Even those who casually follow politics have probably heard of pre-election spending. The closer the elections become, the more announcements about funding seem to materialize from a magical cloud. It is one of many frustrating realities about our political system.
The recent provincial government announcement that $400,000 had been designated toward four palliative care beds in Powell River just smacks of political posturing.
Of course it is wonderful news that Powell River Hospice Society now has nearly a half million dollars to work with in order to establish much-needed end-of-life health care in Powell River, but when faced with at least $1 million more to raise in order to build a suitable facility, the provincial funding feels like a dangling carrot.
Even adding onto an existing facility such as Willingdon Creek Village to facilitate the four hospice beds will cost in the millions.
Another case of posturing happens every year on the final day of the Union of BC Municipalities conference. This year, after a week of municipalities hobnobbing with provincial ministers, BC’s community, sport and cultural development minister announced the government would be funding 35 provincial water projects. Some communities, including ours, had been waiting for the important infrastructure announcement for upwards of two years.
Let’s not even get into how government announces crucial funding for social programs (affordable housing, anyone?) at key times and in key ridings in order to use public money to help with re-election.
It is clear that government funding has become more a strategic game than effective and timely use of taxpayers’ dollars.
With the provincial election a mere four months away on May 9, government funding announcements, such as this most recent one regarding palliative care beds, seems like too little, too late, too convenient.
Funding for much-needed programs such as hospice beds is always welcome, but when it is not nearly enough and comes when it is beneficial to a government going into election time, the whole thing leaves a sour taste.
Perhaps our next government will see fit to fund health care, infrastructure and social programs throughout its entire time in office, and particularly when those funds are most needed in a given community, not just when it is convenient for voter sympathy.
Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor
