BC NDP Platform 2013

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    CHANGEforWORKERS

    CHANGEfor the BETTER

    CHANGEforSENIORS

    CHANGEforSTUDENTS

    CHANGEforOUR KID

    CHANGEforFAMILIES

    CHANGEfor

    THE ECONOMY

    PRACTICAL STEPS

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    WORKING

    TOGETHER TO

    ACHIEVE OURHOPES AND

    DREAMS

    T NDP BC y y NDP

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    I

    Dear riend,

    Te NDP platorm is the result o intensive consultation with British Columbians by ourparty and the entire NDP caucus.

    You told us that you want a thoughtul, practical government that ocuses on private sectorjobs and growing our economy, lives within its means, and oers a hopeul vision o the

    uture.

    Tats what we have worked to achieve.

    First and oremost, our priority is to create opportunities or British Columbians to suc-ceed in a ast-changing and competitive economy.

    Our platorm outlines the practical and aordable steps we can take to get us there romexpanding skills training, to reducing poverty and inequality, improving health care, pro-tecting our environment and fghting climate change.

    Te changes we are proposing are designed to open up new opportunities or BritishColumbians to make the most o their own lives, and to build strong communities in a

    thriving, productive and green economy.As Leader o the BC NDP, I work with an outstanding team o British Columbians romall walks o lie. I can promise you that we will work as hard as we can to provide you

    with a better government that listens, that cares, and that works with you to build a better,greener, more prosperous uture or you and your amily.

    Adrian Dix

    Leader, BC NDP

    Our key priorities:

    1. Create jobs, build a prosperous and sustainable economy and increase the number o skilled workers

    2. Improve learning conditions or our children

    3. Signifcantly reduce child poverty and reduce inequality over our years

    4. Improve care or BC seniors, people with disabilities, and those living with chronic conditions

    5. Invest in healthy orests and a strong land base

    6. Revitalize the treaty process and support First Nations economic development

    7. Oppose the Northern Gateway Pipeline and fght climate change

    8. Restore aith in our political process

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    II

    bc ndp platform 2013

    his platorm is about the BCwe all know is possible. Itdescribes the specifc, practical

    changes Adrian Dix and the BC NewDemocrats will deliver or British Co-lumbians like you i we earn your votein this election. It shows exactly howwe will pay or those changes.

    We have been careul not to make

    too many promises. Te changes wepropose are practical and will makea dierence. In uncertain economictimes, your government needs to makeresponsible choices about spending.Tose choices should be guided by yourpriorities.Ater 12 years in government, the

    BC Liberals have lost touch with whatmatters to British Columbians. From

    the growing skills gap and creating newjobs, to improving seniors care, to tack-ling inequality and taking steps to fghtclimate change, the BC Liberals haveailed to act responsibly in the publicinterest.

    British Columbians deserve a newgovernment that represents the priori-ties o all British Columbians a com-petent government with an optimisticvision that brings people together.

    Tink o what we can achieve i wework together and ocus on the rightpriorities.

    In British Columbia, we can createjobs, build a prosperous and sustainableeconomy, and give our young people

    INTRODUCTION

    CHANGE FOR THE BETTER, ONE

    PRACTICAL STEP AT A TIME

    the skills they need to get the jobs otomorrow.

    We can reduce growing income inequality

    and reduce high levels o child poverty.

    We can fght climate change and invest in

    transit and green inrastructure.

    We can improve public health care and

    provide better care or BCs seniors.

    And we can build a greener, more equal,

    more prosperous province or every British

    Columbian.

    It will take tough choices, hard workand a generous spirit to get us there.Because the BC Liberals have let theprovince with a large and growing def-cit, we have to be realistic about whatcan be achieved over a our-year term.

    But we can make important changesthat chart a better course.Tats what Adrian Dix and the New

    Democrats oer in this election:

    Change for the better one practicalstep at a time.

    What does that mean or you andyour amily?

    Change or the better

    means creating new jobs ina sustainable economy.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democratswill provide economic stability. Terewont be any HS-like surprises iyou elect New Democrats. We willtackle the growing skills gap and

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    III

    working together to achieve our hopes and dreams

    make post-secondary education moreaordable. We will support a diversi-fed economy by investing in orestry,mining, agriculture and oil and gasindustries, as well as flm, high tech,

    and tourism. We will help communitiescreate thriving local economies, witha strong middle-class, successul smallbusinesses and a thriving entrepreneur-ial culture.

    Change or the bettermeans investing in ouruture and improving publiceducation.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democrats

    will improve classroom conditions soour children will have the tools theyneed to learn. Well make childcaremore aordable.

    Change or the bettermeans reducing povertyand inequality in BC.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democratswill work to signifcantly reduce child

    poverty with the BC Family Bonusprogram. We will tie minimum wageincreases to the cost o living, andincrease earning exemptions or peopleon income assistance. We will buildmore aordable housing. Reducingpoverty will help support strong com-munities and a productive economywhere everyone has the opportunity tosucceed.

    Change or the bettermeans improving yourhealth care.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democratswill invest in home support or seniors,improve mental health services, take

    steps to reduce the cost o prescription

    drugs, and provide support to improvepatient care in rural communities.

    Change or the bettermeans supporting BCsresource economy.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democrats willinvest in our orests and land base, helpagricultural producers market locallygrown ood in BC, and encourage sus-tainable LNG, oil and gas, and mining

    developments.

    Change or the bettermeans building government-to-government relationswith First Nations.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democrats willwork with First Nations and Aborigi-nal communities to support economicdevelopment through revenue sharing,

    and revitalize the treaty process or FirstNations in treaty. We will work withFirst Nations and Aboriginal peoplesto support economically and culturallyvibrant First Nations communities, acritical step towards a better uture orour province.

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    IV

    bc ndp platform 2013

    Change or the bettermeans protecting ourenvironment and ghtingclimate change.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democratswill invest carbon tax revenues inclimate change solutions like transit,retrofts and green inrastructure. Welloppose the Enbridge pipeline. Wellban the use o cosmetic pesticides. Wewill ensure that BC has rigorous envi-ronmental standards and ollows bestpractices.

    Change or the better

    means restoring trust in ourdemocracy and oferinggood government.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democratswill work to bring people back to thepolitical process, particularly youngpeople. We will enable young BritishColumbians to register to vote whenthey turn 16. We will put an end totaxpayer-unded partisan advertising.

    Well take big money out o politicsby banning union and corporate do-nations. Improving our democracyalso means saying no to the politics opersonal attacks. New Democrats willbe tough on the issues, but we will treatour opponents with respect.

    Change or the bettermeans showing you

    how we will pay or ourcommitments.

    In the last election, the BC Liberals didnot tell you the truth about their bud-get defcit. Tat dishonesty led directlyto the HS and enormous uncertaintyor businesses and consumers. It cost us

    jobs and hurt our economy. By show-ing exactly how we will pay or ourcommitments, our platorm supportseconomic stability and certainty, andcontributes to a strong business climate.

    Te BC New Democrats are readyto take on the challenges ahead. Ourcandidates come rom every part o theprovince and all walks o lie. Our teamincludes business people who knowhow to create jobs and meet a payroll,teachers who believe passionately inthe importance o education, workingpeople who understand the critical linkbetween good jobs and healthy commu-

    nities, and municipal leaders who knowwhat it means to be accountable to thepeople we serve.We are ocused and united behind

    one goal to make lie better or youand your amily in a greener, moreprosperous province with more oppor-tunities or every British Columbian.We invite you to read this platorm

    careully and consider the practical

    changes we propose and how they willhelp your amily. And please, ask usany questions that you may have.

    Like all elections, this one is import-ant. Elections are how you choose theuture you want or yoursel and yourloved ones. I you believe its time or anew government with better prioritiesthen we ask or your support. We inviteyou to work with us to bring aboutchange or the better one practicalstep at a time.

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    BUILDING A

    SUSTAINABLE

    ECONOMY& CREATING

    NEW JOBS

    A , v h , , h h BC NDP

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    1

    Asustainable, diversied economythat creates new opportunities,good jobs, and a strong middle

    class is the oundation o the BC NDPplatorm.We will ocus on the undamentals that

    promote private sector growth, entrepre-neurial innovation, and a thriving smallbusiness sector undamentals like astable and air tax system, and a skilled andtrained workorce.

    In the last election, the BC Liberals didnot tell the truth about the decit. Tatled directly to the HS, creating enormousuncertainty or businesses, consumersand investors. Te HS cost us jobs. Andbecause the Liberals ought so hard keep it,the HS hurt our economy on its way out.

