The Premier delivers the Speech from the Throne, outlining the government's plan to address challenges and secure a brighter future for British Columbians. The speech acknowledges the loss of notable figures from various fields and emphasizes the resilience and strength of the province's people.
Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, Elders, Chiefs, veterans, uniformed service members, leaders and distinguished guests.
A plan to make sure people here can thrive, no matter what the world throws at us. And to secure a brighter future for everyone who calls this beautiful place home. I am honoured to be carrying on what has become a tradition in this place, by remembering some of the remarkable lives we have lost over the past year. We remember Hereditary Chief Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla of Kwakiutl First Nation. Known as Bill Wilson, he was a fearless advocate for First Nations rights and freedoms.
From the world of sports, we honour the memory of curling’s Tim Horrigan, baseball’s Kaye Kaminishi, sprinters Peter Ogilvie and Joyce Yakubowich, and Gerry James, who played both hockey and football. We mourn—and reflect on—the loss of so many British Columbians from toxic drugs. And we mourn those who lost their lives on the job.
During its first four weeks, the new United States presidential administration has taken our country on a roller-coaster ride. The historic bond between Canada and the United States has been strained in profound ways.No matter what the future has in store, one thing has been made clear: Or leave people here to fend for themselves. But there is nowhere better positioned to weather the storm and come out the other side stronger than right here in British Columbia.
Today, we are called on to summon that strength and character one more time. To summon the courage to do things differently, to chart our own course. Including reviewing programs and spending to ensure they address today’s challenges. Difficult times, such as this, call for action that is both thoughtful and tough. British Columbia’s strategy has three components: responding firmly and forcefully if required.
Working together to grow a stronger, more self-sufficient economy here at home is our top priority. This will generate between $5 billion and $6 billion in private capital spending throughout the province, creating 2,000 jobs annually during construction. A stable supply of clean and affordable electricity is essential to power economic growth, while protecting our land and water for our children.This session, legislation will be introduced to allow the BC Energy Regulator to act as the “one window” for permits necessary to support the North Coast Transmission Line. The BC Energy Regulator has shown success at getting projects moving quickly, while maintaining strong standards.
Beyond natural resources and our strength in new technologies, our province is home to one of the busiest film and TV production centres in North America. Discussions are also underway with Alberta for greater co-operation and alignment on a range of issues. We are better when we work together and focus on areas of shared concern for both countries, including border security and toxic drugs, such as fentanyl. Just like Americans, our hearts are filled with rage at the predators who move precursor chemicals and lethal drugs into our country.
This is not a fight we started. This is not a fight we want. But we won’t ever roll over or let our guard down. Through turbulent times that included a pandemic, B.C.’s economy has performed well. But a strong economy is not just about GDP numbers or quarterly reports. It’s about generating the wealth necessary to make us all better off.In short, it’s about delivering in tangible ways on the challenges people worry about at their kitchen table. When we make childcare more affordable and available, we help expand the labour market by ensuring more parents can enter or re-enter the workforce.
And it’s starting to make a difference right now. Rents are finally going down, more new rentals than ever are being built, and construction is going strong. When we expand skills training, we help people get ahead and businesses attract the talent they need to thrive. Keeping everyday costs low for working families will continue to be a top priority – from locking in savings on car insurance to putting money back into people’s pockets.
Communities are growing, people are getting older and sicker, and many doctors and nurses are retiring.
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