Michael J.P. Hall | Photo Credit: Michael J.P. Hall
Horgan said the plan involved an “unprecedented amount of resources between provincial budgets” and “historic times call for a historic response.”
Previously announced spending in the plan includes $300 million to train and hire around 7,000 frontline health-care workers and $45.6 million for the school restart.
An additional $660 million in tax rebates for small and medium businesses that hire new employees or invest in equipment was also announced, on top of the $1.5 billion in spending. Government estimates the tax breaks alone could support up to 80,000 jobs across the province.
More than half of the $1.5-billion recovery fund is earmarked for business and employment supports, with $416 million to go towards employment supports and jobs retraining and $404 million for business recovery efforts.
But the premier again dodged multiple questions about whether the package could be interpreted as an election platform, saying he had not yet made a decision on whether to go to the polls.
Source: Horgan Unveils Economic Recovery Plan, Dodges Election Questions | The Tyee
No Money For Climate Change
Dogwood BC is a Canadian non-profit public interest group based in Victoria, British Columbia. The organization works to increase the power of British Columbians over government decision-making.
Kai Nagata, Dogwood writer said, “Our politicians are drilling holes in the lifeboat, while we bail out the water. They’re shovelling your money into the gaping jaws of oil and gas, to pay for more fracking and pipelines. It has to stop.
“Yesterday’s green jobs announcement included $17 million for walking paths and bike lanes. $8 million toward energy efficiency in new buildings. $2 million for retrofits. Zero for renewable energy. The lack of ambition is stunning.
“That’s why it’s so crucial to kill fossil fuel subsidies in B.C. It’s not only the first step in reducing our emissions – it would free up a billion dollars a year for the war on climate change.”
For a man up for re-election who won hist last election on being a better environmental steward, there are a lot of people who have become dissatisfied with the little accomplished. Especially so when they see billions of dollars going out the door to support fossil fuels.
There is more information available on the discussion forum here.