Describing it as the “most consecutive moment for our province since the Second World War”, the British Columbia Government has described a wide vision of how to manage the United States’s current threats.
New Lieutenant-Gov. Wendy Cocchia read the discourse of the throne government on Tuesday highlighting some of the measures that the province plans to set up.
“Faced with an unprecedented and unjustified threat to our economy, British Colombians join all Canadians to retaliate,” she said in a speech prepared by the government.
“We gathered to support each other and defend our country. We say in a united voice: we will never be the 51st state. Not now or never.
The speech marks the opening of the legislative assembly for the first time since the provincial elections of October. Prime Minister David Eby continued to work, barely, obtaining 47 seats for the NPD. Under the direction of John Rustad, the conservatives of British Columbia have 44 seats and the Greens of British Columbia hold two seats.
The British Columbia Government has been forced to swivel its legislative program due to the price threat of 25% on almost all goods from British Columbia in the United States.
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Last week, the province announced that it Do not include the $ 1,000 discount promised to families during the electoral campaign Due to the financial uncertainty caused by pricing threats.
“Confidence has been broken and will not be easily repaired. No matter what the future has in reserve, one thing has been clearly indicated: we will not leave our future success to the whims of unpredictable forces beyond our borders. Or let people here fend for themselves, ”read Cocchia.
“We are at a crossroads. The upcoming trip will not be easy. But there is nowhere better positioned to resist the storm and go out on the other side stronger than here in British Columbia. »»
The British Columbia Price Reply Strategy includes three components: strengthening and growth of the economy, diversification of commercial relations and the response firmly and forcefully if necessary.
This includes the creation of a new coalition of business leaders, unions and currently working with the government on an answer.
The plan also includes the acceleration of regulatory permits and approvals, the training of the next generation of skilled trades, the expansion of electricity production in British Columbia and the increase in manufacturing opportunities.
“To unlock the incredible potential here in British Columbia, your government accelerates first 18 major projects. They include natural gas and clean energy, as well as mineral projects and critical mining of an investment value of $ 20 billion, “said Cocchia.
“These projects should create more than 8,000 jobs and support families, especially in northern and rural communities.”
Eight of the nine successful clean energy projects will have 51% ownership of First Nations shares. The province accelerates the process of putting online electricity by exempting from new wind energy projects from the environmental evaluation process.
The speech also mentions a campaign commitment to stimulate the television and cinema sector by engaging in the 2025 budget to include increased tax credits for the sector, a change already attracting new production offers.
The government of British Columbia is also working on the abolition of interprorcal trade barriers, in particular by obtaining an agreement so that the British Columbia vineyards can sell directly to Alberta customers.
Discussions are also underway with Alberta for greater cooperation on commercial barriers.
Cocchia said it should not be easier to negotiate with Washington state than for other Canada provinces.
The budget will be unveiled on March 4, a day after 30 -day stay on the prices in force.
The objective of the province is to remain competitive, even with uncertainty with the United States.
“The main thing is as follows: it should not be easier to buy and sell with the state of Washington than with our Canadian friends and neighbors,” said the speech.
“It must change. And change it will do it.
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