Mid-Island Pacific Rim MLA Scott Fraser says people in Port Alberni and throughout the province have benefitted from his government’s tax cuts and improved funding programs.
He said by eliminating MSP payments and reducing ICBC insurance premiums by 20%, ordinary British Columbians will see savings of more than $2000 a year.
He echoed the message from this week’s Throne Speech, saying improved childcare funding has allowed young families to get ahead.
“We hear from families who are saving thousands of dollars a month on childcare, to the point where they’re able to go back to school and upgrade their skills and make their lives better, and save money to, in some cases, to be able to get in market for purchasing a house,” he said.
Fraser said his government is committed to making a positive difference in peoples lives, and will be raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour next year.
He says improved access to emergency shelters are assisting vulnerable homeless populations, and funding new housing projects are helping those in danger of becoming homeless.
“More affordable housing in the valley, whether it’s supportive housing, transition housing for women fleeing violence, seniors housing, energy efficient housing, there are all kinds of housing initiatives happening in our constituency to try to address some of the issues that many of our people are facing,” said Fraser.
The province is launching a second homeless count project again this year across BC.
Port Alberni is one of two communities to receive funding for an extended multi-day survey.
In 2018, the survey found almost 8,000 people in the province were homeless.
