I’ve just read the announcement that “MLA Singh says new student bus service will help Queensborough residents get to school safely”. This sounds great!
Mr. Singh states the Queensborough kids work hard at school every day and that’s why he’s been working hard to deliver on his promise of a new bus service for secondary students.
Actually, during the 2020 Provincial election campaign Mr. Singh promised that “an NDP government would provide FREE, dedicated TransLink buses to take Queensborough students to and from NWSS”.
This election promise from three years ago did not mention a Pilot Project, a 2.5-year trial period, or an extra cost of $30 per student per month.
For the many students and families who have continuously written letters and emails, and for the community members who spoke to Mr. Singh or his colleagues at public events – this must sounds great, finally after 3 years something is being done.
Also stated in his release was a quote from a “former NWSS student – Jalen Bachra” who states that he raised this concern with Amun and is grateful he was listened to.
But if the announcement was honest and transparent, Jalen Bachra would have been introduced as a UBC Political Science student who is presently working for the NDP as a staffer for their Leader Jagmeet Singh.
For all those students and parents who have written letters, spoken to Mr. Singh at community events in Queensborough, gone to his office to speak with him – this is a slap in the face.
To advertise that one person asked, you listened and responded is so disingenuous. In the fall of 2021, I personally, as the chair of the SD40 DPAC at the time, wrote to Mr. Singh (after giving him a year in office) urging him to follow through on his promise. The response: excuses
As a virtual guest at the SD40 DPAC meeting on February 16, 2023 Mr. Singh stated “you have my solemn promise that we will continue to work on it” then went on to tell families again to write letters, tell DPAC to write to TransLink (obviously unaware Translink reps were at previous meetings, confirmed the Provincial Government promised funding for QB and their discussions concluded it was unclear if TransLink would be involved ).
It’s disappointing to have the MLA respond to parents to write letters when their past letters have been ignored. But worse is to find out that when the MLA finally, somewhat delivers on his promise, it’s because of an NDP staffer.
It seems fitting (and coincidental?) that one year from the next provincial election Mr. Singh is making yet another promise about transportation to the good people of Queensborough. It will be interesting to see if they are fooled again.
Special statement by Kathleen Carlsen, NWP Trustee Candidate