Health care is not the only serious issue

Re: “Consider byelections a referendum on health management,” commentary, June 2.

The writer makes a profound statement regarding the upcoming byelections and health care, but there are other matters for which the NDP must account.

Our forest industry, once the backbone of our provincial finances, but in serious decline as a result of a lack of an effective timber supply and no financial backing, is an employment nightmare.

On the education front, the Surrey school district is having to double-bank 400 portables to satisfy increasing enrolment, which is occurring across the province.

The NDP have been behind the power curve on housing since day one, and our kids will not be able to afford housing for decades.

Look at the cost of rentals in Vancouver. Simply unbelievable.

The opioid and overdose crisis, given the NDP’s concept of free drugs for addicts, is an ongoing tragedy across the province. Deaths are at record levels.

The number of homeless are at record levels, and little is being done by the NDP to assist municipalities in cleaning up this often absolute criminal shambles.

Crime, and bail for dangerous offenders, is with us on a daily basis. Many will not even venture out to walk on city streets.

When the NDP took command of the province they adopted a $6-billion surplus that was spent in a heartbeat.

We are heading for an inflation-supporting debt of $200 billion with everincreasing annual deficits, and no plans for balanced budgets.

And what can one say about the highest gas/diesel prices in North America and no relief on the carbon tax front?

Yes, there are far more matters to consider other than health care when looking at our provincial byelections.

H.J. Rice Saanich