VICTORIA – Budget 2022 reflects the choices our government is making to build a stronger B.C. and make life better for people by investing in our province’s economic, environmental and social strengths.
But don’t take our word for it. Read what leaders across the province have to say about our new budget:
“These investments in training and infrastructure will have a direct impact on the thousands of construction workers who have dedicated their careers to building our province.” – Brynn Bourke, Executive Director of the BC Building Trades, February 22, 2022
“The new climate action program expands considerably upon the previous CARIP program. The commitments to improve operations at EMBC and the River Forecast Centre, boost emergency preparedness and to support recovery in flood damaged communities are substantive. I am also heartened to see renewed investment in wrap around support services for the most vulnerable members of our communities. This budget demonstrates that the province has been listening to BC local governments.” – Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, City of Quesnel Councillor and President of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, February 22, 2022
“It’s good to see strong leadership on training. These investments will help ensure our economy provides a well-trained workforce ready for rewarding careers in good, community-supporting jobs.” – Sussanne Skidmore, Secretary-Treasurer of BC Federation of Labour, February 22, 2022
“We are pleased to see the Province invest $164 million in complex care housing and supports, with the promise of 20 new sites across British Columbia. This funding signals the Province’s commitment to supporting our most vulnerable. We look forward to hearing more details emerge about where those sites will be, how much will go towards each site, and most importantly, how quickly those sites will be operational. We know the need is great across our communities and the dollars committed today is another step forward ” – Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, Co-Chair of BCUMC, February 22, 2022
“Four of the top five fastest growing Canadian metropolitan municipalities are in B.C. and this accelerated growth is accompanied by a housing affordability and supply crisis. The Province’s budget made clear commitments to further build and incentivize affordable housing including through the Building BC’s Community Housing Fund.” – Lisa Helps, Victoria Mayor and Co-Chair of the BC Urban Mayor’s Caucus, February 22, 2022
“It’s important as a society, we come together and have a frank conversation around how we’re going to better protect our communities moving forward. This is the first budget I can think of that really starts to put serious investments into building resiliency into those risks.” – Aaron Sutherland of the Insurance Bureau of Canada, February 22, 2022
“British Columbia workers have been through one of the toughest, most challenging times in this province’s history, and their labour is getting us through this pandemic. This budget is a good step in recognizing the central role of workers, and investing in their success.” – Laird Cronk, President of BC Federation of Labour, February 22, 2022
“We applaud the BC Gov 2022 budget announcement that will end the existing PST exemption… Tobacco taxes are the single most effective strategy to reduce consumption” – Canadian Cancer Society BC and Yukon, February 22, 2022
“Climate disaster costs are on an upward trend on the planet and B.C. is unfortunately more exposed to climate disasters than many Canadian provinces. The B.C. Government takes the proactive approach of funding multiple initiatives to build climate resiliency and addressing climate change.” – Sebastien Lavoie, Chief Economist at Laurentian Bank Securities, February 24, 2022
“The career path for a lot of people is to leave these fire crews [after frontline duty] and move into an office-based position. With this move, hopefully it allows people to spend more time on a fire crew as a career path, and you can keep that experience on the fire line.” – Thomas Martin, wildfire consultant at Cabin Resource Management, February 23, 2022
“The Chamber has long advocated for child care as an investment in our economy, and we applaud the province’s commitment to adding 40,000 new spaces within seven years. We also are encouraged by some of the steps to address our lack of housing supply.” – Bruce Williams, Victoria Chamber CEO, February 22, 2022
“BC Tech shares many of the values expressed in the B.C. government’s economic plan. We welcome many measures in today’s Budget. We believe that in the 21st century economy, people are the greatest asset and source of value. We believe education and skills training is essential to realize the full potential of B.C.’s talent pool. We believe investing in the economic infrastructure that support people is as important as that which supports goods.” – B.C. Tech Association, February 22, 2022
“It is heartening to see investments in students by creating more seats in high-demand programs, improvements to connectivity in rural and Indigenous communities, investments in childcare and increased access to adult basic education. All of these investments will help increase access to education and ensure students are successful during and after their studies. The key to our post-pandemic economic recovery is building a resilient and diverse economy in British Columbia and post-secondary is an important component of that. A number of today’s investments will open the door for more students to access the education they need to help build back British Columbia.” – Melissa Chirino, Chairperson of the BC Federation of Students, February 22, 2022
“The funding announced today will enable Genome BC to continue to invest strategically and solidify BC’s academic and business competitiveness in genomics and life sciences. This will create sustainable economic and societal benefits for British Columbia.” – Dr. Pascal Spothelfer, President/CEO of Genome BC, February 22, 2022
“Non-profits and charities have seen the same, or greater, revenue losses as private businesses but we have not received similar levels of support. We are pleased to see this $30 million fund for our sector to ensure that individuals and families continue to receive the programs and services needed at this critical time.” – Stephen Butz, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, February 23, 2022
“Yesterday, Finance Minister Selina Robinson announced in the BC Budget for 2022 that the government is restoring funding that was cut in 2002 to provide core funding to more than 50 sexual assault centers across BC. This means dedicated and ongoing funding for critical crisis response, counselling, forensic exams, preventative medications, and mechanisms to report. This is a critical acknowledgement of the need for supports in our BC communities and will make a huge difference for survivors.” – Kamloops Sexual Assault Centre, February 23, 2022