Premier John Horgan and Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon have officially laid out the NDP government’s main focuses during this afternoon’s throne speech at the BC Legislature Building.
Their main goal, according to the speech, is to ensure affordability for all British Columbians with regards to housing – including social housing, student housing, senior housing, Indigenous housing and affordable rentals for middle-income families – and childcare.
Housing and childcare highlights
As we have already seen with the $12 million affordable housing projects in Langford and Sooke, the NDP has begun negotiations with municipal governments across British Columbia for rental property building in an effort to reduce living costs for everyone.
Horgan also promises to reduce speculation in the province’s real estate industry by cracking down on tax fraud and money laundering in the market.
Moreover, the province will be rolling out a comprehensive child-care program to help families transition back into the workforce without having to worry about extravagant childcare costs.
“We know when we invest in child care, everyone benefits. Government has also announced today that we will make significant investments to make sure families have access to safe, quality and affordable child care,” said Premier Horgan.
The elephant in the room
One of the topics weighing on everyone’s minds is Alberta’s recent reaction to the BC government asking for another review of the risk of oil-spill from the pipeline.
Albert Premier Rachel Notley’s boycott of B.C. wine has done nothing to deter Horgan’s desire to ensure that British Columbia is prepared in case of a catastrophe with regards to the impending Kinder Morgan pipeline.
“When it comes to the transport of diluted bitumen, I believe that is a risk too great for British Columbians. We’re in court right now on the issue and will keep fighting,” stated Horgan.
“We want to talk to British Columbians about how we as the government of BC can best protect our pristine environment and economy. We’re well within our rights and jurisdiction to do that.”
