OUR MLAs

I ran for office in 2005 because I was deeply impressed by the economic turnaround achieved by Premier Gordon Campbell and his team following 10 years of decline in British Columbia’s fortunes under the NDP and because I wanted to bring some of the benefits of a well-managed economy to our region.

I believe that today, more than ever, this province and our communities need a proven experienced leader and a proven experienced government that responds to local needs.

BC’s diverse economy and AAA credit rating positions us well to weather economic uncertainty and the 2010 Olympics are expected to inject millions of dollars per day into our economy this year leading up to the Games. Nevertheless, we took swift action last Fall to shore up confidence and provide concrete assistance to families who were beginning to feel the effects of the global economic slowdown.

In November, we accelerated income tax relief for individuals and small businesses, as well, we are allowing homeowners experiencing difficulties to defer their property taxes.

Despite these economic challenges, we have budgeted to continue increasing funding for healthcare and raise the per-pupil dollars for education (both are at all-time highs in our history). Focusing on the most vulnerable in our communities, our recent budget adds $10 million for families with children in need, $110 million for income assistance and $73 million for programs for adults with developmental disabilities. We have quadrupled the budget for homelessness and are beginning to see the positive results.

We will also continue to lead on environmental sustainability and climate change, putting a price on carbon emissions and working with other provinces and US states on a cap and trade system that President Obama is now calling for.

Now is not the time for an experiment in government. Now is not the time for complacency.

Working as a re-elected MLA after the 2009 election, I will continue my work for each and every citizen of our community.

Thank you,

Joan McIntyre
BC Liberals MLA
West Vancouver – Sea to Sky