News Release - October 30, 2009

VICTORIA - The B.C. Liberals' refusal to help fund a replacement for the aging Johnson Street Bridge is the latest example of how they have abandoned the capital region, the Official Opposition said today.

"This new bridge has been identified as a top priority for Victoria. The federal government has recognized this is an important project, but the B.C. Liberals just don't get it," said John Horgan, MLA for Juan de Fuca.

"This region is supposed to be served by two B.C. Liberal cabinet ministers, but Murray Coell and Ida Chong seem to have abandoned our community," said Horgan, noting that the bridge is important for the capital region as a whole. 

The federal government recently announced they will fund one third of the project, but taxpayers in Victoria will be on the hook for $42 million without provincial support. 

"This is an important infrastructure project that will have regional implications," said Maurine Karagianis, MLA for Esquimalt-Royal Roads. "Victoria should not have to go it alone."

With the recent announcement that the federal government will help pay for the bridge, the only funding link missing is the province. 

"A new bridge would serve our community for another 100 years," said Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. "The bridge will improve access to the downtown core and make it safer for bicycles, cars, and pedestrians to co-exist." 

Carole James and the Official Opposition have been holding the B.C. Liberals accountable for breaking their word on the HST, and for backtracking on their election promises to protect health care, education, and other vital services.

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Media Contact:  Mike Lowe, 250-886-7064