B.C. throne speech says NDP will focus on immediate actions in COVID-19 battle

Province of BC
In a throne speech read in the legislature today by Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin, the NDP government is promising to focus on the economic recovery as quickly as possible.

Premier John Horgan says his government will immediately fight the spread of COVID-19 while also striving to meet its long-term goals on the province’s economic recovery, climate change and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

In a throne speech read in the legislature today by Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin, the government is promising to focus on the economic recovery as quickly as possible.

“When the pandemic hit our province last spring, we promised British Columbians we would be there for them, for as long as it takes to recover,” said Premier John Horgan. “That promise stands. We will continue to listen to public health officials, help those on the front lines, and support families and businesses.”

The speech says the government will strive to ensure that people work together on COVID-19 and mount a strong economic recovery.

A short two-week session of the legislature before Christmas is intended to make good on an NDP election promise to provide $1,000 to eligible families and $500 to individuals to help cope with the pandemic – something Horgan has stressed is a priority.

“It’s putting dollars into people’s pockets so that they can continue to get through the most challenging time that British Columbians have ever known,” Horgan said during the press conference last week.

During today’s throne speech, Horgan added that the government intends to “continue to do everything [they] can to keep people safe and healthy through this pandemic.”

The BC NDP also indicated that preparations are underway in regards to vaccine distribution to all British Columbians “as quickly and safely as possible, beginning with those most at risk.”

Earlier today, Raj Chouhan became the first person of South Asian heritage to serve as Speaker of the B.C. legislature as well.

The Speaker’s office says the former farm workers union leader and longtime member of the legislature is the first person of South Asian heritage to serve as a Speaker in Canada.

With files to Canadian Press.

Graham CoxGraham Cox

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