    Moreover, BC Liberal neglect opost-secondary education and skillstraining is putting new job opportunitiesout o reach or many British Columbians

    and hurting the many businesses that needskilled workers. Te BC Liberal approachleads to an economy o people without

    jobs, and jobs without people.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democrats

    understand that a orward-looking gov-ernment must work with businesses andcommunities to establish the conditions orgrowth, jobs and a thriving middle-class.

    We will make key investments in skillstraining and student grants. Tese stepsto make post-secondary education moreaordable will help British Columbiansobtain the skills needed to succeed in to-days economy.We will take concrete action to support

    a modern and diversied economy. A BCNDP government will help small and localbusinesses grow. We will champion our im-portant and globally competitive high-tech

    sector, promote tourism, and take actionto stimulate the growth o our creative andlm sectors.We will place a renewed emphasis on

    rural economic development by investingin our orest land base, promoting agricul-tural industries and sustainable mining, as

    well as supporting liqueed natural gas andgreen solutions to grow this new industry.Our platorm stresses the vital importanceo working with First Nations to revitalize

    the treaty process and enhance long-termeconomic opportunities or Aboriginalpeoples.

    BCs economy is a trading economy,linked to the world through CanadasPacic Gateway. Te BC NDP will in-

    vest in the modern and green economicinrastructure we need to eciently movepeople and goods within North America,to the Asia-Pacic, and around the world.

    British Columbians can

    choose change or the

    better one practicalstep at a time

    KEY PRIORITYINCREASE THE NUMBER OF

    SKILLED WORKERS

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    We will take practical steps tocreate jobs, build a prosperousand sustainable economy, and

    increase skills training.ADRIAN DIX

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    building a sustainable economy & creating new jobs

    A BC NDP GOVERNMENT WILL:

    1. Provide economicstability and certainty

    Maintain tax competitiveness and showclearly how we will pay or commit-ments, with no HS-like surprises.

    Renew BCs trade and export strategyby developing a coordinated approachwith regional and sector-specic goals.

    2. Increase the number oskilled workers

    Establish a $100 million needs-based,non-repayable student grant program,and improve access and aordabilityo post-secondary education and skillstraining.

    Improve BCs skills training and ap-prenticeship system or students andemployers by creating more spaces,improving completion rates and times,and investing in modern trainingequipment.

    Develop new, targeted programs toincrease the participation o Northern

    residents, First Nations people andwomen in trades training.

    Re-balance the skills training system soall stakeholders are at the table.

    Improve saety, quality and consumerand business protection by strengthen-ing credentialing.

    Create a new scholarship und orpost-secondary and skills trainingstudents though a one-time investmento $20 million and invite private sec-tor and community-based partners tomatch this unding.

    3.6%

    19%

    JobsRequiring

    Post-SecondaryEducation

    By 2020, 77.3% o jobs will

    require a college or tradecerticate or a universitydegree.

    77.3%

    University Degree

    College or Trade Certicate

    High School Diploma

    Less than High School

    $27,000AverageBCstudentdebtongraduation

    Source: BC Labour Market Outlook

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    3. Help small and localbusiness thrive

    Expand the BC raining ax CreditProgram or small and medium-sizedbusinesses that hire co-op studentsrom BCs colleges, institutes and uni-versities.

    Establish a wage subsidy program ornon-prot enterprises that hire co-opstudents.

    Expand the Buy BC marketing pro-gram to include non-agricultural prod-ucts made in BC.

    Support Destination BC as BCsindustry-led, ormula-unded tourismmarketer.

    Work with small and local businessowners to implement the BC SmallBusiness Accord.

    Undertake a comprehensive review tomodernize & improve BCs liquor laws.

    4. Support BCs high-techeconomy

    Enhance and renew BCs venture capi-tal programs, and develop a long-term,province-wide strategy to recruit, retainand repatriate high-level technologytalent.

    Update government procurementstrategies to help orge partnershipswith BCs technology companies, andsupport business accelerator programs.

    bc ndp platform 2013

    AB

    SK

    BC

    MB

    ON

    QC

    MARITIMESNL

    80,000

    60,000

    40,000

    20,000

    -20,000

    -40,000

    0

    BC lost 34,800 private sector jobssince September 2011

    Source: Labour Force Survey, private sector job growth since Sept , thousands

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    5. Grow BCs creativeeconomy

    Increase BCs domestic and oreignproduction tax credit programs toimprove competitiveness with otherCanadian provinces and create jobs inBCs lm, V and digital media indus-tries.

    Support arts and cultural activity incommunities across BC by increasingunding or the BC Arts Council.

    6. Recognition orimmigrants

    Improve processes to assess and recog-nize the credentials o oreign-trainedproessionals.

    7. Restore BC Ferries

    Position BC Ferries as an integral parto BCs transportation inrastructure.

    Freeze erry ares at current rates whilean audit is undertaken and a long-term

    vision is developed.

    8. Maximize local andregional benets romgovernment investments

    Establish a Local Business First gov-ernment procurement policy, startingwith BC hospitals buying locally grownood.

    Ensure local and regional economieswill benet rom government inra-structure investment by expandingproject agreements on publicly undedconstruction projects.

    building a sustainable economy & creating new jobs

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    6

    INVESTING IN

    OUR FUTURE,

    IMPROVINGPUBLIC

    EDUCATION

    I , h v k

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    7

    In todays world, education is the mostimportant investment we can make inour uture.

    A strong public education system is themost powerul tool we have to ensure thatour province provides equal opportunityand the best possible start in lie or everychild. It is the oundation or the post-sec-ondary and skills training education that

    young people will need or the jobs otomorrow.

    In other words, education is the key linkbetween a growing economy and a strongsociety. It uels growth with a well-trained

    workorce. It supports our democracy withinormed, engaged and empowered citi-zens.

    British Columbia has an excellent publiceducation system. Our teachers, educatorsand support sta are highly trained anddedicated to their proession. Parents andamilies are engaged in the lives o their

    schools. Locally elected school trusteeswork hard to strengthen public education.Our schools are integral to the lives o ourcommunities, refecting the extraordinarypotential and diversity o our children and

    youth.British Columbians can be proud o the

    education system weve built together, andcondent that we are doing the best or ourchildren. However, over the last years,the BC Liberals have ailed to protect pub-

    lic education in BC. Oten they have takenus backwards.As a result, too many young British

    Columbians go to school in overcrowdedclassrooms to learn rom teachers whohave too ew resources. Cuts to specialneeds programs are making it harder or

    many students to succeed. Former PremierCampbells own Progress Board reportsthat British Columbias graduation rate isseventh in Canada. Action is particularlyneeded to improve the per cent gradua-tion rate among Aboriginal students.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democrats un-derstand the vital role o public educationin creating a more prosperous and inclusivesociety or every British Columbian.We will start by directing new resourc-

    es to the classroom as an important steptowards improving outcomes or students.

    Bullying is a serious problem in ourschools. Nearly hal o BC youth haveexperienced bullying. We will take action

    to reduce bullying.A recent report reveals that BC First

    Nations languages are in a state o crisis.O First Nations languages, eight areseverely endangered and are nearlyextinct. We will support Aboriginal peoplesin retaining their heritage, language andculture.

    Because all the research tells us thateducation begins in early childhood, longbeore the rst day o school, we will also

    take steps to create new spaces and reducecosts or parents struggling to aord quali-ty inant and toddler care. We will invest inearly learning.

    KEY PRIORITYIMPROVE LEARNING CONDITIONS

    FOR OUR CHILDREN

    British Columbians can

    choose change or thebetter one practical

    step at a time

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    We need tensure tha

    everyone caparticipate i

    and beneft romthe econom

    and educatiois absolutel

    central to theconomy an

    social equality

    ADRIAN D

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    inesting in our future, improing public education

    A BC NDP GOVERNMENT WILL:

    1. Improve learningconditions or our children

    Provide students with the classroomsupport they need, and hire new teach-ers, education assistants, librarians andcounsellors.

    Put additional ocus on students withspecial needs, Aboriginal students andESL students.

    Restore provincial support or the BCProgram or the Awareness and Learn-

    ing o Science (Science World).

    Replace the Foundation Skills As-sessment (FSA) test with improvedassessment tools resulting rom consul-tation with parents, teachers and schoolboards.

    2. Take real and meaningulaction on bullying

    Create province-wide standards orschool codes o conduct.

    Ensure that students are respected, andthat policy exists to deal eectively withhomophobia, racism, sexism, transpho-bia and other orms o systemic dis-crimination.

