PRINCE GEORGEWorking people of the North have become the collateral damage of BC Liberal economic policy, says CUPE BC president Barry ONeill, who arrives in Prince George on Monday (January 24) as part of a provincial tour to canvas CUPE members, other workers and small business operators on the impact of privatization and public service cutbacks.
Resource-based communities like those in Prince George and Quesnel are and always have been the engine that drives our economygiven the chance, says ONeill. But they havent been given much of a chance with the Liberals engaging in a massive sell-off of our public assets.
In addition to talking with CUPE and other union members while on tour, ONeill says he hopes to address local chambers of commerce and small business operators on the continuing economic decline in the North over the past four years.
Id like to know what small business people think of the B.C. Rail deal, he says. Something tells me that the governments sale of our provincial railway hasnt exactly brought wads of cash into the local economy.
ONeill will continue the tour on Tuesday in Quesnel, where he will be speaking with Mayor Nate Bello on proposed infrastructure changes. He will be available for media interviews on both days.
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Contact:
Bernie Schneider, CUPE staff representative: (250) 565-8983
Barry ONeill, CUPE BC president: (604) 916-8444.