B.C. Premier John Horgan addressed the province on Wednesday in order to provide an update on the landscape of COVID-19, including some insight into passing the supply bill for financial relief.
During a live press conference, Horgan said that the Legislative Assembly is going to be meeting for the first time next week with a priority on passing the bill surrounding COVID-19 relief.
Along with a small throne speech, Horgan the meeting is intended to pass a couple of pieces of legislation, in particular, COVID-19 financial relief.
“The priority is getting the supply bill passed so that we can flow dollars to families and to individuals,” Horgan said during the press conference.
The supply bill would equate to a one-time recovery benefit of $1000 for families and $500 for individuals – something Horgan and the BC NDP promised during the most recent election campaign.
With a priority being emphasized on the recovery payment, Horgan believes there is a chance that British Columbians receive cheques in the mail prior to Christmas.
“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.
“This is going to be means-tested, this is going to be low-income families and individuals who will get access to resources that they wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Horgan’s hope is that the supply will provide people opportunities to participate more in the economy, stimulating activity.
In addition to the economic activity that the NDP hope will be sparked by the supply bill, Horgan says the money will also provide some security for anyone who might have to miss work due to feeling sick.
During the press conference, Horgan also continued to emphasize that gatherings need to be kept to “an absolute minimum” for the upcoming Christmas and Hannukkah celebrations.
“This is a critical dangerous time for British Columbia with respect to COVID-19,” says Horgan.”It is absolutely essential that we reduce our interactions with people who are not in our bubble.”
He continued to discourage people from non-essential travel as well.
As far as the current COVID-19 restrictions go, Horgan noted that a decision on whether or not to extend them will be made by Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix next Monday.
Monday, Dec. 7, is when the current COVID-19 restrictions – including the mandate on masks – were originally slated to end.
“Dr. Henry will assess the data, she’ll do her analysis, she’ll brief the government and decisions will be made at that time,” Horgan said.
“I don’t expect any significant changes between now and Monday.”
B.C. is coming off a weekend that saw 46 additional deaths from the coronavirus.
Graham Cox