    3. Preserve First Nationslanguages

    Support the preservation o threatenedFirst Nations languages by renewing

    support or First Nations heritage,language and culture.

    -18% -34% -30% -12%Special educationteachers

    English language

    learning teachers

    Library services

    teachers

    Counsellors

    9000

    10000

    11000

    12000

    13000

    14000

    15000

    201220112010200920082007

    Lossospecialeducationteacherssince2001

    Classeswithourormorespecialneedsstudents

    Source: BCTF & BC Ministry o Education

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    10

    INVESTING IN

    CHILDCARE

    AND EARLYLEARNING

    Iv h q h v

    v

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    Improving the quality and accessibilityo early learning and childcare servicesis undamental to improving learning

    conditions and outcomes.Far too many BC children enter kinder-

    garten without the developmental skillsthey need to learn and succeed. In act,research tells us that three in childrenin BC are not meeting core developmen-tal benchmarks when they rst arrive atschool.

    Child poverty plays a role in school-read-iness, but a large number o vulnerablechildren come rom middle-income ami-lies. Tat means we need a broad approach,ranging rom income support or low-in-come amilies to improved early learningand childcare options or all BC amilies.

    Childcare is a shared responsibility.We all have a stake in ensuring children

    have what they need to grow up healthyand strong.Te provincial government must show

    leadership by taking the rst steps toaddress quality, aordable, accessible earlylearning and childcare or young childrenand their parents.Tere is also a ederal government obliga-

    tion to cooperate with BC in meeting thischallenge, as we must all work together tocreate the uture we want and our childrendeserve.

    A BC NDP GOVERNMENT WILL:

    1. Improve access andafordability o childcare

    Reduce ees or existing licensed inantand toddler care by 20 per cent, savingamilies an average o $2,000 per year,and increase spaces.

    2. Improve early learning

    outcomesInvest in early learning and childcarethrough an Early Years InnovationFund.

    KEY PRIORITYTAKE PRACTICAL STEPS TO IMPROVE

    CHILDCARE & EARLY LEARNING

    3/10Numberochildrenwhoarenot

    developmentallyreadywhenthey

    frstentertheschoolsystem

    Source: UBC Human Early Learning Partnership

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    REDUCING

    POVERTY AND

    INEQUALITYOv h , v q hv Bh C

    h

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    Over the last years, poverty andinequality have grown dramatical-ly in British Columbia particu-

    larly or children and amilies.Weve seen deep cuts to programs and

    services that help at-risk children, incomeassistance rules that claw back modestearnings, and an ongoing crisis in aord-able housing. All have contributed to BCrecording Canadas worst or second-worst

    rate o children living in poverty or ninestraight years.

    British Columbia has become a deeplyunequal province. We are economicallymore divided than we have been in gen-erations. Te income gap is the largest inthe country. In , the top per cent inBC held . per cent o ater-tax in-come, more than any other jurisdiction inCanada. Te bottom per cent lived on

    just . per cent o income. As the income

    gap grows wider and wider, its no wonderthat middle-class amilies the backboneo a strong economy are under increasednancial stress.

    In a province as rich as ours, with anabundance o resources and hard-workingpeople, this continuing long-term increasein poverty and inequality is simply notacceptable. It hurts amilies. It damages oureconomy.Te research is clear. Societies with less

    poverty are healthier, saer, more produc-tive and economically more dynamic thansocieties with high rates o poverty.Te bottom line, socially and econom-

    ically, is that the increase in poverty and

    inequality is bad or our society. Its also aheart-wrenching example o how the BCLiberal government has made the wrongchoices and neglected the needs o BritishColumbians.

    o build the province we want or ourselvesand or our children, Adrian Dix and theNew Democrats will build new ladders oopportunity to help people join a strongermiddle class. We will take steps to reducepoverty and inequality in British Columbia.

    New Democrats will invest milliona year in a BC Family Bonus program, apractical and aordable measure to supportchildren and amilies in need. In addition,

    as most other Canadian provinces havealready done, we will implement a PovertyReduction Strategy with legislated targetsand timelines.We will take practical steps to reduce

    poverty and inequality in BC and there-by contribute to the long-term economic

    well-being o every British Columbian.Tese steps will help to make every com-munity a healthier and saer place to live,

    work, and raise a amily.

    KEY PRIORITYSIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE CHILD

    POVERTY AND INEQUALITY OVER

    FOUR YEARS

    British Columbians canchoose change or the

    better one practicalstep at a time

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    14

    Quote.

    ADRIAN DIX

    In a provincelike BC that hasso many naturaladvantages,

    increasing rateso poverty andinequality aresimply notacceptable.Change or thebetter means

    the growth oinequality stops.

    ADRIAN DIX

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    reducing poerty and ineuality

    A BC NDP GOVERNMENT WILL:

    1. Signicantly reduce childpoverty

    Raise household incomes or low- andmoderate-income amilies with chil-dren by investing $210 million a year ina BC Family Bonus program. Familieswill receive an additional $60 to $70 perchild per month, or children under theage o 18, up to $829 per year. Tis ini-tiative will lit an estimated 8,400 chil-dren and their amilies out o poverty.

    Introduce a legislated Poverty Reduc-

    tion Strategy with targets and time-lines.

    2. Take practical steps toimprove income assistance

    Immediately tie all income assistancerates to infation, double earning ex-emptions or employable recipients, andallow a child maintenance exemption.

    Increase income assistance rates or allsingles and couples by $20 per monthwithin two years.

    3. Protect and respectvulnerable people

    Strengthen Community Living BCby conducting an independent reviewand providing more unding or directservices.

    Better protect vulnerable children byincreasing ront-line sta at the Minis-try o Children and Families.

    Develop an urban Aboriginal strategyin partnership with Aboriginal andFirst Nations organizations, and in-crease support or services provided byAboriginal Friendship Centres.

    Move orward with the devolution ochild and amily services and child pro-tection to First Nations and Aboriginalcommunities.

    Extend to all Woodlands Schoolsurvivors the opportunity to apply orredress.

    4. Expand afordablehousing

    Build up to 1,500 units o aordablenon-prot, co-operative and rentalhousing or low- and moderate-incomeamilies, seniors and individuals eachyear by leveraging the existing $250million Housing Endowment Fund tosupport partnerships and equity con-tributions with local governments, the

    private sector, and the non-prot andco-operative housing sectors.

    Strengthen and rebalance the Residen-tial enancy Act and ManuacturedHome Act to better protect tenants andlandlords.

    5. Strengthen accessto justice and improve

    community saetyImprove legal aid, and take pressure othe courts by expanding the use o dutycounsels, dispute resolution servicesor amilies, poverty law services andAboriginal legal services.

    BC had the

    highest level ochild poverty inCanada between2002 and 2010,and currentlyhas the secondhighest.

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    Strengthen and protect human rightsto ensure all citizens are treated withdignity and respect.

    Support crime prevention and restor-ative justice initiatives.

    6. Enhance womensequality

    Establish a Ministry o WomensEquality to promote social and eco-nomic equality through all governmentprograms and enhance services towomen and children.

    Address the recommendations made bythe Missing Women Inquiry.

    bc ndp platform 2013

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    IMPROVING

    YOUR

    HEALTH CAREP hh h h hh q

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    Public health care is at the heart o ahealthy and more equal society. Itsa powerul expression o our shared

    obligations to each other as citizens. Its alsoan important part o our economy, keep-ing our citizens healthy and providing us asignicant competitive advantage over ourneighbours south o the border.

    Built over generations, public health care in

    BC is delivered by highly trained proession-als who are dedicated to providing the bestpossible care or hundreds o thousands oBritish Columbians each year.We are rightly proud o our health care

    system, but we cant be complacent i wewant to preserve and improve it or uturegenerations. New technologies and increas-ing demand are driving up the cost o healthcare. Te ederal government is cutting theCanada Health ranser, which will dramat-

    ically reduce the resources available to undhealth care delivery. In addition, the cost oprescription drugs continues to grow.

    Over the last years, the BC Liberalshave done little to deal with these challenges.Instead, they have chosen to increase privat-ization, cut long-term care and home supportservices, and cut ront-line mental healthservices.As a result o this short-term thinking,

    waitlists or some important procedures have

    grown, many emergency rooms are over-crowded, and patient care particularly orseniors has suered. As a result o cuts tolong-term care, mental health support andhome support services, many citizens requir-

    ing those services are instead treated inexpensive acute care hospital beds. Tisdrives up overall health care costs and putseven more pressure on emergency roomsand waitlists.Te BC Liberals now say they will cut

    even urther, reducing spending on healthcare to well below whats needed to main-tain core patient services. Teir last budget

    arbitrarily decreased overall health spend-ing to create the illusion o a balancedbudget.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democrats willtake practical and aordable steps to in-

    crease eciencies, improve accountability,and provide better care.Tose steps include improving care or

    seniors, people with disabilities and peoplewith chronic conditions, providing betterront-line mental health care, particular-ly or children, and increasing access toprimary care services, particularly in ruralareas.

