Port Alberni and District Labour Council
MINIMUM WAGE
Thank you to everyone who came out to the All Candidate Meeting. Thanks also to our co sponsors, the Chamber of Commerce and Realty Board.
During the debate, the NDP candidate Scott Fraser received a rousing applause when he promised that, if elected the NDP would remove the $6.00 an hour training wage. He also promised to raise the minimum wage to $10.00 per hour and give small business a tax incentive to ease the effect on them.
Currently BC has the lowest minimum wage in the country. This is shameful. Even the "have not" province of Ontario has set their minimum wage at $10.25. The Port Alberni and District Labour Council supports the removal of the $6.00 training wage and an increase to the minimum wage that will bring it to $10.00 per hour. This will stimulate the economy, reduce poverty and raise the standard of living in Port Alberni. Regardless of who wins the election the PADLC will be lobbying for an increase.
ON MAY 12 VOTE FOR THE B.C. YOU WANT
-The Liberal spin on the Weyco donations that led to the Private Lands being excluded from the TFLs is that Weyco hardly gave anything since 2004---the lands were taken out in 2002 right after a LARGE donation.
-The forest company executives are sticking their necks out and uncustomarily attacking the NDP. They claim to be interested in our employment. Remember the major Forest Companies put us out of work---not
the NDP. Wonder what plums Campbell has promised them if the Liberals get back in? Whatever it is it'll be bad for the communities and the workers.
-Locally our health care has been eroded-Psych Ward shut down- acute beds filled with long term patients-no local rep on VIHA Board-and the list goes on.
-The B.C. Ferries has been made into a "quasi private" company and since then ridership has dropped dramatically. The result is less tourists for the Island and Port Alberni.
-B.C. Rail was given away under a cloud of scandal that won't ever see the light of day.
When you vote on May 12th vote for a better British Columbia---Not more of Gordon Campbell's double dealing. Look at the STV program carefully then decide.
The Labour Council is supporting Scott Fraser of the NDP. You might not always agree with him, but he speaks out for us. Liberal MLAs are usually muzzled to only speak the party line or not at all.
Vote for who you wish, but please vote. If you don't vote you can't complain!
Kelly Drybrough
President
Port Alberni and District Labour Council