SURREY- BC NDP Premier David Eby broke ground on a second Surrey Hospital today, a project that BCU Party Leader Kevin Falcon said was “surplus” as he sold off the property that was designated for it.

In 2012 as Minister of Finance, Falcon used his budget speech to announce the sale of the hospital land, claiming a second hospital wouldn’t be necessary after renovations to Surrey Memorial.

“With the almost $600-million expansion of Surrey Memorial Hospital now underway at its current location, the land is surplus. So, rather than letting it sit there costing taxpayers money, we intend to sell it and let the private sector use it.” Video of Falcon’s comments is available here.

“Only Kevin Falcon thought Surrey wouldn’t need another hospital as we grew rapidly,” said BC NDP MLA Mike Starchuk. “His choice to cancel the hospital has directly contributed to the healthcare challenges in Surrey today.”

Unlike Falcon, David Eby and the BC NDP have chosen to build both a new Surrey Hospital and a much-needed expansion at Surrey Memorial.

“We don’t believe the people of Surrey should have to choose between a new hospital and expanding Surrey Memorial,” said Starchuk. “Our community deserves both, and David Eby and our team are committed to getting it done.”