The BC Liberal government hailed Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon’s Feb. 11 Throne Speech as a clear vision for growing B.C.’s economy, while the Official Opposition NDP believed it held no basis in fact.

Guichon’s speech focused on controlling spending and job creation by opening new markets for investment and leveraging B.C.’s strengths from natural resources to technology.

“The way to create jobs is to grow our economy, elevating British Columbians from all walks of life. In this session we will continue to deliver on our plan for a strong economy and a secure tomorrow,” stated Premier Christy Clark.

“Governments in the Western world face a stark choice: finding new ways to grow their economies, or managing decline. British Columbians chose a strong economy, and we will deliver,” she added.

The Throne Speech, which is intended to provide a framework for how the government intends to proceed is just like the BC Liberals’ election promise; without any basis in fact, said Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.

“The continued claim that the BC Liberals will be presenting a balanced budget, similar to the claims that have been made for the last six years, are simply not accurate,” said Macdonald. “This government continues to rely on questionable practices to make the budget appear as if it is balanced.”

Shortsighted methods such as liquidating government assets and requiring BC Hydro to borrow money in order to pay dividends into the province’s general revenue are unsustainable, he continued.

“In the real world, where most British Columbians live, we’ve seen rising provincial debt, drastic increases in costs such as BC Hydro rates, as well as serious job losses. This Throne Speech does nothing to address these serious issues.”

The BC Liberals outlined in a press release that during the 40th Parliament session, the government would introduce the second consecutive balanced budget followed by an action on key priorities including:

* An overall framework for LNG that includes taxation, environmental actions, and First Nations benefits.

* A 10-year skills training action plan for youth and older workers who want to upgrade their skills.

* A 10-year transportation plan to prioritize projects in greatest need for investment.

* A plan for personalized education for students and a decade of labour peace.

* Legislation to modernize B.C.’s liquor policies.

* The Water Sustainability Act to protect water for future generations.

* A new strategy to grow B.C.’s tech sector.

* A long-term, comprehensive strategy to move toward a violence-free B.C.

Macdonald says it is all merely political gamesmanship.

Since the last sitting of the Legislature, B.C.’s debt has risen by $2.5 billion, climbing faster under Christy Clark than any premier in our province’s history. BC Hydro rates will rise 26% over the next five years. And B.C. lost another 8,500 private sector jobs last month, he pointed out in a press release.

“Instead of providing real leadership and providing solutions to the real problems that British Columbians face, this government is proving its only interest is in playing political games,” Macdonald concluded.

Access the Throne Speech here – be patient the download is slow

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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