Health care, not a bridge
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Updated: August 21, 2009 3:39 PM
Is Mr. Campbell drastically cutting health care, so he can keep on building his bridge at all costs? The $90 million he is cutting in health care is just about what it costs to pay the interest on the “extra” two billion he kicked in when the private partner pulled out. The interest on two billion dollars comes to $90 million annually at 4.5 per cent.
Could it be Mr. Campbell and his “yes” cabinet are using the money that should be spent on health care to complete Mr. Campbell’s pet Gateway project?
No! They wouldn’t let people die just so a bridge could be completed, would they?
It’s time for us to stand up and stop this. Anger is not enough, because it dissipates. If we all rise up and say with determination “Bridge building will not be done at the cost of lives!” they will listen.
But it’s got to be many of us, like 80 per cent of us. Only then will they halt this colossal misappropriation of our hard-earned tax dollars. On the other hand, we can do the “Canadian” thing: make a token protest at first and then become our usual passive selves and let the government go ahead with their plans. Which will it be?
What about the congestion on Hwy. 1 and the federal dollars committed for transportation improvements? Why not consider the option of a fast train from Chilliwack to the beginning of the SkyTrain in Surrey. Later, when the economy turns up again, we could put in a Fraser River crossing for the train, so travellers can connect to the West Coast Express, and the SkyTrain at Coquitlam.
If the majority of us choose to use the train, the congestion problem will be solved without a new bridge and each one who now takes her/his car to work or to events will save mega dollars, and much energy.
And let’s not stop till the legislature passes a bill to halt the bridge, putting our tax dollars where they belong. Verbal promises are not enough.
Walt Friesen
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