The B.C. government is taking a beating over retroactive funding cuts it has ordered for both provincial school districts and the arts community.
The New Democrats point out the government has cut school districts' facilities fees for items such as repairs, installing playgrounds and making schools more energy efficient.
During question period in the legislature, New Democrat MLAs repeatedly asked government ministers how funding can be cut for work that's already been done, arts events that have been held, or contracts that have been signed.
Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid says no student will be left out in the cold because of the cuts, saying projects concerning school health and safety will be funded.
New Democrat Leader Carole James asked for an apology from Finance Minister Colin Hansen to arts groups, seniors, students and small businesses for betraying their trust with retroactive funding cuts.
Hansen didn't apologize and instead said Tuesday's budget will recognize that B.C. is going through a challenging economic time, but the budget will protect essential services.
