some of the items include stress balls, microfleece hoodies, soft-shell jackets, tote bags, ball caps, stainless steel water bottles, among others.

Referencing the difficulties small business in BC has been having, Martin remarked;

I’ve been calling for WorkSafe BC to return portion of premiums employers pay to help them with PPE expenses ... Bains has said no, can’t afford it”.

The question begs to be asked then he said, “How can they afford all that branded swag?”

"We never thought the NDP would be so disrespectful to the hard-working people of British Columbia by pulling a stunt like this. What do they need any of this merchandise for, anyway?”

Martin concluded, “In a time where people are out of work, parents are terrified to send their kids to school and COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise, it is very telling just how little the NDP cares about people when they think this is a good idea."

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper to step down for Conservative Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to run in a by-election

Deputy Whip and MLA Reann Gasper has informed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia of her decision to step down as MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, creating an opportunity for Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek the seat in a forthcoming by-election. Gasper said the decision was made carefully and deliberately, with the future of British Columbia firmly in mind. Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper “This is a decision I have made after a great deal of careful consideration, and I believe it is the right decision for me, for our Party, and for the work ahead,” said MLA Gasper. “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus and to contribute to our leadership team.” “I have confidence in Kerry-Lynne, in her leadership, and in her ability to ...

NDP Sits on $61 Million With No Start Date for Burnaby Hospital

Phase 2 of Burnaby Hospital redevelopment  was green lit to go ahead in September 2023 The NDP spent $45 million on the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, cancelled the second phase, and now has another $61 million listed for the project in the province’s Public Accounts, with no start date for construction. If the NDP cancelled the project, what is happening to the $61 million set aside for it? The Phase 2 project was expected to cost between $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion and was intended to expand the hospital’s capacity. With Burnaby’s population growing and residents struggling to access healthcare, the government should be investing in healthcare capacity, not leaving millions of dollars tied up in limbo. “The NDP spent $45 million on this project before cancelling it, and now $61 million remains listed for it in the Public Accounts,” said MLA Misty Van Popta, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure. “If the government isn’t going to build the hospital expansion, it should explain whe...

BC Conservatives Point to Warning Signs in BC’s Economy

While Canada posted modest job gains in July, warning lights are still flashing in British Columbia. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, leaving too many first-time jobseekers shut out of the workforce. BC also lost 3,400 public administration jobs in July, likely as temporary Census positions ended. “BC's jobs divide remains stark. Unemployment is far higher in business-driven communities like Kelowna (9.3%) and Abbotsford-Mission (8.3%) than in Victoria (5.0%). Government should be focused on creating the conditions for private-sector investment and job growth,” said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Shadow Minister for Economic Development. “We need an economy where young people can find work, businesses can hire, and every region has the opportunity to prosper.” This comes as BC faces five straight quarters where more businesses are closing than opening, an NDP cabinet rift over job-creating projects like Tilbury LNG, and fresh signs that even the province's to...

Labels

Show more