The B.C. Liberal government is being called on by the NDP to confirm its current advertising budget.
Former NDP leader Carole James says the government needs to clear the air about where the money is coming from for their “pre-election ad blitz,” and where it’s being spent.
“On the one hand, you have a finance minister saying times are tough and we have to tighten our belts, and on the other hand, you have a premier saying it’s completely fine to spend untold millions of dollars on a pre-election ad campaign to boost the Liberal party brand.”
The Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA points out that since April, there have been “endless ads” aired during prime time on TV, radio, and the Internet, as well as in newspapers.
“These ads contain no useful information nor do they provide any public service. The current pre-election ads aired by the Liberal government have only one purpose, and that’s to gain popularity before an election.”
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett confirms the BC Jobs Plan advertising is being paid for by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training (MJTS).
MJTS Minister Pat Bell has indicated publicly the current ad campaign on TV and radio would be $15 million total, but two-thirds of it is being aired overseas to help lure investment.
However, James says the figure has become “increasingly difficult to believe" and the B.C. Liberals should show detailed documentation of all advertising spending of taxpayers dollars.
Meanwhile, Barnett says any message that government puts into advertising is information messaging. However, the local MLA adds she personally doesn't agree with advertising all issues.
“I think you have to really, seriously take a good look at the cost of advertising, and make sure you are getting the best messages out there. You have to get your message out, but I believe in discretionary spending on advertising.”
When times are tough, Barnett explains there are messages government must get out to people in the province, such as health warnings and important services available for residents.
Any advertising during pre-election times should be consistent with the rest of the year, she adds, unless there is an urgent message or an emergency notification, such as BSE and E. coli warnings.
“There are certain things that you have to get out there because they're in the best interest of the public.”
Barnett says her personal opinion is any message not a necessity for health and services messaging should not be paid for with taxpayers' money.
“A lot of advertising, in my opinion, you should pull back.”
She adds her own election advertising is entirely paid for by funds raised in her constituency.
James says the NDP party and its leader, Adrian Dix, believe public dollars are better spent on investments in education and skills training, to reduce inequality and to improve health care.