Site C, fentanyl, wages on bloc’s front burner
The B.C. NDP and Green party’s confidence and supply agreement offers a timeline of what the newly formed government hopes to achieve. While the document isn’t a comprehensive list of their policies and plans, it outlines some of what’s expected within the coming months.
In an interview Friday, premierdesignate John Horgan said his team has put the fentanyl crisis, housing, transportation and softwood lumber at the top of its to-do list, and will begin to work through regulation right after a cabinet is sworn in, ahead of the first sitting of the legislature.
TO BE DONE IMMEDIATELY
Site C dam: The project will be referred to the B.C. Utilities Commission for a review of its economic viability.
Kinder Morgan pipeline: The government will use “every tool available” to stop its expansion.
Fair wages commission: To be established to form a plan for a $15-an-hour minimum wage and to oversee regular rate reviews. The commission will make recommendations regarding the gap between minimum and livable wages. Transit and transportation
infrastructure: Work will begin with the Mayors Council and federal government to improve transit.
Fentanyl crisis: A co-ordinated response will be made based on treatment-on-demand, drug substitution, early warning monitoring systems and co-ordinated response.
LEGISLATION TO BE INTRODUCED AT FIRST SITTING OF LEGISLATURE
Proportional representation: To be put to a referendum in the fall of 2018, during the next municipal election. Whatever form is ultimately approved will be enacted for the next provincial election.
Electoral finance: A ban on corporate and union donations, as well as contributions from non-residents of B.C., with limits on individual contributions. Loans will only be accepted from banks or recognized financial institutions. Reviews of campaign finance and the Elections Act will be conducted.
Lobbying reform: Former senior public-office holders face a multi-year ban on lobbying. Penalties will be increased for violations of the Lobbyists Registration Act, which will undergo a comprehensive review. Fixed election dates and legislature sittings: Beginning in 2021, elections will be held in the fall instead of in May, “to provide a more transparent budget process and the passage of a budget prior to an election,” according to the agreement. The legislature will be required to sit each spring and fall.
PROGRAMS TO BE CREATED OR FUNDED IN FIRST BUDGET IN SEPTEMBER
Essential-drugs program: To reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
Innovation commission: To foster innovation and business development in the tech sector, with advocacy from an innovation commission. Poverty-reduction strategy:
Design and implement a basic income pilot to test whether giving people a basic income is an effective way to reduce poverty, improve health, housing and employment.