    Our platorm places a strong emphasison the better use o health dollars. We

    will invest in prevention, and in additionalhealth supports such as nurse practitioners,midwives and rehabilitation proessionals.

    We will work to reduce the cost o pre-scription drugs.

    British Columbians canchoose change or the

    better one practicalstep at a time

    KEY PRIORITYIMPROVE CARE FOR BC SENIORS,

    PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES & THOSE

    LIVING WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

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    There is a choice in this electionbetween deep health care cuts

    to pay or the BC Liberals bogus

    budget and change or thebetter.

    ADRIAN DIX

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    improing your ealt care

    Te BC NDP will invest in innovation,incorporate cost-saving technologies, andlearn rom best practices in Canada andaround the world. We will build partnershipsto leverage the opportunities that come rom

    BC being home to a vital and growing liesciences and health research sector.Tese steps will help control costs and

    improve care to you and your amily. Bystrengthening alternative levels o care, they

    will help take the pressure o acute care ERsand reduce waitlists. Tey support quali-ty public health care, one o the strongestexpressions o British Columbians sharedcommitment to a air and compassionatesociety.

    Tose steps include improving care orseniors, people with disabilities and people

    with chronic conditions, improvements inront-line mental health care, particularly orchildren, and increasing access to primarycare services, particularly in rural areas.

    A BC NDP GOVERNMENT WILL:

    1. Improve home support andcommunity care

    Expand home support and communitycare or seniors, people with disabilitiesand people with chronic and complexconditions.

    Improve service levels in BCs residentialcare acilities, including improved stan-dards o care or bathing, toileting, recre-ational activities and culturally appropriatecare.

    Establish an independent Seniors Repre-sentative.

    2. Increase access to mentalhealth & addiction services

    Enhance treatment and outreach servicesor children and youth, and renew undingor Community Action Initiatives to pro-vide mental health and addiction outreachservices.

    140,000 BCchildren&youthexperiencingmentaldisordersBCchildren&youth

    receivingmental

    healthservices

    20,000

    Source: BC Medical Journal & BC Ministry o Children and Family Development

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    3. Strengthen primary andcommunity health servicesto relieve pressure on acutecare, especially in ruralareas

    Improve access to multi-disciplinaryhealth clinics and teams includingnurse practitioners, rehabilitation pro-essionals, psychologists, social workers,midwives and other health proession-als.

    Extend insulin pump coverage to youngadults aged 19 to 25, as is done in Sas-katchewan.

    4. Develop a Rural AcuteCare Initiative to improveacute care and emergencyservices in hospitals acrossBC

    Rebuild basic surgery, obstetrics, diag-nostics and critical care in targeted ruralhospitals.

    5. Improve quality andreduce costs

    Renew and redene the Health QualityCouncil to drive positive change andinnovation within BCs health caresystem.

    Restore the Terapeutic Initiatives roleas BCs drug watchdog and make itsexpertise available to private drug plans,clinicians and consumers.

    Expand province-wide academic detail-ing to ensure prescribers are inormedabout the most appropriate drug use,

    and provide physicians with timelyexpert eedback on their prescribingpatterns and trends.

    Expand BCs low cost drug program.

    bc ndp platform 2013

    Source: BC Ministry o Health

    370,000Numberopatientsinacutecarewhocould

    useanalternatelevelocarein2010

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    0

    500

    1000

    1500

    2000

    2500

    3000

    2012

    2011

    2010

    2009

    2008

    2007

    2006

    2005

    2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999

    1998

    1997

    1996

    1995

    1994

    1993

    1992

    1991

    1990

    1989

    1988

    1987

    1986

    1985

    BCPrescriptionDrugCostsareRising(percapitaspending)

    Source: Canadian Institute o Health Inormation,

    Privatespending

    Governmentspending

    $

    improing your ealt care

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    SUPPORTING

    BCS RESOURCE

    ECONOMY ANDRURAL ECONOMIC

    DEVELOPMENT

    O , , , h hv Bh C , , v h v. A h .

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    British Columbia was built on itsresource wealth. Our orests, arm-lands, mineral deposits and sher-

    ies have supported generations o BritishColumbians in proud communities, largeand small, in every corner o the province.

    And they still do.But over the last years, the BC Liberals

    seem to have given up on industries likeorestry. Tey have chased boom and bust

    policies, choosing to create needless un-certainty and pushing many Northern BC,Interior and Vancouver Island communitiesto the brink. When world prices or ourresources were high, they squandered theopportunity, ailing to invest in the uture oresource communities.oday the BC Liberals want to gamble

    our entire economic uture on just onepromising but still uncertain industry liqueed natural gas while paying less and

    less attention to the other key industriesthat power our resource economy.

    For example, the volume o raw logsexported has doubled since to .million cubic meters in , with no planto curtail the fow. Every single raw logshipped out o our province represents lost

    jobs and wasted opportunity or thousandso British Columbians.Te pine beetle epidemic has destroyed

    millions o acres o orest lands. In the ace

    o that devastation, the BC Liberals choseto cut unding or planting new trees. Teyalso cut the programs that provide theprovince with a clear picture o its orestinventory and inorm sound long-termmanagement o the resource.

    When economic crises hit, communitiesare too oten let to end or themselves

    without help or economic transition-ing and support rom the government inVictoria. Since , more than or-estry operations have closed in BC. Morethan , orest jobs have been lost. Teresponse rom the BC Liberals has been toignore our orest sector.

    Like orestry, BCs agriculture, mining,

    and oil and gas industries generate enor-mous wealth or our province, and pro-

    vide tens o thousands o jobs or BritishColumbians. Tanks to BC Liberal neglect,these industries are also looking or eco-nomic stability, policy direction and a long-term vision rom government. For example,Liberal delays in permitting are causinginstability and uncertainty or resourceindustries, particularly in mining.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democratsunderstand that BCs uture is linked toa healthy and diversied resource econo-my. Te wealth and jobs generated by ourresources support every British Columbian,urban and rural, unding the public services

    we all count on.Te BC NDP will make signicant new

    investments to help grow a competitive andprotable orest industry and to improvethe health o BC orests. We will sup-port industry-led eorts to expand global

    KEY PRIORITY

    INVEST IN HEALTHY FORESTS ANDA STRONG LAND BASE

    British Columbians canchoose change or the

    better one practicalstep at a time

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    BCs uture is linked to ahealthy and diversifed resourceeconomy. We will take practical

    steps to grow competitive andproftable resource industries.

    ADRIAN DIX

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    supporting bcs resource economy and rural economic deelopment

    markets. We will work to restrict the exporto raw logs, limiting export to that whichis surplus to the needs o BC manuactur-ing and communities. Updating the orestinventory critical or sustainable manage-

    ment decisions will be a key priority be-cause much o the current inventory is years out o date. We will work with orestcommunities in a coordinated and eective

    way in times o economic crisis.In addition, the BC NDP is committed

    to developing local markets and increasingmarket share or BC ood producers. We

    will take steps to oer stability and supportto the agricultural sector, strengthen ourregional economies, promote environmen-

    tal stewardship and oster ood security,quality and saety.New Democrats will also take practical

    steps to support our job-generating min-ing industry. We will provide directionand support to ully realize the economicpotential oered by liqueed natural gas,helping to build this new industry in aresponsible and sustainable manner.

    A BC NDP GOVERNMENT WILL:

    1. Invest in healthy orestsand a strong land base

    Implement a $100 million, ve-yearstrategic and operational plan or orestresources to:

    Double seedlings planted by govern-ment on Crown land to 50 million a

    year and update resource inventories.

    Enhance Ministry o Forests researchcapacity, as well as local and regionalengagement on land use planning.

    Address the critical shortage o skilledworkers in the resource industries.

    Work with industry and provide tangi-ble support or industry-led eorts toidentiy new global markets and in-crease orest product exports.

    Use BC logs to create BC jobs. We willwork with stakeholders to reduce rawlog exports and create more value-add-ed orestry jobs in British Columbia.

