VICTORIA, B.C. – Today, $600 million in measures to counteract inflation was announced by Premier John Horgan and the Minister of Finance. Sonia Furstenau, leader of the BC Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley has issued the following statement:
“This package provides welcome relief to British Columbians. While people have been waiting for a response to the rising cost of living, I’m encouraged that the use of existing programs will get these funds to them soon.
“This is a good measure that will help people make ends meet in a time where it seems impossible. I am glad to see a rent cap targeted at addressing our housing crisis that is below inflation, the increase to the BC family benefit and an increase to the income threshold amount for the climate action tax credit, albeit as one-time changes.
“While these measures are good, they are short-term. For too long, our leaders have believed in one-off rebates that fail to address systemic challenges that British Columbians are facing and have failed to invest in our crumbling services. This package doesn’t help deliver an ambulance on time or find British Columbians a family doctor. We need a vision that targets long-term financial security, service delivery, and protection against corporate interests. I hope to see long term investments in programs like co-op housing, food security, community health centres, and BC-wide transit in the upcoming budget.
“We need to see long-term, stable strategic investments to build an economy that actually supports people’s health and wellbeing, and for people to feel hopeful about their futures here in BC.”
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Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | [email protected]