Close X
Monday, November 11, 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

Surrey RCMP needs help in suspect ID

Surrey RCMP needs help in suspect ID
Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit has been actively working to identify two males who are believed to be involved in this incident. Although a motive has not yet been identified, it appears to have been a targeted incident. At the time of the incident, suspect one was wearing a black t-shirt, beige pants and white shoes. He has visible tattoos on both arms.

Surrey RCMP needs help in suspect ID

Trudeau accuses Tories of turning their backs on Ukraine's needs, announces more aid

Trudeau accuses Tories of turning their backs on Ukraine's needs, announces more aid
In the House of Commons this week, Conservative MPs voted against a bill to implement a negotiated update to an existing trade deal between Canada and Ukraine, touching off a heated debate. Tory Leader Pierre Poilievre has insisted that they were rejecting the legislation because it promotes carbon pricing, which he said has been "devastating" for the Canadian economy, and not voting against the trade deal itself. 

Trudeau accuses Tories of turning their backs on Ukraine's needs, announces more aid

Some Home Decorators Collection artificial Christmas trees recalled over fire risk

Some Home Decorators Collection artificial Christmas trees recalled over fire risk
Home Depot is recalling some of its pre-lit artificial Christmas trees because they could pose a fire hazard. Health Canada says consumers should stop using the Home Decorators Collection 7.5 foot Grand Duchess Balsam Fir tree with 5000 Colour Changing Lights.

Some Home Decorators Collection artificial Christmas trees recalled over fire risk

Union says deal with Vancouver police would make officers highest paid in Canada

Union says deal with Vancouver police would make officers highest paid in Canada
The union representing Vancouver's police officers says it has reached a tentative labour agreement that, if passed, will see its members become Canada's highest-paid officers. Vancouver Police Union president Ralph Kaisers says negotiations with their employers began earlier this year, and the tentative collective agreement was reached on Oct. 31.  

Union says deal with Vancouver police would make officers highest paid in Canada

Canada's high court to rule if bankruptcy wipes out court-ordered fines in B.C. case

Canada's high court to rule if bankruptcy wipes out court-ordered fines in B.C. case
The Supreme Court of Canada has set a December date to hear an appeal from a British Columbia couple who argue their declaration of bankruptcy should wipe out millions of dollars in court-ordered fines owed to provincial securities authorities. The case of Thalbinder Singh Poonian and Shailu Poonian has been scheduled for Dec. 6 after Canada's highest court granted leave to appeal earlier this year.

Canada's high court to rule if bankruptcy wipes out court-ordered fines in B.C. case

City of Penticton lifts evacuation order for homes threatened by precarious rock

City of Penticton lifts evacuation order for homes threatened by precarious rock
Kristen Dixon, director of Penticton's Emergency Operations Centre, says the wall provides a "buffer" as crews work to secure the rock, which was discovered earlier this week with a large crack, leading to fears it would break off and damage nearby homes. The city says crews are set to begin stabilizing the rock, but the work could take several weeks to finish. 

City of Penticton lifts evacuation order for homes threatened by precarious rock