I read with interest the recent stories in The NEWS about the on-again-off-again funding for local literacy programs by the B.C. Liberals.
As a longtime supporter and volunteer with the Words on Wheels program in Oceanside, I was alarmed by the news from community literacy coordinator Deborah Davenport that programs which are important to so many local families would be closed down by the government.
It was a relief, a few days later, to read that somehow the necessary funds had been miraculously found to continue for at least another year.
The lack of certainty that community service organizations like Building Learning Together must deal with must certainly undermine their ability to plan efficiently and deliver quality support.
The impression is also given that the government is disorganized and confused about its priorities and without long-term vision about the practical steps that are necessary to properly support families in our community.
Governments need to provide consistent support for programs like Words on Wheels so that they may help others.
Barry Avis
NDP candidate
Qualicum Beach