KAMLOOPS – New Democrat leader John Horgan and finance spokesperson Carole James are in Kamloops this week asking British Columbians where they most need a break from fees, fares and rate hikes imposed by Christy Clark in her 2015 budget.

This morning they spent time with the Sharp family: Nathan and Tegan and boys Alexander and Jude.

“This young family tells us with every step forward they seem to be pulled back. They’re working and studying hard but with increases to fares, rates and fees on top of student loans, it’s hard to get ahead,” said Horgan.

“They told us they have not been able to take the boys camping because they can’t afford the time off work.”

“Hard working British Columbians deserve much better, and it starts with listening to them. That’s what we’re doing in Kamloops, and that’s what we’re going to do around the province.”

Horgan and James visited with Kamloops residents and businesses on Tuesday, including the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, the Kamloops Family Resources Society’s Family Tree drop-in program, hospital workers and seniors.

“People in Kamloops are telling us they just can’t seem to get ahead, and the extra fees and rate hikes are really taking a toll,” said James.  “B.C. families are working hard, but finding it more and more difficult to get ahead. I want to know where families most need help, and where their family budgets are facing the most pressure.”

Horgan and James will continue to travel the province, talking to British Columbians about the financial pressures they face under the Clark government fee hikes.