…About B.C. Government’s budget

By Bill Bennett, Kootenay East MLA

1. Every summer, the B.C. Government releases the audited statements for the past fiscal year (ends March 31).  The fiscal year 2013-14 ‘Public Accounts’ were released July 15 by the Finance minister and the news was good.

2. Unlike what the Opposition and media said before the 2013 election, it is now proven true that the B.C. Government has balanced the budget for 2013-14, ending with a larger surplus than expected – $353 million. BC is one of only two provinces to balance its budget and one of three with a AAA credit rating.

3. We promised to balance the provincial budget and we are keeping that promise. Overall government spending was $561 million less than forecast and total spending increased by only 0.4%. This reduces interest cost on the debt and increases investor confidence in B.C.

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