Kevin Falcon delivers a responsible budget

The “prudent” provincial budget tabled Tuesday by Finance Minister Kevin Falcon is receiving the usual criticism from the usual suspects. Public-sector unions are squawking that not enough public money is being directed to them, special-interest groups are demanding increased support for their favourite programs, while envious others are demanding higher tax rates on the wealthy, corporations or anyone else who they believe should offer up more of their cash to the public good.

The reality is that too many people view the provincial government as some external entity rather than what it really is: the political expression of us all. And ladies and gentleman, economically we’re all going through a rough patch.

Many voters — upset by the HST, perceived Liberal fiascos or the leadership of Christy Clark — will whine about the budget. But Falcon is being responsible and deserves credit for making the right decisions, even if unpopular.

With average annual provincial economic growth during the next three years forecast at just more than two per cent, and facing a $2.5-billion deficit in 2011-12, it would be irresponsible of Falcon or anyone to jack up spending.

There are those who argue for higher taxes so that even more money can be spent by government, but that’s no way to treat taxpayers, attract investment or build the economy. As a group, British Columbians only have so much money.

Falcon has a hard job, but overall he’s doing it right.