MLA Letnick on What the B.C. Budget Means for the Okanagan

People are still buzzing about the provincial budget, released by the Government of British Columbia Wednesday afternoon.

Finance Minister Michael De Jong said the 2016 budget is the fourth consecutive balanced one, but you may be wondering how it will affect you.

Norm Letnick, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country, said the Okanagan will see benefits from many announcements, including $95 million more for wild fire prevention and mitigation.

The provincial government will be investing $12 billion in capital plan, which Letnick said will benefit Highway 97, Kelowna General Hospital, and schools in our area.

They’re also putting in a $75 million increase for communities with populations under 25,000.

“So that should help people in Lake Country, for example,” he said.

There will be a $7 million increase in transit funding for communities outside of Vancouver, which applies to cities in the interior.

Letnick was also happy about housing prospects, saying the B.C. government will put in $350 million over the next five years for housing, including the renovation of 2,000 units.

One specific build near Knox Mountain will be done soon, which he said will be followed up by similar projects.

“We have several housing projects in the central Okanagan,” said Letnick.

They will also be providing more grants to people on low incomes, especially seniors.

“We have income grants that helps them find rental housing as well,” Letnick explained.

Province-wide, they will be in further consultation with municipal governments, to make sure there is an adequate supply of housing in each city.

“If you’re increasing demand, with all these people moving to British Columbia, and you don’t increase supply, you end up driving up the cost of housing for everyone,” said Letnick.

With people moving to B.C. from other provinces more than ever, Letnick said the lower housing costs in the Okanagan will keep people from settling in the lower mainland instead.

Letnick is also the Minister of Agriculture in B.C., so he was happy to discuss improvements through the budget for that sector.

First of all, the province has extended the Buy Local Program for another year—adding $2 million, and taking its total budget up to $8 million. They work to promote buying local by putting in money to match industry spending.

Just announced on Wednesday, farmers who donate to food banks will get a 25 per cent tax credit on their donation.

“So that will help people in need who use non-profits for food, or to supplement their food,” said Letnick.

Lastly, they will also expand food and veggie programs in schools, which even now, covers 92 per cent of schools in the province, according to Letnick.

For more on the budget, check out our original story.