    Establish a Jobs Protection Commis-sioner to support communities and in-dustries in transition and acing timbersupply shortages due to the impact othe pine beetle inestation. Te com-

    missioner will work to minimize jobloss, help local economies to adapt, andenhance the long-term economic com-petitiveness o resource industries.

    Protect rural communities throughadvance preparation and a coordinatedresponse to severe wildre seasons.

    2. Increase support or

    agriculture and oodsecurity

    Grow BC

    Renew the Agricultural Land Commis-sion and protect the Agricultural LandReserve.

    Help orchardists with replanting andother input costs, and provide more di-rect support to organic and convention-

    al armers through enhanced extensionand eld services or marketing andoperations.

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    Feed BC

    Help create a stable market or localgrowers through pilot programs to pro-mote purchases o BC produce by BCshospitals and long-term care acilities.Tis measure will also improve dietsand health outcomes.

    Buy BC

    Strengthen support or the Buy BCmarketing program or BC agriculturalproducts.

    Improve access to markets or BCsaward-winning crat distillery industry

    by reducing the LDB markup, and byallowing direct sales to restaurants, bars,and on-site.

    3. Promote and supportsustainable mining andexploration

    Encourage mineral exploration by en-suring an average 55-day turnaround orNotice o Work permits, extending the

    mining fow through share tax credit,and maintaining support or Geosci-ence BC.

    Improve mine development opportunitiesby enhancing the Environmental Assess-ment process so certication decisions arereached in a more timely manner.

    Strengthen operating mines by investingin mining-related skills training pro-grams.

    4. Promote and supportsustainable LNGdevelopment

    Support sustainable LNG developmentand export as part o a diversied andprosperous economy.

    Ensure best practices around LNG andhydraulic racturing or racking.

    Encourage the development o green en-ergy options to reduce the environmentalootprint o LNG development.

    5. Support sustainablesheries and responsible

    aquacultureProtect wild salmon stocks by workingwith the ederal government to imple-ment the Cohen Commission recom-mendations, and to support sustainableaquaculture.

    6. Support rural economicdevelopment

    Build on successul rural development

    initiatives developed by First Nations andrural communities, and renew regionaland community trusts.

    bc ndp platform 2013

    Launched in 1993

    Used by over 1,200 companiesor over 5,000 products

    76% consumer awareness

    $1.4 million annual cost Most successul government-

    industry marketing program

    Cut by Liberals in 2001

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    supporting bcs resource economy and rural economic deelopment

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    RESPECTING

    WORKING

    PEOPLEEv k v h h h k, k

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    Every worker deserves to be treatedwith respect in his or her workplace,and to work in sae conditions.

    Adrian Dix and the NDP will takepractical steps to improve protections or

    workers. Our priority is to give giving non-union workers who have the least powerin dealing with employers a airer shakein the workplace.

    In the last years, the Liberals haverolled back basic employment rights. Tishas particularly aected low-paid workersin insecure jobs. We will strengthen mini-mum employment standards and improveenorcement to ensure these workers aretreated with respect.Tere are , temporary oreign

    workers in BC under a problem-plaguedprogram controlled by Ottawa. Tere arequestions about whether these workers

    are taking jobs rom qualied BritishColumbians. In addition, due to languagebarriers and their unamiliarity with therights o workers in BC, many are partic-ularly vulnerable to exploitation. We will

    work with the ederal government to seekmore BC control o this program. We

    will work to ensure these workers are notexploited.

    Every year, ar too many workers areinjured or killed on the job. More must be

    done to improve saety at work, and to giveseriously injured workers the support theyneed to return to work. Te NDP will em-phasize accident prevention and enorce-ment o health and saety rules to reduce

    workplace injuries and deaths.

    KEY PRIORITYTO PROMOTE SAFETY, RESPECT

    AT WORK, AND STABLE LABOUR

    RELATIONS Te right o British Columbians to joinunions is enshrined in the Constitution.Unions play a positive role in building acompetitive economy and a thriving middleclass. But work needs to be done to ensurethat the rules around union certicationare air, and to remove barriers or workers

    who wish to exercise their legal rights.

    A BC NDP GOVERNMENT WILL:

    1. Strengthen and enorceemployment standards

    Invest new resources to proactivelyenorce basic workplace standards.

    End the Liberals child labour practis-es by ensuring that kids under 15 whowork get both their parents approvaland signo rom the Employment

    Standards Branch.

    Help part-time workers by increasingthe minimum call-in shit to threehours rom the current two.

    Starting April 1, 2014, tie the minimumwage to infation, and eliminate theserver wage.

    2. Help or temporaryoreign workers

    Establish a toll-ree helpline so tem-porary workers can obtain inormationabout their rights, and report com-plaints, in their own language.

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    Non-union workershave repeatedly taken

    it on the chin rom thecurrent government.

    We need to do a betterjob o enorcing basic

    employment standards.

    ADRIAN DIX

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    respecting woring people

    Work with the ederal government togive BC more control over the approvalo employer applications to bring intemporary oreign workers, and pressOttawa or a comprehensive review othe program.

    3. Promote saerworkplaces

    Emphasize accident prevention andhealth and saety enorcement to reduceworkplace injuries and deaths.

    Encourage more investment in vo-cational rehabilitation programs or

    workers who have been injured on thejob, and restore heart disease amongreghters as a recognized presumptivedisease.

    Establish a more eective governancesystem or the Workers CompensationBoard to give employers and unions agreater role in decision making.

    4. Unionized workplacesForm a special panel, under the LabourCode, to recommend changes to ensureworkers can reely exercise their rightto join a union. Within 90 days, thepanel will consult interested parties andrecommend possible changes regardingcertication options, including the cardcheck model, and ways to help employ-ers and unions arrive at rst contract

    settlements through mediation.

    Invest new resources to make the BCLabour Relations Board more ecientand eective in helping employers andunions to solve disputes.

    Repeal Bills 27, 28 and 29, the inamouslegislation that tore up legal contracts,and restore ree collective bargaining inthe health and education sectors.

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    RESPECTING

    FIRST

    NATIONS ANDABORIGINAL

    PEOPLE

    E v FN A BC hh h

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    Economically and culturally vibrantFirst Nation and Aboriginal com-munities are critical to BCs uture

    and to meeting the challenges ahead rom sustainable economic development, toghting climate change, to reducing deepand growing inequalities in our society.

    For generations, First Nations and

    Aboriginal people have struggled or jus-tice, reconciliation and their rightul placein Canada. Teir strength and determina-tion in the ace o deliberate and sustainedeorts at cultural assimilation is a testa-ment to the human spirit and the extraor-dinary resilience o peoples who settledthis land long beore the rst contact withEuropean cultures.

    Over the last generation, First Nationshave made important progress. Forward-

    looking treaties have been signed, suc-cessul economic development initiativesundertaken, and First Nations and

    Aboriginal communities have led the eortto improve services in health, childcare,education and training.As ar as we have come, the road ahead

    remains long. First Nations and Aboriginalpeople, like all British Columbians, arerightly rustrated with the slow pace ochange. oo many Aboriginal people areunemployed. Far too many live in poverty.

    oo many children start lie without thesame opportunities as others to ulll theirpotential. Te treaty process is long, cum-bersome and slow.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democratsbelieve that real progress can be madeover the next our years. Utilizing the UNDeclaration on the Rights o Indigenous

    Peoplesas a guide or legislation and policydevelopment, we will work with FirstNations peoples, Metis and Aboriginalgroups towards a better uture or ourprovince.

    KEY PRIORITY

    REVITALIZE THE TREATY PROCESS &

    SUPPORT FIRST NATIONS ECONOMIC

    DEVELOPMENT

    British Columbians can

    choose change or the

    better one practicalstep at a time

    Resolving outstanding

    First Nations treatyissues is the frst issueI would raise with thePrime Minister becauseits central to addressinginequality and economicdevelopment.

    ADRIAN DIX

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    A BC NDP GOVERNMENT WILL:

    1. Improve relationships

    Build government-to-government re-lationships based on respect and recog-nition between the province and FirstNations.

    Work to provide a stronger, moreunited voice to infuence ederal deci-sion-making.

    Invite the First Nations LeadershipCouncil and all Chies within 100days o orming government to de-

    velop a our year action plan to improveeconomic opportunity and education-al outcomes or Aboriginal students,

    move towards devolution o childrenand amily services, improve our justicesystem and tackle other key priorities,such as reducing poverty.

    2. Work towardsreconciliation

    Revitalize progress towards lasting trea-ties by making the treaty process moreresponsive and better able to meet thediverse needs o First Nations.

    Work closely with non-treaty FirstNations to ensure a strong relationshipwith those seeking another path to

    reconciliation.

