VANCOUVER – Today’s Supreme Court decision to award $600,000 in damages to a Cambie Street merchant for business loss during the Canada Line construction is a direct consequence of Gordon Campbell’s broken promises, say Maurine Karagianisthe New Democrats.

“This is the price of Gordon Campbell’s arrogance,” said New Democrat transportation critic Maurine Karagianis . “He broke his promise to Cambie street merchants, he refused to negotiate with them, and now all B.C. taxpayers are paying the price.”

Earlier today Justice Ian Pitfield awarded $600,000 to Susan Heyes, the owner of Hazel & Co. Jagrup Brarmaternity wear.  She sued the province, TransLink and InTransitBC for compensation for loss of business caused by construction of the Canada Line.

“The Campbell government originally promised to minimize business disruption by using a bored tunnel. They broke that promise and used a ‘cut and cover’ model that disrupted businesses, traffic and neighbouring households for months on end,” said small business critic Jagrup Brar .

“Campbell’s arrogance has come at a very high price for British Columbians,” he said.