Peace Arch News – Land sales focus of pre-budget debate.
Finance Minister Mike de Jong rejected NDP criticism of his government’s sale of Crown land Thursday, and promised an update on the disposal of up to 100 properties when he presents his pre-election budget on Feb. 19.
De Jong’s comments came after NDP leader Adrian Dix and finance critic Bruce Ralston visited one of the few properties whose location is known, a large vacant lot in Surrey that was bought in 1998 as a possible future hospital site.
Ralston said the government has counted on raising $475 million in 2013 and more than $200 million the following year through asset sales, to help balance a 2013 budget after the current one ends in the red by $1.4 billion.