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    PROTECTING OUR

    ENVIRONMENT

    Bh C hv h ,v h--h

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    We live in one o the most diverse,

    spectacular and sensitive naturalenvironments on earth. Its part o

    our shared heritage, and a source o pride orBritish Columbians.

    Its not surprising that British Columbians areworld leaders in environmental activism, pro-tection and sustainability. Ater all, this is whereCanadas environmental movement got its start.

    British Columbians understand that environ-mental stewardship and a strong, diversied andsustainable economy go hand-in-hand. ime

    and again we have shown that both economicand environmental sustainability are partners,not opponents.

    For a time, it looked as though the BCLiberals had caught up to British Columbianson environmental issues. oday, however, thegovernment seems to have lost interest in ght-ing climate change.

    For example, the eort to make BCs publicsector carbon neutral has ended in scandal. Te

    Auditor General recently reported on millions

    o dollars o mishandled unds related to thegovernments Pacic Carbon rust.Te throne speech and budget ailed to

    even mention climate change.And the BC Liberals handed over deci-

    sion-making power on the Northern GatewayPipeline to Ottawa. Tey ailed to participateully in the review process. Tey abdicated theirresponsibility to speak on behal o the publicinterest.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democrats believethat BC can lead the way in promotingenviron-

    mental stewardship and sustainability. Indeed,

    tomorrows economic leaders will be the placesthat reduce carbon emissions by developinggreen technologies, investing in green inra-structure, and supporting green industries.Tats why Adrian Dix and the BC NDP

    will invest carbon tax unds in new transit andclimate action. We will put new resources intoretrotting buildings to promote energy e-ciency. And we will revitalize the land base withsupport or silviculture and orest health.We will also ulll our responsibility to ensure

    major projects in BC meet rigorous environ-mental standards. o proceed, new develop-ments must not pose unacceptable risks to oureconomic, social or environmental interests.Tats the key reason why Adrian Dix and the

    New Democrats rmly oppose the EnbridgeNorthern Gateway Pipeline (NGP). It putsour environment and the economy in NorthernBC at risk. Its simply not in BCs interests.Similarly, in regards to the proposed KinderMorgan pipeline expansion, we do not believe

    the Port o Vancouver should be converted intoa major oil export acility.Te BC NDP takes climate change seriously.

    We will improve the public accountability, bestpractices and long-term environmental sustain-ability o our emerging natural gas industry andthe practice o hydraulic racturing on which itdepends.Adrian Dix and the New Democrats believe

    this responsible approach to environmentalstewardship will help put BC at the oreront

    o tomorrows green economy, contributing to asustainable and healthy uture or every BritishColumbian.

    KEY PRIORITY

    OPPOSE THE NORTHERN GATEWAYPIPELINE AND FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE

    British Columbians canchoose change or thebetter one practical

    step at a time

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    Change or the better means a made-in-BCapproach to protecting our environment

    and our coasts.

    ADRIAN DIX

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    protecting our enironment

    A BC NDP GOVERNMENT WILL:

    1. Oppose the NorthernGateway Pipeline

    Withdraw rom the NGP equivalencyagreement on environmental assess-ment with the ederal governmentwithin one week o orming govern-ment. We will exercise BCs constitu-tional and legal powers to ully protectBCs interests.

    Maintain the moratorium on oshoreoil exploration, drilling and tankers onthe North Coast.

    Establish a made-in-BC environmentalassessment o the Enbridge NorthernGateway Pipeline, the proposed KinderMorgan expansion, and any other heavyoil pipeline proposal.

    2. Fight climate change

    Renew BCs Climate Action Plan tomeet BCs legislated greenhouse gas

    emission reduction targets, and lead thecall or a national energy and climatestrategy.

    Invest a portion o carbon tax reve-nues to enhance and expand transitservice and options, build and rehabil-itate green inrastructure, and supportclimate solutions in communities acrossBC.

    Gradually expand the carbon tax to in-clude venting emissions rom oil andgas operations.

    Expand energy eciency retrotprograms or residential and commer-cial buildings, and dissolve the PacicCarbon rust to direct tens o millionso levies paid by hospitals, Crown cor-porations and post-secondary schoolsback to those public sector institutionsto und energy-eciency upgrades.

    3. Guarantee highstandards and bestpractices

    Renew and strengthen the environmen-tal assessment process to ensure BCwill have rigorous, science-based envi-

    ronmental standards, real and meaning-ul consultation with First Nations, andecient timelines.

    Introduce new legislation to ban theuse o cosmetic pesticides, and to pro-tect endangered species and habitats.

    Complete the Water Act Moderniza-tion process and introduce groundwater

    regulation.

    Work with the Department o Fisheriesand Oceans to implement the CohenCommission recommendations to pro-tect wild salmon.

    Undertake an independent, expert-ledpublic review o racking and the im-pact o oil and gas development.

    4. Strengthen BCs parkssystem and protected areas

    Begin to restore BC Parks undingor conservation ocers, park rangers,

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    and nature interpretation programsthat support tourism and help connectyoung people with BCs outdoors.

    Protect signicant ecological areas likewetlands, estuaries and valuable old-growth orests.

    Ensure government decisions aresupported by robust science-basedevidence to better manage BCs wildlieand sheries resources, and strengthenmonitoring and enorcement capacity.

    5. Implement a sustainable

    energy strategyRenew BC Hydros mandate to meetBCs electricity requirements in acost-eective, environmentally andsocially responsible manner, and toocus on the development o renewablesources o energy.

    Eliminate the BC Liberals restrictionson the development o new power

    sources by BC Hydro.

    Revitalize the BC Utilities Commissionas an eective regulator o BC Hydro.

    Pursue aggressive conservation andeciency targets, and recognize theColumbia River reaty downstreambenets as a provincial resource thatcan be used to meet uture demands.

    Within the limits o existing contracts,review Independent Power Projectcontracts to ensure British Columbiansreceive the best value or their dollars.

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    PROMOTING

    GOOD

    GOVERNMENTF Bh C, h . Ev h k

    h hk v

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    For too many British Columbians,politics has become a dirty word.Every political party has to take

    responsibility or the growing public cyni-cism that weakens our provinces democraticinstitutions.Te level o public disengagement can be

    measured in declining voter participation. Inthe provincial election, per cent oeligible voters didnt show up at the polls.Tis lack o participation has serious conse-

    quences or our democracy and our society.At its best, politics is about people coming

    together to solve common problems, collec-tively and democratically. O course, there

    will be serious and heartelt debates amongcitizens. Tats as it should be. Its how weget to good decisions. But a generous andconstructive politics has the potential tobring people together to solve big problems problems we cant overcome in a mean-spir-ited political culture that divides us.

    At its worst, politics in BC too otendegenerates into name-calling, attack ads,and personal smears. When the governmentspends millions o taxpayer dollars on par-tisan advertisingas the BC Liberals havedonewhile emergency rooms and class-rooms struggle with overcrowding, BritishColumbians rightly begin to doubt whethergovernment can be a positive orce in theirlives.

    British Columbians rustration with our

    political process is made worse when thegovernment cant get the undamentals right,orcing taxpayers to oot the bill on huge costoverruns or projects like the BC Place Roo.

    Negative politics push people away romthe democratic process. By straying romthe governments undamental obligation toserve British Columbians, negative politicsdrive us all arther apart. Worst o all, neg-ative politics undermine our ability to worktogether to solve common problems, to ad-

    vance the larger public interest, and to createa better uture in British Columbia.

    Adrian Dix and the New Democrats arecalling on every party to rise to a higherstandard, and thereby begin to rebuild trustin our democracy. We believe governmentmust get back to the undamentals.Tats why British Columbians wont be

    seeing negative ads rom the BC NDP in

    this campaign. You can expect us to be verycritical o the BC Liberal record as we havebeen in this platorm. But in attacking theissues, we wont be attacking our opponents.Premier Christy Clark, Conservative Leader

    John Cummins, and Green Party LeaderJane Sterk are dedicated British Columbians,committed to a better province.Whatever role the people o BC give us in

    Mayin government or in oppositionyoucan expect that New Democrats will con-

    tinue to ocus on the issues, not the person-alities, and advocate or changes that willimprove our democracy and our government.

    British Columbians can

    choose change or thebetter, one practicalstep at a time

    KEY PRIORITYRESTORE FAITH IN OUR POLITICAL

    PROCESS

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    Negative politicsundermine ourability to worktogether to solve

    common problems,to advance thelarger publicinterest, and tocreate a betteruture in BC.

