Green factor explains disappearance of big-ticket promises in B.C. budget: James
VICTORIA — British Columbia’s three-member Green party was a factor behind the absence of big-ticket election promises in the minority NDP government’s first budget update, Finance Minister Carole James says.
James said universal child care and a comprehensive housing strategy will anchor her next budget in February, but not before a period of consultation with the Greens, interest groups and organizations.
The NDP and Greens reached an agreement to combine their seat totals in the 87-seat legislature to defeat the Liberals in a non-confidence vote after B.C.’s spring election did not produce a clear winner. The agreement also sees the Greens support the NDP minority in confidence votes in the legislature.
The NDP’s election promises included a $10-a-day child care program for families struggling to find affordable, accessible, quality daycare. The party also pledged to offer renters annual rebate cheques of $400 to offset high rents in much of the province.