MEDIA RELEASE
Finance Committee releases report on Budget 2018 Consultation
VICTORIA – The all-party Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services today released its report on the Budget 2018 Consultation. The report summarizes the committee's work and makes 119 unanimous recommendations that will contribute to the development of the next provincial budget.
Due to the destructive effects of this year's wildfires on so many communities, the report highlights the recommendations aimed at supporting economic recovery, and improving emergency preparedness and resiliency in response to natural disasters.
"The committee particularly wishes to acknowledge the challenges posed by the wildfires and thank first responders, volunteers and other British Columbians who aided in the response and continue to contribute to recovery efforts" stated committee chair, Bob D'Eith.
Other priorities reflected in the committee's recommendations include: increased affordable housing and child care; further investments in education; improvements for accessing and delivering health care and social services; increased investment in transportation infrastructure; continued protection of the environment; and prudent fiscal management.
"Committee members carefully considered the input received, and would like to thank the many individuals and organizations that took the time to participate in this important process," added deputy chair, Dan Ashton.
In total, the committee held 12 public hearings in communities throughout the province, hearing 187 presentations, and received 292 written, audio and video submissions and 666 responses to the online survey prior to the close of the consultation on Oct. 16, 2017.
The report is available at: http://www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/finance
The members of the committee are:
Bob D'Eith, MLA Maple Ridge-Mission (chair);
Dan Ashton, MLA Penticton (deputy chair);|
Jagrup Brar, MLA Surrey-Fleetwood;
Stephanie Cadieux, MLA Surrey South;
Mitzi Dean, MLA Esquimalt-Metchosin;
Ronna-Rae Leonard, MLA Courtenay-Comox;
Peter Milobar, MLA Kamloops-North Thompson;
Tracy Redies, MLA Surrey-White Rock; and
Dr. Andrew Weaver, MLA Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
For further information:
Susan Sourial
Clerk Assistant, Committees and Interparliamentary Relations
Room 224 Parliament Buildings
Victoria BC V8V 1X4
T 250-356-2933; Toll Free in BC 1-877-428-8337
Fax: 250-356-8172
FinanceCommittee@leg.bc.ca
