The province needs to ensure it doesn’t take a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to economic recovery, according to Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Bob D’Eith.
D’Eith, along with B.C. finance minister Carole James and North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Bowinn Ma, took part in a virtual town hall Thursday to discuss British Columbians’ suggestions, and answer their questions, about the province’s economic recovery plan as B.C. moves into Phase 3 of reopening.
The province previously earmarked $1.5 billion for that recovery.
“Helping people also means helping businesses stay alive,” said D’Eith, who is also chair of the standing committee on finance and government services.
“Think about in the creative industries, keeping venues alive, for example. If you ask any artists, if they don’t have a venue to play at, they don’t have a career.
“So, we have to find that balance, and that’s the essence of why we’re going out to the whole province to see what we need to do with this $1.5 billion…it’s very complex and we need to make sure that we don’t have this sort of one size fits all (approach).”
James said it's important the province hears what issues and values are most important to British Columbians when it comes to the recovery plan.
“Does (the plan) include climate action, does it include reconciliation for Indigenous people in our province? Does it address equity, (and) will it address those groups and organizations that are being hardest hit?” said James.
Some of those topics, along with paid sick leave, childcare, funding for youth education, homelessness and rental housing, were raised by British Columbians during Thursday’s town hall.
On Wednesday, Premier John Horgan announced the province would be moving into Phase 3 of reopening, meaning that British Columbians can now travel around the province, and B.C. can also welcome visitors from other parts of Canada.
James said she’s seen the impacts on the lack of tourism in Victoria, where she serves as an MLA.
“I see where the tourists aren’t right now, and I see the impact on our city. It’s going to be a very tough one, because it’s going to be awhile before we see international travel pick up again,” she said.
“My encouragement to everyone is to make sure that you’re looking at the opportunities to vacation in British Columbia, take advantage of this time to be able to encourage your family and others to travel local…utilize those tourism opportunities that perhaps you haven’t taken because you headed outside our province in previous years.”
The province’s economic recovery survey is available online until July 21, and James encouraged British Columbians to submit their feedback. The survey asks questions on how residents have been impacted by COVID-19, and to share their ideas for how to move forward as B.C. continues to reopen.
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