B.C. Premier John Horgan announced this afternoon (Monday) a $5 billion dollar action plan, including $2.8 billion for people and services and $2.2 billion for businesses and recovery going forward.
“The first steps we are going to focus on with the action plan is making sure that critical services for health care will be there now and direct financial support for people along with the deferment of payments.”
“People need help now, businesses need help now and that’s why we are focusing on announcing our action plan for the economy, 2.8 billion dollars will be focused on people while the rest will be for businesses and the recovery process going forward.”
.@jjhorgan addressing the media now on the government’s #COVID19 5 billion dollar action for the province #bcpoli #CityOfPG
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) March 23, 2020
The 5 billion dollar action plan includes 2.8 billion on people and services while the rest focuses on businesses and recovery going forward @jjhorgan #CityOfPG #COVID19 #bcpoli
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) March 23, 2020
The action plan is focusing on three areas: protecting the safety and health of B.C. citizens, providing immediate relief for people and businesses, and laying the foundation for the province’s economic recovery.
The package includes support for renters to make sure no one will be evicted.
“No one will be evicted because of #COVID19…No worker will lose their job for self-isolating or helping a loved one,” said Horgan.
In addition, Finance Minister, Carole James announced that students will get some much-needed relief.
“All student loan payments, which are already interest-free will be paused until September 30th so that people can be better able to care for themselves.”
James also had a simple message for businesses.
“I want businesses to know that we are here to support you as we get on the path to recovery. To reduce the pressure on businesses we will be deferring many of the tax filing and payment deadlines to September 30th.”
This includes payment of the provincial sales tax, carbon tax, and the employer’s health tax.
An emergency benefit for workers will provide a one-time tax-free $1,000 payment for B.C. residents who are not able to work because of the coronavirus.
The province is exploring expanding a financial supplement for seniors.
$1.1 billion is coming to support workers and family. There will also be a one time $1000 tax free benefit for residents unable to work due to crisis but they must be eligible for care benefit/EI #cityofpg #bcpoli #COVID19
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) March 23, 2020
Something going on in the Bulkley Valley Lakes District you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
