Image Credit: (Flickr / Government of BC)

By Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Action is needed on recovery, not more delay

Jun 23, 2020 | 11:18 AM

LAST WEEK, John Horgan and the NDP unveiled the next steps of their recovery plan for the province and unfortunately even after having three months to understand, consult and create a framework that outlines new supports for the hundreds of thousands of British Columbians adversely affected by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19, it contained few decisive steps.

Now is the time for action and giving British Columbians the support they need.

People are very worried.

Thousands are out of work, hundreds of businesses face the real threat of permanent closure and bankruptcy, and any delay on action does not provide them with the help they need right now.

I personally have spoken to hundreds of constituents who are all facing real challenges.

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So have all of my colleagues.

We have collectively hosted dozens of virtual town halls on topics like tourism, small business, Independent Learning School funding cuts and more and these have connected us to thousands of people.

That is a considerable amount of feedback to better understand the needs of British Columbians.

From this we have been funnelling what we have heard from our constituents into common-sense policy ideas that we have sent to the premier and his ministers to take action on.

Over the past four months we have sent 12 letters (See here) with more than 40 suggestions and ideas that could be implemented by the NDP.

We’ve been listening to British Columbians and turning that feedback into easy solutions that can help people now.

Meanwhile, the government seems to be procrastinating on its recovery response and long-term planning.

We know the problems facing British Columbians and we understand what the solutions are, so why the delay in action?

Correspondence and feedback are a part of being in government, but where is the support for struggling businesses? Where is the PPE support? Where is the plan for the 130,000-plus tourism sector employees who are concerned about their operations not existing next year?

Now let me be clear about this. This is not a criticism of the public health response. Dr. Bonnie Henry and staff at the Ministry of Health have done a great job leading the health response of the province.

You can see that in our low infection numbers comparable to other parts of the country.

This is about the economic recovery of British Columbia and trusting that this government will heed the advice that we have put forward.

This is about recovery and it is time that this government takes our common sense suggestions into account and stops delaying action, British Columbians need it now.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.