Energy minister admits 'underfunded' public service is unable to function
effectively

VANCOUVER, Oct. 26 /CNW/ - A key B.C. cabinet minister confirmed today that the B.C. Liberals' legacy of public service cuts has created resource ministries that are unable to function effectively, the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union said today.

In an interview with the Vancouver Sun, B.C.'s energy minister Bill Bennett stated that, "the fundamental problem facing the natural resource ministries is they're underfunded." Bennett added that, "we work the heck out of them [the employees] and we don't have enough funds within these ministries to get the permits out the door, to develop the policy, to deal with the stakeholders, to do the work that actually leads to the majority of the revenue that comes in to government."

"It is clear from the minister's comments that the B.C. government knows their pre-occupation with budget cuts has created hollowed-out ministries that are unable to fulfill their public mandate," says BCGEU president Darryl Walker. "One can't help but observe that this may have been their intent from the beginning.

"The cabinet shuffle will result in literally hundreds of programs and employees being shifted to different ministries," said Walker. "This constant reorganization has become a hallmark of this government and leads to instability and uncertainty for the public and employees.

"It's clear that the ministries themselves are scrambling to determine what the impact of these changes will be. The government is obligated to consult with the union over this re-structuring, through our collective agreement. We will make sure that our members' rights are fully protected."

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For more information, contact Brian Gardiner at 604-291-9611