What people are saying about the B.C. budget

VICTORIA — Some quotes from B.C. Finance Minister Carole James’s 2020 budget speech and reaction to the government’s fiscal plan:

“We are not here to deliver the largest surplus possible, at all costs. The point of the budget is to plan ahead, to set priorities and to make responsible decisions that are good for people over the long term.” — James in the prepared text of her budget speech.

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“This is a very cautious budget. We can afford to do more and the need is clear especially in areas like poverty and child-care access.” — Iglika Ivanova, senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

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“Once again John Horgan and the NDP have put forward a budget with no economic plan and with the only source of revenue being the pockets of taxpayers.” — B.C. Liberal finance co-critic Shirley Bond.

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“Over the last decade our province’s economy has remained strong, but many people and communities fell behind. There was a bright future in British Columbia, but only for the few who could afford it.” — James in her speech.

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“We needed a budget that recognizes the province is operating in an increasingly competitive and uncertain global economy and that we must up our game on productivity. This budget falls short.” — Greg D’Avignon, president and CEO of the Business Council of British Columbia.

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“The days of cashing in on a hot real estate market at the expense of hardworking British Colombians are done.” — James in her speech.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2020.

The Canadian Press

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