Updated: Mon Sep. 22 2008 09:57:52

ctvbc.ca

In the fight against AIDS every step counts.

That was proven today at the 23rd annual AIDS Walk for Life, where thousands packed Vancouver's Stanley Park to show their support.

The event raised more than $420,000 for AIDS research.

But aside from fundraising and public awareness, today's event also had a political message. Many people involved voiced displeasure with what they say is a lack of proper response to HIV and AIDS from the Conservative government.

"We are truly ashamed by the lack of political leadership," says Dr. Julio Montaner from the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.

The renowned AIDS expert says the Conservatives have not only been unsupportive, but in many cases have undermined efforts to fight the disease.

"The community is in desperate need of support. We need the federal leadership to make this happen," says Montaner. "In the absence of that federal leadership, HIV is going to eat us alive. We need to do something and we need to do it now."

That message was echoed by opposition politicians who were quick to criticize the government.

"Their ignorance and political ideology that is now completely getting in the way of providing the very badly needed support to some of these local groups," says Vancouver East NDP candidate Libby Davies.

Vancouver-Centre Liberal candidate Hedy Fry says much-needed funding for HIV and Aids is being removed by the Conservatives and diverted into other areas.

"We had a national aids strategy federally when the Liberals were there," says Fry. "We had increased that the amount to $80 million a year."

However, the lone Conservative at the event did not agree.

"This is a longstanding problem," says Vancouver-Centre Tory candidate Lorne Mayencourt.

While he won't criticize the government for a lack of action, Mayencourt did promise he would do more to push the issue.

"I'm going to make sure that our party understands the issues of people with AIDS face and I'm going to make sure they get the funding that they need," he says.

But with more than 12,000 British Columbians living with AIDS and thousands more believed to have the virus but not know it, many at today's event say it's time to trade political promises for real action.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Stephen Smart