Conservative Infrastructure Critic Slams NDP for Reannouncing Years-Old, Delayed School Projects
LANGLEY, B.C.: Conservative Infrastructure critic Misty Van Popta is calling out the BC NDP for reannouncing delayed school projects in a bid to distract from their chronic failures to deliver new classroom spaces on time.
“Parents in growing communities are desperate for classroom space. Instead of announcing what’s actually funded in this year’s budget, the NDP is dusting off years-old promises and pretending they’re new,” said Van Popta. “It’s smoke and mirrors. The reality is three major projects are already up to four years behind schedule, and not one of the reannouncements today was new.”
According to details provided by this government:
- Abbotsford: Additions at Auguston Traditional Elementary and Margaret Stenerson Elementary were announced in September 2022 with completion promised for 2024. Both have been delayed to Fall 2025.
- Trail (Kootenay-Columbia): The Glenmerry Elementary replacement school was announced in March 2021 with a Spring 2024 completion date. It has been delayed to Fall 2025.
- Surrey: Theresa Clarke Elementary was supposed to add 325 seats but has been reduced to 225. It has been delayed for 18 months and no work has been started.
“These projects were supposed to already be open and serving students. Families were promised relief last year, not sometime in the future.” Van Popta said.
“Langley families are waiting, Surrey families are waiting, Abbotsford families are waiting. The NDP’s record is delay and disappointment.”
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Media Contact:
Ryan Painter, Conservative Caucus Communications Team
Director of Communications
Ryan.Painter@leg.bc.ca
