News Release - September 15, 2008

VICTORIA - Since Gordon Campbell won't come back to the legislature this fall, the finance committee should adopt a broader mandate to fill in the accountability gap, the New Democrats said today. 

"If Gordon Campbell wants to try and hide from tough questions, then the Select Standing Committee on Finance should take up the slack and ensure that British Columbians have a chance to hold the government accountable," said New Democrat MLA John Horgan. 

"Whether it's obscene pay hikes for top executives or mounting concerns over the fuel tax, Gordon Campbell is increasingly out of touch with the concerns of B.C. families," said Horgan, the MLA for Malahat-Juan de Fuca. 

At a meeting today of the all-party finance committee, Horgan introduced a motion to appoint a sub-committee to hear from British Columbians in the absence of a fall session.  The motion was defeated by the B.C. Liberal members of the committee.  The meeting continues this afternoon in Vancouver.

"Gordon Campbell wants to treat the legislature like his own private club, but that approach just doesn't fly.  That's why we're calling on our B.C. Liberal colleagues to expand the committee's scope so that British Columbians have a chance to voice their concerns," said New Democrat finance critic Bruce Ralston, the deputy chair of the committee and MLA for Surrey-Whalley.

Carole James and the NDP have been calling on the Campbell government to return to the legislature this fall to address pressing issues, such as the slowing economy, the forest industry downturn, and the homelessness crisis.

The finance committee will be touring the province over the coming five weeks as part of its pre-budget consultations.

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Contact: Sara Goldvine (250) 208-3560