B.C. Premier John Horgan will bring back the legislature on Dec. 7 to get new COVID-19 programs and economic relief packages out the door, including a $1,000 non-taxable grant for eligible families promised during the provincial election campaign.
On the heels of the final counts for the Oct. 24 election, which gave the B.C. NDP a majority government, new caucus members will be sworn in during an online ceremony on Nov. 24, and cabinet on Nov. 26.
While Horgan, on Wednesday, called for a halt to all non-essential travel in the province, he noted there are MLAs in government and opposition who reside on the Island. “So we’ll have a contingent of people in the legislature doing the essential business of the people.”
As in the last session, MLAs will conduct business and voting via video conferencing.
The throne speech accompanying the opening of the legislative session will be brief, said Horgan.
The premier said the fundamental task for the government is addressing the challenges of COVID-19. The government needs to get spending approval for more than $2 billion in COVID-19 programs and relief measures, including the $1,000 benefit
Families with a household income of less than $125,000 are eligible for the full $1,000, while those with a household income up to $175,000 will get less, based on a sliding scale.
For individuals, the grant is $500 for those who earn less than $62,000, with a sliding scale up to $87,000. The money is not taxable, and would be directly deposited into recipients’ bank accounts.
Horgan said if the government gets through the legislative session quickly, the deposits will be made “shortly thereafter.”
“We’re targeting Christmas, of course,” said Horgan. “But I think at this extraordinary time … British Columbians will just be happy to have access to 1,000 bucks for their family or 500 bucks for individuals, whether it comes on Dec. 24, or it comes on the 5th of January.”
The premier said current house leader “and likely the future house leader” Mike Farnworth has been in contact with the opposition parties to prepare for the Dec. 7 sitting.
The B.C. NDP will have 23 new members of the legislature, said Horgan.
The government has been working with the clerk and facilities staff to ensure the ceremonies and session are carried out safely, he said.
