Province is investing in the future of good jobs
In his recent column, Trevor Hancock identifies three key factors in developing good public policy: information, ideology and interest (“Human well-being should come first,” Aug. 26).
As I share his concern for the most vulnerable British Columbians, and particularly those facing health challenges, I would like to take this opportunity to share the basis on which our current provincial government develops those policies.
When it comes to information, we make decisions based on sound evidence — whether it’s allocating health-care dollars or conducting an environmental review.
With respect to ideology, we believe in leaving more money in the pockets of British Columbians, while growing the economy so that we can better look after the most vulnerable.
As for interest, we operate on the principle that a stronger, more prosperous economy means more opportunity for everyone — and we strive to identify the most effective investments we can make to lift up those in the most need.
British Columbia’s strong economic performance in the past decade and a half — and we are forecast to lead the country in economic growth in the next two years — has made those investments possible. For example, by the end of 2018, we will have invested a historic $13 billion in health-sector capital projects since 2001. Health-care program funding will also be at unprece- dented levels, even as we work to bend down the cost curve to meet the needs of a growing, aging and active population.
Those investments are not just dollars and cents. They represent more quality health professionals working in communities throughout B.C., innovative primary-care networks that help keep people from getting sick and world-class acute care for those who find themselves injured or seriously ill.
Our commitment to fiscal discipline has enabled key steps to make life more affordable for British Columbians, such as exempting child support from income-assistance calculations in our latest balanced budget.
We were also able to double the monthly income exemption for families receiving income assis- tance. And we have kept our promise to bring in the $1,200 B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant, an Early Childhood Tax Benefit and other measures that ease the strain on household budgets.
But perhaps the best example is the new Single Parents Employment Initiative. Recognizing that the best route out of poverty is paid employment, starting Sept. 1, single parents on income or disability assistance will be able to receive up to 12 months of funded training for an in-demand job, or a paid work experience placement.
They will be able to stay on income assistance for up to a year if they attend a training program. Government will also provide financial support to help cover transit costs to and from school, and child-care costs during training and after entering the workforce.
By giving more low-income British Columbians greater opportunity to upgrade their skills and earn a living, we are providing a sustainable, workable path out of poverty.
Set against the tax, spend and borrow proposals of our critics, I am proud of the work our team is doing to make the next generation of British Columbians even healthier, more prosperous and better equipped to compete with the rest of the world.
When it comes to the goal of a province where everybody has the opportunity to build the life they want, there is always more work to do. But we’re on the right track.