If you were expecting more money for BC Ferries, a boost in the minimum wage or an increase in social assistance in today’s provincial budget, you’ll be disappointed.
Despite a surplus of nearly twice the original predictions, finance minister Mike de Jong says he wants to be “prudent” about spending.
De Jong’s budget posts a surplus of $879 million for 2014-15.
In explaining why, de Jong turned to the world of sports comparing the budget to Team Canada’s gold medal performance at the World Juniors.
As expected, child support payments will be fully exempt from income assistance calculations, starting in September. Parksville-Qualicum Liberal MLA Michelle Stilwell, the new Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation, says that’s an important step.
Nicholas Simons, the NDP MLA for Powell River Sunshine Coast says that’s something they really pushed for.
Health care spending will increase almost $3 billion over three years. The government is also sticking with its plan to increase MSP premiums; they’ll go up 4 per cent.
And the NDP’s Carole James says that’s one of the problems with this budget:
The BC Nurses Union, meanwhile, says the province is ignoring a critical need to invest in seniors’ care, upgrade health facilities, and deal with hospital overcrowding.
Education will get $564 million more, including a 33 per cent increase to the Learning Improvement Fund that was part of the recent deal with teachers.
De Jong is also promising $1.6 billion in infrastructure money for schools, including the Wellington Secondary project in Nanaimo.
Another budget promise that will be welcomed locally is a pledge of $5 million towards the replacement or renovation of SPCAÂ facilities. The BC SPCA confirms Nanaimo is one of the places that will benefit.
