Belt tightening with "discretion".

Interesting selection of government belt-tightening in the face of major deficit financing.

Cuts:

The Premier’s Excellence Awards — $15,000 cash prizes paid to 16 of B.C.’s top high school graduates on their way to post-secondary study — are among several student aid programs that have fallen victim to provincial government budget cuts. (see article)

Surgical procedures reduced to bare-bones.

Wage freeze for Civil Servants.

The throne speech states, “Government will reduce discretionary spending,” and all health authorities, school boards and Crown corporations will be reviewed “to improve service and lower costs.”

No cuts:

Discretionary spending does not include Olympic related activities. Civil Servants are encouraged to volunteer to work for VANOC (with frozen wages but still paid by the Government).

The British Columbia government has promised $3.5 million in grants to celebration communities, of which Port Alberni is one, and cities and towns along the Olympic Torch route. The city's size and plans for the relay will determine how much money it will receive. The maximum grant for which Port Alberni is eligible is $30,000. (more).

Grants awarded

Coldstream and Vernon have received $48,000 in Olympic torch relay community grants.

The money will go towards torch relay events leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver-Whistler.

“It is going to be a great time for celebration,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA.

Among the grants is $40,000 for a winter carnival with First Nations singers and dancers, ice sculptures and a celebration ice palace in Vernon Jan. 26.

There is also $8,000 for a community lunch, the Kalamalka Highlanders and a Kalamalka Secondary band concert in Coldstream Jan. 26.

Perhaps we should not complain as we are receiving some crumbs for specified purposes. However, it appears there are more deserving projects available for the $3.5 million. Just my opinion.

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