Addressing business people in South Surrey this week, NDP leader Carole James shared the sentiments of former British prime minister Tony Blair, who said last month the city can have a major impact on the economy.

"I believe he had it right when he said cities like Surrey really have a critical role to play in building strong economies," James said during a speech Tuesday afternoon at Morgan Creek Golf Course.

"We should be using your vision and your strengths to help propel our province forward, to capitalize on those strengths."

James spoke to an audience of about 75 at the luncheon, hosted by Surrey Board of Trade.

"It is quite extraordinary to watch the changes that have occurred in Surrey over the last 20 years. This city really has emerged as a thriving commercial hub. You're positioned well to take advantage of the modern economy."

The current economy was a main focus in James' speech, which touched on the HST and provincial budget, which she said offered little relief for those facing economic challenges.

"I don't blame the Liberal government for the economic downturn," she said. "I recognize the economic downturn is global. But what government does control is how they help people get through these difficult times. I think there's things this government could have done to help businesses... cope."

James cited cuts to heath care as hurtful to the economy, including the closure of long-term care beds and loss of funding to senior support services, which have both been felt locally.

Money would be saved by keeping seniors in their homes longer, James said.

"Surrey has been particularly hard hit when it comes to facilities closing down.... It doesn't make economic sense to make cuts that are going to cost us."

James also criticized cuts to addiction services, education and arts and culture.

It was a bad decision for the Liberal government to introduce a new tax – the HST, scheduled to take effect next summer – during the current economic climate, especially while stating during the spring election campaign that they wouldn't, she said.

"People are really angry, and rightly so, because they felt like they were betrayed," James said. "We know this tax is going to force businesses and families to pay even more while we're going through a downturn."

James said the HST will have a negative impact on tourism, which is needed to boost the economy.

"We want to make sure visitors are coming back. The HST will make it more difficult to attract people. Why would you bring in a new tax at a time you want to (market) tourism?"

James said her party proposes initiatives such as building affordable housing that would in turn create jobs, as well as introducing an independent budget-review officer to analyze estimates used by government.

"People expect transparency, they expect honesty."

During question period, David Young, executive director of Peace Arch Community Services, expressed concern about preparing children for school. He asked about the future of early-childhood development.

James said she supports all-day kindergarten, but is worried funding won't be in place when it is scheduled to be introduced next September.

"(It's) the worst thing to bring on another program without the support there."

It costs more to provide resources as individuals age, James said, before noting B.C. has the highest child-poverty rate in Canada.

"That's a cost to all of us when those people are not in the workforce," she said.

Denise Darrell, South Fraser Women's Services Society executive director, asked about recent cuts to legal aid, which she said has a significant impact on SFWSS clients.

"We need to make sure we get those resources back," James said. "We'll continue to push those issues inside and outside the legislature.

"The work doesn't stop when the legislature's not sitting. We need to continue the work."