article by BC New Democratic Party

VANCOUVER – The B.C. Liberals’ pledge to bring in a universal transit pass for all students might be the latest broken promise from a government that misled British Columbians during the election campaign, the New Democrats said today.

“As post secondary students pack public transit on the first day of classes today, the B.C. Liberals’ failure to back up their promise to bring in a U-Pass is starting to hit home. Many students are feeling betrayed by the B.C. Liberal government,” New Democrat advanced education critic Dawn Black said today.

During the election campaign, the B.C. Liberals promised to bring in a universal transit pass for all B.C. post-secondary students by September 2010. Currently, while many large post secondary institutions offer a Universal Pass Program, smaller colleges have been unable to negotiate a fair rate. TransLink has suggested that students at smaller institutions should pay almost double the current rate.

“The B.C. Liberals made a clear promise during the campaign. If they are serious about bringing in a U-Pass next year the government must back up its promises with action and come to the table to start working towards a solution for all students,” said Black.

Minister of Transportation Shirley Bond has refused to meet with students in regards to the U-Pass.

Black pointed out that the B.C. Liberal election platform also pledged to maintain funding for student aid, a promise the government broke in July when it quietly cut the aid budget and eliminated key programs.

“A healthy economy requires a well-educated and highly-skilled workforce. But despite his promises to protect student aid, Gordon Campbell slashed over $16 million just a few weeks before classes began,” said Black.

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