Last, week the fifth session of the 40th parliament began with the 2016 speech from the Throne, delivered by Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon.
The 2016 Speech from the Throne outlines our government’s vision to continue building a strong economy for B.C.
Thanks to our plan and the hard work and determination of British Columbians, our economy is Canada’s bright spot in a time of economic uncertainty.
Highlights from the speech from the Throne include: taking prudent steps to ease the pressures of the housing market by encouraging more supply, continuing to invest in patient care and shifting needs and further reduce red tape and make it easier for all British Columbians to access the government services that they depend on.
On Tuesday, Finance Minister Michael de Jong delivered B.C.’s fourth consecutive balanced budget. By controlling spending we can grow the economy and invest further in the vital services that British Columbians rely on. Our diverse, strong and growing economy is founded on fiscal discipline which has made B.C. a leader in prosperity and growth. As a result, we created over 50,000 jobs last year and we have the opportunity to eliminate the operating debt in just four years, paving the path toward a debt-free B.C.
Our government will continue to stand up for B.C., for British Columbians and for those communities and industries that not only built this province but sustain our prosperity. We believe in diversifying, growing and strengthening our communities.
We also recognize the importance of agriculture, of forestry, of mining, of small business — the hard-working men and women that get up every single day to make sure that we have the tremendous opportunities that each of us have the true privilege to experience. By keeping our focus on our B.C. jobs plan and growing sectors like agrifoods and natural resource development, we will create real opportunities for families here at home.
To read the speech from the Throne, visit, engage.gov.bc.ca/thronespeech/.
Coralee Oakes is the MLA for Cariboo North and Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.