B.C. Liberals announce election platform
The B.C. Liberals released its election platform Tuesday, promising to restore confidence and to rebuild B.C.
Leader Andrew Wilkinson said they are offering a bold vision that helps people today, rescues struggling small businesses, protects and creates jobs, and invests in and protects the public services that people count on.
“British Columbians are deeply concerned about their future and we need strong, disciplined leadership to get us through this once-in-a-century challenge,” said Wilkinson, the party’s leader since February 2018. “British Columbia was once a place of incredible opportunity – the plan we are introducing today will help get us through this pandemic and back to a place where everyone feels they belong and where everyone has a chance to succeed and get ahead.”
The party said its recovery plan includes immediate relief and a plan for the future.
Highlights include a number of initiatives already announced during the campaign:
- elimination of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) for one year;
- an end to tent cities and more supports for people experiencing homelessness;
- help for seniors to stay at home longer and access to their own private room when they require long term care;
- real $10-a-day child care and more affordable, accessible child care for those who need it;
- an end to the ICBC monopoly so drivers have choice and more affordable auto insurance rates;
- infrastructure investments like a 10-lane George Massey Tunnel replacement bridge, a new Richmond Hospital acute care tower, and a new second Surrey hospital; and
- more police, prosecutors, and mental health workers to make streets and communities safer.
Wilkinson said the pandemic crisis requires all governments to take extraordinary measures.
“At a time of such uncertainty and worry, British Columbians need a leader with real-life experience, which I have – having practiced both law and medicine – versus a career politician and lobbyist like John Horgan,” Wilkinson said. “The B.C. Liberal plan is built on the fundamental optimism our team has in British Columbia’s future. Once we are through this crisis, the B.C. Liberals will ensure we get back to balanced budgets, consistent debt reduction, and strong, long-term fiscal management that guarantees a bright future for our kids and grandchildren.”
Click here to read the platform.