British Columbia.

• Author: Ellingsen, Aaron
• Position: Legislative Reports

Speech from the Throne

As reported in the spring 2014 issue, the First Session of the 40th Parliament prorogued on the morning of February 11. The Second Session began that afternoon, with Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon delivering a Speech from the Throne which focused on economic development and the creation of opportunities through maintaining a balanced budget, opening new markets for investment, achieving labour stability and supporting development of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. A commitment was also made for a 10-year skills-training action plan to ensure British Columbians benefit from this economic growth. Ms. Guichon announced the government's intention to formally apologize for the historical wrongs done to the Chinese community. In addition, she noted the government will develop a long-term comprehensive strategy to move towards a violence-free BC, and will also introduce legislation to amend BC's liquor laws and policy.

Leader of the Official Opposition Adrian Dix delivered his response to the Speech from the Throne the following day, summarizing the speech as failing to address BC's economic and employment problems.

Budget 2014/2015

On February 18, Minister of Finance Mike de Jong delivered what he characterized as a "boring" budget for fiscal year 2014/2015, projecting a slim surplus of $175 million. Mr. de Jong pointed out that among the provincial and federal governments, only BC and Saskatchewan generated balanced budgets this year; he reiterated BC's commitment to promoting economic growth and investment in communities without running a deficit. Fie also commented on the importance of BC's nascent LNG industry and described the LNG tax regime the government intends to implement in the fall. Tax provisions included sheltering credit unions from a negative federal tax change for another three years and increasing the tariff on tobacco.

In his response, Opposition finance critic Mike Farnworth described Budget 2014/2015 as lacking vision. He asserted that government-imposed rate increases will mean families pay more for medical service premiums, ferry fares, home heating, hydro, tuition and basic car insurance.

As with the previous budget address, both the Minister and the critic used PowerPoint slides displayed on large monitors in the Chamber to supplement their presentations on Budget 2014/2015. Display monitors may be used by the Minister of Finance and a leader of a recognized opposition party, or...