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CONSENT OF ERNST AND YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS Exhibit (j)(3)
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Financial
Highlights" in the Prospectus, on the front page of the Statement of
Additional Information and, "Auditors" and "Financial Statements" in the
Statement of Additional Information in the Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to
the Registration Statement (Form N-1A No. 33-49290), and to the incorporation
therein by reference of our report dated February 11, 2000 with respect to
the financial statements included in the Annual Report of the Galaxy VIP Fund
(comprising respectively, Money Market Fund, Equity Fund, Growth and Income
Fund, Small Company Growth Fund, Columbia Real Estate Equity Fund II, Asset
Allocation Fund, High Quality Bond Fund, and Columbia High Yield Fund II).
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
October 4, 2000