It’s difficult for citizens to decide what to be angry about these days.

The much-dreaded HST has stolen many a headline and spawned a stream of comment. And rightfully so. Folks are tired of paying more taxes. They’re scraping to make ends meet as it is, they say, and some are scared of losing their jobs.

Then last week, the Fraser Health Authority confirmed an array of health care cutbacks resulting in everything from reduced mental health services and seniors day care programs to surgery delays and limited MRI scans.

Voters again feel duped, having not been enlightened by the Liberals prior to election time, when rumours about looming health cuts surfaced and were quickly rebuffed by those in office.

Then the admission finally came: $15 million in cuts to patient care are on the books – an effort to help dodge a deficit estimated at least $130 million this year.

With health care being government’s highest single cost, it only makes sense that if they’re looking for savings, some must be found there.

But cutting seniors programs? And mental health services? It’s short term thinking that will lead – again – to overrun hospitals and longer-term stays for patients. And so much for attracting much-needed nurses and specialists to B.C. Instead, we’ll be closing beds and operating rooms when we need them most.

Clearly throwing more money at health care doesn’t make it better. However, government decisions and priorities have to stretch beyond tomorrow and beyond this year’s bottom line.

The HST may well cost people money and jobs.

But what price do we put on our health and well-being?

– The Surrey/North Delta Leader