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    promoting good goernment

    A BC NDP GOVERNMENT WILL:

    1. Enhance our democracy

    Ban taxpayer-unded partisan adver-tising, and pass legislation to ensure allgovernment advertising is reviewed andapproved by the Auditor General.

    Increase youth voter turnout by lower-ing the voter registration age to 16.

    End corporate and union donations topolitical parties, and reer related issuesto an all-party committee, includingparties which are not represented in the

    Legislature.

    Move the next provincial election tothe all o 2017 so voters will have com-plete and accurate inormation aboutprovincial nances.

    2. Restore openness andaccountability

    Strengthen Freedom o Inormation

    laws and empower legislative commit-tees to undertake meaningul consulta-tion with British Columbians.

    Conduct a judicial inquiry into the saleo BC Rail.

    3. Improve local autonomy

    Recognize local governments as anindependent, responsible and account-

    able order o government, and empowerthem to enact municipal nance re-orm.

    Repeal the Signicant Project Stream-lining Act, end the P3 requirement orprojects over $50 million, and reinstatelocal decision making on the creation oresort municipalities.

    Reorm ransLink to allow electedmunicipal representation on the deci-sion-making board.

    Getting back to undamentalsAn NDP government will establish an external teamo private sector and community leaders to plan orthe long-term viability o debt-plagued BC Pavilion

    Corporation (PavCo), including the sale o BC Placestadium. Te panel will also ensure other public assetsmanaged by the Crown corporation are operatedeciently.

    BC Place and the Vancouver Convention Centreare symbols o the mismanagement and misplacedpriorities o the BC Liberals. Massive cost overrunson construction and renovations, along with a bun-gled naming rights deal, have saddled taxpayers with amountain o debt.

    PavCo, which has accumulated $1.2 billion in debt

    including the cost o the $519 million retractable roo,projects operating losses o $60 million over the nextthree years.Te external teams mandate will include continued

    support or the long-term viability o the BC Lionsand Vancouver Whitecaps sports ranchises.Any revenue rom the possible sale o BC Place will

    be applied to pay down taxpayer-supported debt on the

    renovation project.

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    48

    APPENDIX:

    FISCAL

    BACKGROUNDAND PLAN

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    49

    REAL LIBERAL DEFICIT

    Te BC Liberal governments 2013 Budget is not a balanced budget.

    By removing the short-sighted sale o public assets rom the budget and restatingexpenditure growth or vital public services to more realistic and prudent levels, theNDP estimates the real Liberal decit to be $790 million in 2013-14, $847 million in2014-15 and $452 million in 2015-16.

    Our re-calculation o the real Liberal decit includes the orecast allowance romBudget 2013, used to recognize uncertainties in predicting uture economic devel-opments.

    Real Liberal Decit

    ($millions) 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

    Restated revenue (minus asset sales) 43,912 44,836 46,377

    Restated expense (with new growth rates) (44,502) (45,458) (46,504)

    Restated decit beore orecast allowance (590) (622) (127)

    Budget 2013 orecast allowance (unchanged) (200) (225) (325)

    RealLiberalDefcit (790) (847) (452)

    REVENUE AND REALLOCATIONS

    Te ollowing prudent revenue measures und our platorm commitments:

    Corporate income tax rate increased rom 11 to 12 per cent. Eective October 1, 2013,this measure will add $100 million in revenue in 2013-14, and $200 million in 2014-15and 2015-16. British Columbia will still have the th-lowest corporate tax rate inCanada. Tere will be no increase to the small business rate or the small businessearnings threshold.

    Corporation capital tax reinstated on nancial institutions. Eective October 1, 2013,the NDP will reinstate the corporation capital tax on nancial institutions. Banks

    will pay three per cent, while nancial institutions with headquarters in BC includingcredit unions will pay one per cent. Credit unions with capital holdings o less than

    $20 million will be exempt. Tis measure will add $75 million in revenue in 2013-14,and $150 million in 2014-15 and 2015-16.

    High income earners personal income tax increased. Eective January 1, 2014, the toptwo per cent o high income earners in BC will see an increase to 19 per cent on tax-able individual income above $150,000. Tis measure will add $50 million in revenuein 2013-14, $200 million in 2014-15 and $240 million in 2015-16.

    appendi

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    Carbon tax base expanded to vented emissions rom oil and gas operations. Eective April1, 2014, an NDP government will expand the application base o the carbon tax to include

    vented emissions rom oil and gas operations, capturing an additional ve per cent o car-bon emissions in the province and contributing to British Columbias climate action goals.

    Tis measure will add $35 million in revenue in 2014-15, $70 million in 2015-16, and $100million in 2016-17. Te objective o this measure is to ultimately drive down emissions and

    stimulate innovation in the sector.

    Existing and budgeted BC Liberal government spending reallocated to new priorities. AnNDP government will reallocate some program and discretionary spending to new pri-orities, shiting $86 million in 2013-14, $148 million in 2014-15 and $328 million in 2015-16.Some examples o program reallocations include:

    the BC Training and Education Savings Grant and Early Years Strategy will be repurposedinto an Early Learning Innovation Fund.

    the Early Childhood Tax Beneft will be repurposed as part o a new poverty reductionstrategy.

    BC NDP 20132016 Fiscal Plan

    New Revenue / Reallocations ($millions) 2013/14* 2014/15 2015/16

    CorporateIncomeTax

    Increase rom 11% to 12% 100 200 200

    CorporationCapitalTaxonFinancialInstitutions

    3% or banks; 1% or head ofces in BC and credit unions 75 150 150

    PersonalIncomeTax(Highincomeearners)

    19% on individual taxable income above $150K 50 200 240

    CarbonTax

    Expand base to include vented emissions rom oil andgas operations 0 35 70

    Reallocations 86 148 328

    Total new revenue and reallocations 311 733 988

    *partial year

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    Building a Sustainable Economy and Creating New Jobs

    (millions) 2013/14* 2014/15 2015/16

    Make post-secondary education more aordable

    Student grant program 50 100 100

    Scholarship und (one time) 20 0 0

    Increase the number o skilled workers

    Skills training and apprenticeship 15 25 40

    Help small and local business thrive

    Extend BC Training Tax Credit program to co-op hires 0 5 8

    Expand Buy BC 0 2 3

    Local Business First government procurement 1 1 1

    Support BCs high-tech economy

    High-level tech talent strategy 0 1 1

    Business accelerator program 1 1 1

    Grow BCs creative economy

    Film tax credits 0 15 45

    BC Arts Council 0 0 5

    Recognition or immigrants

    Foreign credentials 0 2 2

    BC Ferries

    Freeze erry ares at current rates 0 20 20

    Total 87 172 226

    Investing in Our Future, Improving Public Education

    (millions) 2013/14* 2014/15 2015/16

    Improve learning conditions or our children

    Classroom support 75 90 100

    BC Program or the Awareness and Learning oScience (Science World) 1 1 1

    Preserve First Nations languages

    First Nations heritage, language and culture. 1 1 2

    Investing in childcare and early learning

    Licensed inant and toddler childcare ee reduc-tion and more spaces 10 30 60

    Total 87 122 163

    appendi

    OPERATING SPENDING COMMITMENTS

    Te ollowing tables lay out our platorm spending commitments. Every dollar is accounted or.Our total spending does not exceed revenue measures. New Democrats will not add to the realLiberal decit.

    *partial year

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    Were going to be clearabout what we want to

    do and how we are goingto pay or it.

