SOUND OFF: Standing up for B.C. means building a stronger economy — for all of us

Last week, I went to Ottawa and met with Prime Minister Carney and senior cabinet ministers to discuss the tens of billions of dollars in nation-building projects in B.C. that can power Canada through the economic head winds we are facing.

And earlier this week, I was in New York City where I met with investors, experts and decision-makers in clean energy and critical mineral sectors to showcase B.C.’s competitive advantages — we’re a clean-energy powerhouse, a stable and dependable project partner and have an abundance of natural resources.

We’re working to build faster than ever before. Building more homes, hospitals and schools. It means cutting costs for families, lower rent, cheaper car insurance and more child care. And it means growing the industries of the future — like clean energy, critical minerals, new technology and advanced manufacturing in forestry.

We’re already seeing results. As part of our efforts to turn more of our raw resources into finished products here at home, we’re supporting a new timber facility in Nelson that will create good-paying rural jobs. Across the province, we’re fast-tracking major job-creating projects in mining, energy and infrastructure. One of the largest critical minerals companies in the world will be headquartered in Vancouver and will be the largest private company to have its headquarters in B.C. And we’re forging new trade partnerships in Asia and beyond, including in South Korea, making B.C. Canada’s economic powerhouse.

The wealth generated by growing a stronger economy will help us continue strengthening the services people count on:

· New and improved hospitals in the Lower Mainland, the Fraser Valley and in smaller communities across the province.

· Classrooms for thousands of new students in growing communities like Surrey, Richmond, Langley and Kelowna.

· More than 41,000 new affordable childcare spaces have been delivered in the last 8 years, saving families up to $900 a month.

· Major projects to get people to work and back home to loved ones quickly are under construction — like the SkyTrain expansions from Surrey to Langley and out to UBC.

With so much on the line right now, we can’t afford to slow down. These aren’t just numbers on a page. They’re jobs for workers, relief for families and stronger communities for the future. These projects help families find care for their loved ones, good schools for their kids and homes they can afford.

The choice ahead is clear. We can move B.C. forward — building a fairer, stronger economy where everyone has a chance to succeed. Or we can go back to the failed policies of the past where services were cut, housing was used as profit for speculators, and ordinary people paid higher and higher prices.

I believe in a better path. A province that protects the things we hold dear as Canadians, like health care that’s there for you when you need it. That takes on global challenges with confidence, not fear. That delivers for the future — so our kids can build their lives right here at home.

The road ahead won’t be easy. But British Columbians have what it takes to succeed. Together, we can keep building a stronger B.C. — and a stronger Canada.

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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 Pattison Media.

by Premier David Eby

SOUND OFF: Standing up for B.C. means building a stronger economy — for all of us

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