While it was exciting to finally return to the Legislature this week, the throne speech was quite frankly a letdown.
The NDP-written speech from the throne was delivered by the new lieutenant governor, Wendy Cocchia, as per tradition. The speech made mentions of the government’s “progress” and “success” – but how can the government be claiming success at this time?
Over 700,000 British Columbians are without a family doctor, and emergency room wait times continue to be unacceptably long.
Here in Cariboo-Chilcotin, the Atlantic Power biomass plant – which employs 130 locals and powers 50,000 homes with clean electricity – is at risk of imminent closure.
Young people and seniors are struggling to keep up with the costs of housing and bills.
Though claiming in the throne speech that keeping costs low for families is a top priority, last week the government scrapped the $1,000 grocery rebate they promised during the election.
I have heard from so many seniors in our community that they were counting on those funds to help them make ends meet.
The speech also touched on permitting, a serious and significant topic that affects businesses and individual residents alike. Many individuals are simply trying to acquire permits for their own home and cabin-building projects. The idea of speeding up permitting approval processes could really solve outstanding backlog issues in the province. That is if the government can finally achieve this once and for all. Given the lack of improvement over the years, I am left sceptical.
This throne speech in so many ways fell short of addressing the daily challenges and experiences of British Columbians.
The budget speech is set to take place on March 4, and I am hoping that health care, forestry, and affordability, among many other issues, are transparently addressed.
I look forward to this first session of the 43rd Parliament. It is an honour to represent the constituents of Cariboo-Chilcotin in the B.C. Legislature.
