Davies says NDP government budget provides no hope

FORT ST. JOHN B.C. — Peace River North MLA Dan Davies says no hope was provided after reading the NDP budget and hearing the throne speech. 

The MLA called the budget “reckless” and showed no indication of the deficit decreasing. 

“If it was mapping out what the future looks like, we’re all lost. The throne speech is providing no hope for British Columbians,” said Davies. 

British Columbia Finance Minister Katrine Conroy said more services would be needed to help people. 

“Some say we should respond to global challenges by cutting services and leaving people to fend for themselves, but we know we are stronger when we work together,” said Conroy. 

According to a B.C. government news release, the 2024 budget addresses significant challenges by helping with everyday costs, strengthening health care, and building a more robust and cleaner economy. 

According to Davies, when the NDP took power, the debt was $50 billion since the province’s founding, and in the seven years that they have been in power, the debt has almost doubled.

Conroy says the budget she tabled on Thursday will protect services and won’t raise taxes for ordinary residents but will also raise the deficit. 

“To help people through the impacts of global inflation, a BC family benefit bonus will mean more money for more families,” said Conroy

“More than 340,000 families will receive a 25 per centbonus with their monthly family benefit in 2024.”

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon also spoke on the high deficit in a press release.

“Budget 2024 racks up the largest deficit in B.C. history to maintain a status quo that is simply not working for people across this province,” said Falcon.

According to Davies, “everything has gotten worse under the NDP government,” including health care, cost of living, and taxation.

Conroy says the budget will provide immediate support while making significant investments to secure a brighter future for people and their families. 

According to Davies, the biggest solutions to the province’s problems would include cutting gas and carbon taxes and regulations to let businesses function. 

“We got to start cutting that red tape, start letting business work again, supporting our businesses. Small businesses are struggling right now.”

Davies also emphasized the need to help the resources and private sectors in B.C. by making the province a friendly investment jurisdiction.

“We need to be supporting our resource sectors because right now, we’re in permanent paralysis in this province,” said Davies

Conroy says the Throne Speech has noted the B.C. government’s actions well. 

“Even in the face of a slower global economy and high-interest rates, the speech pointed to positive signals that the B.C. government’s actions are working, 74,000 mostly private-sector jobs created last year,” said Conroy.  

The 2024 budget material can be found on the BC government’s website. 

With files from the Canadian Press