Last week I travelled to Victoria for the province’s throne and budget speeches of 2011.
This budget is being called a status-quo budget because we find ourselves in an odd but exciting time in B.C.
On Feb. 26 our next premier will be voted into office.
As this government moves forward I look forward to working with our next premier to build on our past accomplishments and continue to strengthen B.C.’s economy.
This budget leaves the maximum amount of flexibility for the new premier and cabinet.
I think it’s important to note that in the 2011 budget, revenues are increasing and spending growth is limited, meaning we’re still on track to balance our budget by 2013.
Balanced budgets are important to our government and the people of British Columbia, so we will continue to be fiscally responsible to ensure we reach this goal.
Our deficit for this fiscal year is $450 million lower than projected in last year’s budget.
This is another example of how this government’s management of provincial finances is benefitting British Columbians. With more financial freedom, we can provide more services that people want and need.
This budget continues to address other issues in our province as we have once again increased our health-care budget by $605 million. We have also increased our social development budget by $65 million and have increased per pupil funding to $8,357 in education.
This budget might not be an exciting one, but it continues to deliver services that are important to British Columbians.
Our next premier will have the opportunity to build on this budget as we move into 2011 and continue to strengthen our province.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.
