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John Horgan promises no bridge tolls and better jobs at NDP campaign kickoff

The NDP leader attacked the BC Liberals on education, jobs and their handling of Crown corporations
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NDP leader John Horgan kicks off his party’s campaign in Surrey on Sunday. (Katya Slepian/Black Press)

Lower costs but better jobs and services – that was NDP leader John Horgan’s motto as he kicked off his party’s provincial election campaign in Surrey on Sunday.

“Three simple commitments: lower costs, better services and good jobs for the future,” Horgan told a packed banquet hall.

It’s still two days before the election writ is officially dropped but Horgan didn’t waste any time attacking the BC Liberals track record on education, the environment and healthcare.

READ: B.C. teacher approve deal with province, end 15-year-long bargaining battle

“Nine out of 10 seniors care facility in British Columbia do not have the resources they need,” Horgan said.

He took aim at the province’s healthcare system.

“Here we’ve got hallway medicine emerging,” said Horgan, citing the story of a senior who laid on a bed in the Eagle Ridge Hospital hallway for 36 hours.

READ: Surrey patient ‘shocked’ after being stuck in hospital hallway for days

Horgan also took on Premier Christy Clark’s recent promise that the Liberals would cap bridge tolls at $500 per year.

“We’re going to eliminate them. Zero dollars a year,” said Horgan.

WATCH: Mayors’ Council piles on the pressure for B.C. to ‘cure congestion’

“We’re going to work with the Mayors’ Council,” said Horgan. “The Massey Tunnel replacement project is not supported by the local mayors.”

When challenged on how the NDP would pay for any expansion at the Delta-Richmond crossing, Horgan said it would be paid for like any other capital project.

“You amortize that over a longer period of time.”