David Eby's first throne speech delivered without him
Homes for the middle class and investments in health-care were among the priorities the B.C. government outlined Monday in the first throne speech with David Eby as premier – delivered without him in attendance.
The sounds and sights in Victoria were, for the most part, typical for a throne speech. But instead of the premier, his deputy greeted Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin ahead of the highly anticipated speech.
Observers were watching to see if Eby would veer off the course set by his predecessor John Horgan. The government priorities stuck very closely to those set out by Eby in his 100-day plan, including health care, housing affordability, community safety, climate change and economic growth.
Unlike many throne speeches of the past, this one offered some hints of what's ahead. Some initiatives include:
- Help for lower income people and parents
- New laws to go after gangs, money launderers and those who share intimate photos without consent
- An action team targeting repeat violent offenders
- Job training for a green economy
- Faster action on health care
Austin read the government's blueprint, as per tradition, but without the premier in the house.
ECONOMIC HEADWINDS
After noting the many challenges facing British Columbians, including inflation, health care woes and a toxic drug crisis, Austin said the government is choosing to continue to invest in services, despite warnings of a global economic slowdown.
In the speech, the government said child care savings delivered for kids under six will be extended to parents with school-aged children. Details of the program and others are expected in the spring budget, due later this month.
Speaking in place of the premier, government house leader and Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon wouldn't say if the next budget would be balanced or in deficit. He told reporters he'd leave the details to the finance minister.
“British Columbians have been clear to us that it's vitally important for us to find ways to support them in their needs now," Kahlon said.
The government will deliver its next budget at the end of February, and is already warning this year's surplus likely won't be repeated.
HEALTH CARE
Eby and other premiers are in Ottawa to meet with the prime minister and get more money for health care.
The throne speech outlined several measures already underway to alleviate strain on the system, including faster credentialing for health care workers educated outside Canada, as well as a new payment model for family doctors.
The speech also promised the recruitment of new health-care workers to "fight cancer with new investments to enhance access to screening and early detection, diagnostic imaging, and treatments," said Austin.
Many of the other measures have already been announced, or are underway, including a new medical school, new hospitals, and a new agreement with family doctors to keep them in the field.
HOUSING
The province will also outline a new housing strategy this fall. Kahlon told reporters it would build on what he insisted were successes on the housing file.
"We have launched a one-stop shop for expediting permit times for projects that meet a certain criteria," Kahlon added.
The throne speech also promises to help middle-income earners with affordable housing.
Yet opposition leader Kevin Falcon pointed out the NDP is falling short on another housing promise: building affordable homes.
"Now they're saying the solution to middle class housing is government? Give me a break - this is a government who promised 114,000 units," said Falcon. "We have less than 16,000 built."
Echoing the Liberals' critique, the Greens said the NDP hasn't delivered a plan to measure whether its policies are working.
In a statement, leader Sonia Furstenau writing in part, “It’s not about measuring construction starts, but how many fewer people are homeless or precariously housed. It’s not about how much money it has invested in healthcare, but how many more people are attached to a family doctor."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.