Provincial Government announces measures to address cost of living challenges in BC

Premier Horgan outlined some new measures in the province
to help assist British Columbians take on some of the financial
challenges they face owing to increased costs

Premier John Horgan took on the theme of inflation today as part of a BC Government presentation that outlined some new measures and modifications to current programs to offer some relief to British Columbians in challenging financial times.

“Everyone is feeling the squeeze of global inflation, which is driving up the cost of groceries, gas, and other goods and services. Our next support measures will help bring down costs for renters, put money back into people’s pockets and offer families a cushion during challenging times.” -- Premier John Horgan

Some of the measures include help towards rent by way of caps on increases,  assistance for sports programs, renaming a current provincial program for Children's Benefits and changes to the Climate Action Tax Credit program.

Among the measures introduced by Finance Minister Selina Robinson include:

click to enlarge

The full announcement with links to the programs noted above can be examined here.

The Finance Minister observed how the measures to be introduced will provide relief to those with lower incomes, who are most affected by cost increases.

“People with lower incomes and people raising children are the most affected by the cost increases we’re seeing around the world. These measures are our next steps in helping to support those who need it most.” -- Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance

The new Government measures were introduced at a sports field in the Premier's home riding of Langford, a fitting locale with the province adding to the resources for the KidSport initiative in British Columbia. 

Among the observations from the media on hand was the rather slow roll out of the ICBC relief cheques announced earlier this year, noting that British Columbians will need assistance on a quicker pace than that program provided for.

The full video of the financial assistance roll out along with Questions from the media can be reviewed below:

The funding announcements today, follow up on announcements last week for families with children in Schools.

Today's announcement from the Finance Minister and Premier also comes following last week's review of the province's finances and a shift in their financial forecast from earlier this year, which noted of a faster recovery for the BC economy.

That however was a topic that the province's Auditor General had a few things to say about.

More notes on the Legislature can be explored from our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.