B.C. Premier John Horgan

Image Credit: FLICKR/B.C. NDP

OPINION

As kids went back to school this week, the B.C. government received some report cards of our own.

First quarter results showed that our government is balancing the budget while delivering on our commitments to make life better for you and your family.

B.C. is seeing stable economic growth and an improved bottom line. We also continue to lead Canada in wage growth. For the first time, B.C. has had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada for 12 consecutive months. Higher wages, combined with gains in full-time jobs, mean our economy is working better, for more people.

The last government left a fiscal mess behind that we’re working hard to clean up. From the housing crisis to ICBC to money laundering, to irresponsibly pushing costs onto future generations of BC Hydro ratepayers. They also cut services while recklessly choosing to rely on a speculative real estate market to boost their books, leaving people without affordable homes and businesses without workers.

Our government is making different choices to make life better for everyone in B.C., not just the few at the top. That means building a strong, sustainable economy that creates good jobs and more opportunities for more people, in every part of the province.

The housing crisis is bad for the economy. It hurts people – families, students, seniors – and it has hurt businesses that can’t attract and retain workers. We’re working to rein in the housing crisis and the market is finally beginning to moderate. We’re also making the largest investment in affordable housing in B.C.’s history, by establishing partnerships and investing more than $7 billion over 10 years, which will include building 114,000 homes for people.

Talent and ingenuity are bubbling up in every corner of this province. But for too long, services declined while costs for families rose and people struggled to afford housing and childcare.

Our government is helping by investing in people. That means affordable housing, good schools for our kids, quality health care you can count on, affordable childcare and better infrastructure and roads to keep the province moving. And we’re working to make sure more people have more opportunities to find good jobs, and build better lives in their communities.

The problems facing B.C. didn’t appear overnight, and they won’t be fixed overnight. We’re going to keep working to fix problems, and support stable economic growth that works for people.

I’m excited for the bright future ahead – with opportunities for people, and success stories that every British Columbian can be part of, and be proud of.

— John Horgan is the Premier of British Columbia and leader of the B.C. NDP party

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