MLA Says Throne Speech Lacks Economic Focus

No big surprises from BC’s new NDP government in its first throne speech in 16 years.

John Horgan’s minority government promised to make life more affordable, and stuck to many of its campaign platforms.

Vernon Monashee Liberal MLA Eric Foster wasn’t impressed.

“The thing that stands out more than anything is what’s not there. And what’s not there is any discussion about business, small business, resources, resource development. There was not a mention of that.”

Foster also believes the NDP government is backing-off one of its key election promises.

“The $10 daycare wasn’t mentioned. They talked about a lack of daycare spaces and how they are going to move forward creating new spaces, which is what we’ve been doing over the last number of years, and planned to do a lot more of,” Foster tells Kiss FM.

Foster also says the NDP’s plan for a 15 dollar minimum wage has evolved into a fair wage commission that will look into how and when they get to that level.

Premier John Horgan says their focus will be on making life better for people to help families get ahead.

“We’re looking at a new way of doing politics that puts people first,” says Horgan. “To deliver for people, you have to listen to people – and make decisions where everyone benefits.

The speech read by Lieutenant-Governor Judith Guichon also pledged to ban corporate and union donations to political parties.

It also said the government will protect renters from huge increases and will offer yearly bus passes to those with disabilities.