    ADRIAN DIX

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    appendi

    Reducing Poverty and Inequality

    (millions) 2013/14* 2014/15 2015/16

    Signifcantly reduce child poverty

    BC Family Bonus program 0 210 210

    Take practical steps to improve income assistance

    Tie all IA rates to CPI and increase earnings exemptions 10 20 22

    Increase IA rates or all singles and couples by $20 per month 0 0 27

    Protect and respect vulnerable people

    CLBC 10 10 15

    MCFD 8 8 8

    Aboriginal Friendship Centres 3 3 3

    Strengthen access to justice and improve community saety

    Legal aid 2 5 10

    Crime prevention and restorative justice programs 2 3 3

    Enhance womens equality

    Community services or women and children 2 2 3

    Total 37 261 301

    Improving Your Health Care

    (millions) 2013/14* 2014/15 2015/16

    Improve home support and community care

    Home support and community care 5 25 40

    Standards o care in residential care acilities 0 0 35

    Independent Seniors Representative 1 2 8

    Increase access to mental health and addiction servicesOutreach services or children and youth 5 10 20

    Community Action Initiatives 2 3 5

    Strengthen primary and community health services

    Multi-disciplinary health clinics and teams 10 10 15

    Extend insulin pump coverage to 19-25 year olds 0 1 2

    Develop a Rural Acute Care Initiative

    Rebuild critical care in targeted rural hospitals 0 15 30

    Improve quality and reduce costs

    Health Quality Council 1 2 2

    Independent drug research 1 2 2

    Total 25 70 159*partial year

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    bc ndp platform 2013

    Supporting BCs Resource Economy and Rural Economic Development

    (millions) 2013/14* 2014/15 2015/16

    Invest in healthy orests and a strong land base

    5-year strategic and operational plan or orest resources 30 40 60

    Increase support or agriculture and ood security

    Grow BC, Buy BC, Feed BC 0 8 8

    Promote and support sustainable mining and exploration

    55-day turnaround or Notice o Work permits 2 3 3

    Total 32 51 71

    Respecting Working People

    (millions) 2013/14* 2014/15 2015/16

    Respecting working people

    Employment standards 2 3 5Labour Relations Board 0 2 3

    Total 2 5 8

    Protecting our Environment

    (millions) 2013/14* 2014/15 2015/16

    Oppose the NGP

    Made-in-BC environmental assessment 2 2 0

    Fight climate change

    Transit, green projects, retrots 30 40 50

    Guarantee high standards and best practices

    Environmental assessment process and capacity 0 1 4

    Protect endangered species and habitats 1 1 1

    Strengthen BCs parks system and protected areas

    Conservation ofcers, park rangers, nature inter-pretation programs 3 3 5

    Total 36 47 60

    Promoting Good Government

    (millions) 2013/14* 2014/15 2015/16

    Enhancing democracy

    Judicial inquiry into the sale o BC Rail 5 5 0

    Total 5 5 0

    *partial year

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    Spending Summary

    (millions) 2013/14* 2014/15 2015/16

    Building a Sustainable Economy and Creating New Jobs 87 172 226

    Investing in Our Future, Improving Public Education 87 122 163

    Reducing Poverty and Inequality 37 261 301

    Improving Your Health Care 25 70 159

    Supporting BCs Resource Economy and Rural Economic Development 32 51 71

    Respecting Working People 2 5 8

    Protecting our Environment 36 47 60

    Promoting Good Government 5 5 0

    TOTAL NEW SPENDING 311 733 988

    *partial year

    appendi

    CAPITAL SPENDING COMMITMENTS

    Capital investment is an essential component o building a prosperous BC with ahigh quality o lie. An NDP government will use capital investments to keep BCmoving, healthy and educated.

    We will ocus capital investments on real needs and priorities. An NDP govern-

    ment would not have sunk hal a billion dollars into a new roo or BC Place.Instead, we will prudently invest in educational, health, transportation and commu-nity inrastructure that is truly needed across the province.

    Te current budget lays out a total o $18.3 billion over the scal plan in capitalspending on schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, hydroelectric projects and otherinrastructure across BC. An NDP government will continue with projects that arecurrently underway.

    Tese are challenging scal times, and we will not be making capital commitments

    beyond what is available in the current capital plan.

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    OUR TEAM

    T BC NDP hvx h v h M

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    57

    PREET RAIABBOTSFORD-MISSION

    KATHY CORRIGANBURNABY-DEER LAKE

    DUNCAN BARNETTCARIBOO NORTH

    CHRIS WILSONCOQUITLAM-BURKE

    MOUNTAIN

    MAURINE

    KARAGIANISESQUIMALT-ROYAL ROADS

    SELINA ROBINSONCOQUITLAM

    MAILLARDVILLE

    SHANE DYSONFORT LANGLEY

    ALDERGROVE

    HARRY LALIFRASER-NICOLA

    JOHN HORGANJUAN DE FUCA

    TOM FRIEDMANKAMLOOPS-SOUTH

    THOMPSON

    MIKE NUYENSKELOWNA-LAKE

    COUNTRY

    TISH LAKESKELOWNA-MISSION

    NORMA BLISSETTKOOTENAY EAST

    KATRINE CONROYKOOTENAY WEST

    KATHY KENDALLKAMLOOPS-NORTH

    THOMPSON

    BILL ROUTLEYCOWICHAN VALLEY

    SYLVIA BISHOPDELTA NORTH

    NIC SLATERDELTA SOUTH

    PATTI MACAHONICCHILLIWACK

    GWEN OMAHONYCHILLIWACK-HOPE

    NORM MACDONALDCOLUMBIA RIVER

    REVELSTOKE

    KASSANDRA DYCKECOMOX

    RAJ CHOUHANBURNABY-EDMONDS

    JANE SHINBURNABY-LOUGHEED

    JANET ROUTLEDGEBURNABY NORTH

    CHARLIE WYSECARIBOO-CHILCOTIN

    LAKHVINDER JHAJABBOTSFORD SOUTH

    SUKHI DHAMIABBOTSFORD WEST

    SCOTT FRASERALBERNI-PACIFIC RIM

    SAM HANCHEROFFBOUNDARY-SIMILKAMEEN

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    ANDREW MERCIERLANGLEY

    JUDY DARCYNEW WESTMINSTER

    CRAIG KEATINGNORTH VANCOUVER

    LONSDALE

    JIM HANSONNORTH VANCOUVER

    SEYMOUR

    BARRY AVISPARKSVILLE-QUALICUM

    JUDY FOX-MCGUIREPEACE RIVER NORTH

    DARWIN WRENPEACE RIVER SOUTH

    BOBBY DEEPAKPRINCE GEORGE

    MACKENZIE

    GARY HOLMANSAANICH NORTH AND

    THE ISLANDS

    LANA POPHAMSAANICH SOUTH

    STEVE GUNNERSHUSWAP

    ROBIN AUSTINSKEENA

    DOUG DONALDSONSTIKINE

    FRANK HUANGRICHMOND CENTRE

    GIAN SIHOTARICHMOND EAST

    SCOTT STEWARTRICHMOND STEVESTON

    SHERRY OGASAWARAPRINCE GEORGE

    VALEMOUNT

    JOE TRASOLINIPORT MOODY

    COQUITLAM

    MIKE FARNWORTHPORT COQUITLAM

    NICHOLAS SIMONSPOWELL RIVER

    SUNSHINE COAST

    RICHARD CANNINGSPENTICTON

    JESSICA VAN DER VEEN

    OAK BAY-GORDON

    HEAD

    MICHELLE MUNGALLNELSON-CRESTON

    JENNIFER RICENORTH COAST

    CLAIRE TREVENANORTH ISLAND

    MIKE BOCKINGMAPLE RIDGE-MISSION

    LEONARD KROGNANAIMO

    DOUG ROUTLEYNANAIMO-NORTH

    COWICHAN

    SUSSANNESKIDMORE-HEWLETTNECHAKO LAKES

    ELIZABETH ROSENAUMAPLE RIDGE-PITT

    MEADOWS

    bc ndp platform 2013

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    our team

    HARRY KOONERSURREY-CLOVERDALE

    AVTAR BAINSSURREY-TYNEHEAD

    GABRIEL YIUVANCOUVER

    FRASERVIEW

    JENNY KWANVANCOUVER

    MOUNT PLEASANT

    CAROLE JAMESVICTORIA-BEACON HILL

    ROB FLEMINGVICTORIA-SWAN LAKE

    TERRY PLATTWEST VANCOUVER

    CAPILANO

    ANA SANTOSWEST VANCOUVER

    SEA TO SKY

    CAROLE GORDONWESTSIDE-KELOWNA

    DAVID EBYVANCOUVER

    POINT GREY

    MARK OLSENVERNON-MONASHEE

    SPENCER CHANDRA

    HERBERT

    VANCOUVER-WEST END

    NICHOLAS

    SCAPILLATI

    VANCOUVER-QUILCHENA

    SHANE SIMPSONVANCOUVER-HASTINGS

    MABLE ELMOREVANCOUVER

    KENSINGTON

    GEORGE CHOWVANCOUVER-LANGARA

    ADRIAN DIXVANCOUVER-KINGSWAY

    BRUCE RALSTONSURREY-WHALLEY

    SUSAN KEEPINGSURREY-WHITE ROCK

    GEORGE HEYMANVANCOUVER-FAIRVIEW

    MATT TONERVANCOUVER

    FALSE CREEK

    JAGRUP BRARSURREY-FLEETWOOD

    SUE HAMMELLSURREY

    GREEN TIMBERS

    HARRY BAINSSURREY-NEWTON

    AMRIK MAHILSURREY-PANORAMA

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