The fear that B.C.’s political flagship scheme — however well-intentioned — is simply unrealistic and unaffordable as the country braces itself for swinging budget cuts from Ottawa.
In a nutshell, the province should be worried that those who are determined to drive through a provincial police manifesto will saddle the B.C. taxpayer with record numbers of officers — but no cash for patrol cars. It is a serious concern.
The federal government subsidizes municipalities who contract the RCMP, whereas the residents of the 11 independent police departments pay 100 per cent of the cost. Those 11 departments cost more to deliver.
Vehicles, equipment and specialized services provided by the RCMP would not be there, and the province would stick the 100 per cent of the cost on the taxpayer for going solo on policing.
B.C. taxpayers have enough to pay for, and thanks to the defeat of the HST, an extra $2.2 billion deficit to contend with. Sign the contract and get on with creating jobs.
William Perry
Victoria
