What to Expect
Discussion this week will centre around yesterday’s Speech from the Throne, Premier Eby’s first. The Throne Speech, delivered by Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin, set out Eby’s ambitious agenda addressing a number of complex housing, health, affordability, safety, and climate issues they will be focused on for the session, and likely for the remainder of government’s time in majority (the next election is due in the fall of 2024). The Speech also outlined the government’s new skills training action plan, “Future Ready.” Additionally, the speech noted the Government’s intention to uphold ESG priorities and support clean energy initiatives. The Throne Speech also paid special attention to the continued work that has been done recently to affirm and strengthen long-term relationships to uphold Reconciliation efforts and Indigenous land rights. Labour and employment standards policies and regulatory efficiency initiatives are expected.
The government is expected to spend much of the 2022/23 contingency of $5.7 billion prior to year-end rather than reduce the debt as is required under legislation for year-end surpluses. This unbudgeted surplus was largely realized this year through high commodity prices, real estate, and federal transfers.
The Week That Was
With a joint investment of $5.2 million from B.C. and Pacific Economic Development Canada, Foresight Canada is creating the new B.C. Net Zero Innovation Network (BCNZIN) in the effort of supporting clean-tech, incentivizing investment, and future growth.
The longitudinal family physician (LFP) payment model is a new approach that will ensure continued and increased access to primary care by further supporting physicians which came into effect February 1.
Orders in Council
OIC 53/2023 – Appoints Kate Christina Brooke Van Meer-Mass as the new Executive Director within the Office of the Premier.
