Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. New Democrat government delivers throne speech, budget on way in election year

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Feb, 2024 11:07 AM
  • B.C. New Democrat government delivers throne speech, budget on way in election year

The political agenda for British Columbia Premier David Eby's NDP government heading into an election this fall will take shape today with the delivery of a throne speech starting the spring legislative session.

The speech outlining the government's goals this year comes just ahead of the provincial budget on Thursday and the election this fall.

Recent forecasts from the Ministry of Finance and private financial experts suggest the province will experience slow economic growth this year.

Eby has said he expects the government to table about 20 pieces of new legislation and a budget that looks to help families facing the high cost of living.

The government passed legislation last fall to restrict short-term rentals and build more housing around public transit areas and the housing file is expected to be a major focus again this spring. 

Opposition BC United Leader Kevin Falcon promised last week that if elected he would introduce housing initiatives to help first-time homebuyers raise down payments and would eliminate the property transfer tax for buyers of homes under $1 million.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Two more Canadians leave Gaza Strip, Freeland sidesteps Netanyahu rebuke of Trudeau

Two more Canadians leave Gaza Strip, Freeland sidesteps Netanyahu rebuke of Trudeau
Israel began its latest war against Hamas, which Canada has listed as a terrorist entity since 2002, after its militants killed 1,200 people in Israel on Oct. 7. That included hundreds of civilians in their homes, in collective farming communities known as kibbutzim and at an outdoor music festival. Another 240 people were taken hostage.

Two more Canadians leave Gaza Strip, Freeland sidesteps Netanyahu rebuke of Trudeau

Trudeau arrives in Golden State for APEC summit in San Francisco

Trudeau arrives in Golden State for APEC summit in San Francisco
The government's newly acquired Airbus CC-330 taxied to a stop at San Francisco International Airport, where Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the U.S., led a coterie of emissaries who greeted the prime minister as he disembarked. 

Trudeau arrives in Golden State for APEC summit in San Francisco

Christmas tree sellers warn of widespread shortage of evergreens in Lower Mainland

Christmas tree sellers warn of widespread shortage of evergreens in Lower Mainland
Christmas tree sellers in the Lower Mainland are warning of a widespread shortage of evergreens, partially due to the ongoing climate crisis, hotter summers and longer droughts. Ben Degroot, the operations manager at Evergrow Christmas Trees, says at the moment, they have a healthy supply of trees, but he's expecting to sell out before December.

Christmas tree sellers warn of widespread shortage of evergreens in Lower Mainland

Break in at a Kelowna home

Break in at a Kelowna home
Kelowna R-C-M-P are praising two members of their canine unit in the arrest of a break-and-enter suspect with outstanding warrants from Mission, Abbotsford and Ridge Meadows. Police were called to a home early this morning for a report of a break-and-enter in progress.

Break in at a Kelowna home

YVR gets a 3.5M dollar investment

YVR gets a 3.5M dollar investment
The Vancouver International Airport says a 3.5-million-dollar investment by the federal and provincial governments will go towards improving the main terminal's building performance and to reduce its overall emissions.

YVR gets a 3.5M dollar investment

Rise in grandparents scam in Abbotsford

Rise in grandparents scam in Abbotsford
Police in Abbotsford are warning the public of a rise in the so-called "grandparents scam." Authorities say fraudsters posing as lawyers are calling seniors, suggesting a family member is either in jail and needs bail money, or has been in an accident and needs to pay for damages.  

Rise in grandparents scam in Abbotsford