Public services and privatization

(Vancouver) Inequality increased in most provinces during the 1990s, but BC held its ground, according to a new report, Behind the Headlines 2001, from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. This will change, however, if the new government pursues the same market-oriented policies that led to rising inequality elsewhere.

Vancouver--Forty British Columbia economists and political economists from across the province today called on the BC government to rethink its planned spending cuts. In advance of the February 19 provincial budget, the economists have issued an open letter to Premier Campbell and Finance Minister Collins. The Premier and Finance Minister claim a looming "structural deficit" gives them no choice but to significantly cut spending over the next three years. The signatories to today's letter dispute this view.

Inside this issue: Restructuring Government in BC: Are we asking the right questions? Cutting Pharmacare won't cut health costs Economic Impacts of Tax Cuts and Spending Cuts

Inside this issue: Social Programs in BC Budgeting and Sin