Bell Says Too Early to Talk Job Cuts

By 250 News

Victoria, B.C. - Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell says it is far too early to start talking about the possibility of cuts to public sector jobs.

Bell is responding to BCGEU allegations that the government is considering a 12% cut to the Forests Ministry budget which could result in the loss of up to 230 full time jobs.  He says the province has to examine all of the options, but hasn't confirmed or denied cuts to his ministry.

"We're working hard to make sure that we protect as many of the government employees as we can, but that said, certainly we need to look at all of the services that we provide within government and that we make sure that the services are meeting the needs of the public.  Our goal all the way along has been to protect jobs in the public service and we'll continue to pursue that."

Bell says people will know more details when his government reveals the provincial budget September 1st.

BC Government and Service Employees' Union President Darryl Walker says the issue needs to be looked at before the budget is brought down so that the provincial government can look at other available options.

"I think it's important to identify that we don't necessarily agree with it.  There are other ways of looking at the savings and there are also times, quite simply, to run a deficit because that's the best way to protect the services."

Walker says, per capita,  BC already has the leanest public sector in the country.  He says further cuts would mean a loss to valued services that his members provide to the people of BC.

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