The Liberals have really stepping in it now - and in the Sea to Sky, it's up to MLA Joan McIntyre to clean up the mess.
In true party fashion, that means going to constituents on behalf of policymakers reeling from stinging blowback - not going to policymakers on behalf of constituents reeling from stinging policy decisions.
In response to constituents' fears over cutbacks in health care, McIntyre levels accusations that the NDP is fear mongering. They've leaked a document that merely sets out a possible approach that would delay surgeries beyond the excruciating - and sometimes dangerous - waiting period British Columbians already face.
"How responsible is that, to leak a planning document?" she asks.
Those rascals, the NDP, should've waited until it was a fait accomplis to decry the decision. You're being manipulated well, on that point, we have no argument.
To recap, many British Columbians (especially the NPD) are in an uproar over the Liberals about face from last spring's election period.
The first upsetting surprise following the election was Housing Minister Rich Coleman's announcement that loans through the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) would be suspended, creating a dilemma that could end in homelessness for Marina Estates residents.
Then came the blow to the tourism and restaurant industry that the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) would be implemented, despite assertions to the contrary during election campaigning.
The latest news comes from the provincially-run Vancouver Coastal Health, which this week announced cuts to the Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS) outreach programs. A VCH spokesperson said the outreach programs for addicted adults and youth won't be eliminated, but rather repatriated to the local VCH health offices and two new staff members are anticipated. But that will be inadequate in facing the 140 clients currently in need, says SSCS management. And will that mean brand new youth programs? Because the VCH currently has none.
The SSCS says the changes will effectively eliminate youth addictions outpatient program, and drug prevention and education school-based program.
McIntyre said she was unaware of the changes. And unsurprisingly, she sounded decidedly flustered, and did her best to avoid questions about constituency blowback in an interview with The Chief this week.
However she did say that she's spent the summer meeting with groups throughout the riding to attempt to explain why the Liberals' cutbacks are necessary. Hopefully when the legislature resumes, she'll deliver the view from the other side.
