“You gotta be impressed” and other things people are saying about BC Budget 2024

“We know that those [the BC Family Benefit] cash transfers to families have a huge impact on their ability to afford the basic necessities of life and we know that cash transfers have a huge impact on child poverty directly. We represent BC’s lowest income families, so we’re very pleased with that.” -Viveca Ellis, Executive Director of the Centre for Family Equity.

“You gotta be impressed by things like the flipping tax. We gotta be impressed by adding housing to where we haven’t in the past and making zoning more flexible and cracking down on short term rentals. I think we should celebrate. This budget shows that home prices didn’t increase last year. When can you say that in the last couple of decades? That is an unusual accomplishment.” -Paul Kershaw, Founder of Generation Squeeze.

“It’s certainly going to help first time homebuyers, incent them to take the plunge in to buy a new home or buy a used home.” -Neil Moody, CEO Canadian Homebuilders Association of BC.

“Our number one ask was seeing some relief on the EHT, so we were pleased to see that, and also pleased to see the additional relief when it comes to electricity credit.” -Bridgitte Anderson, CEO of Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

“I’m excited for the individuals who have not been able to either access, or just afford, or be able to have a family. So I think [covering IVF] is going to open up some doors for a lot of people who have had barriers.” -Kristan Ash, Midwives Association of BC.

“You’re making me smile just as you’re reading that. […] This is a return to the North of some of the wealth that the province generates in the North. So it’s a piece, it’s a share. Recognizing that we need help to really build great, liveable communities in the North.”
-Herb Pond, Mayor of Prince Rupert.

“There’s the cut to the hydro rate which is going to add a few $100 back into businesses’ pockets as well for a small business. There are some tangible things and that’s what we were hoping to see.” -Cory Radekop, CEO of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce.

“Budget 2024 is a thoughtful suite of investments and tax changes that takes meaningful steps forward on building a clean, competitive economy while making life more affordable for British Columbia families.” -Mark Zacharias, Executive Director of Clean Energy Canada.

“The budget today really tells us that the government is very serious about telling investors around the world that are looking to put their dollars behind industries powered by clean energy that BC’s open for business.” -Alexa Young, Vice President at New Economy Canada.

“I’m also grateful that the government has invested in the essential infrastructure. So housing, health care, etcetera. Even though those are social issues, they have a direct line back to business.” -Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of BC Chamber of Commerce.

“Today’s BC Budget invests in people. We’re pleased to see capital infrastructure funding to meet the needs of growing communities as well as help for families facing intense affordability challenges.” -LiUNA Local 1611.

“Speaking to colleagues across Canada that are operating rent bank programs, looking at what we have going on here in British Columbia, we do see a provincial government that is interested in the renter market. I have colleagues that are running rent bank programs in different provinces and are not getting near the level of financial support that we’re seeing in our rent bank program here.” -Melissa Giles, Managing Director at BC Rent Bank.

“We’re really happy with the budget announcements. One of the best things that this government could do is invest in long term care to make sure that we can take some of the pressures off of the hospital system, and we’re seeing investments in capital for long term care facilities over the next three years and that’s $13 billion towards that.” -Meena Brisard, CEO of Hospital Employees’ Union

“The government has it right by continuing to direct spending toward the priorities of working families: healthcare, mental health services, childcare, housing and new rebates to make life more affordable.” -Scott Lunny, USW Director for Western Canada.

“The global shift to a clean economy is happening now, and today’s budget, along with BC Hydro’s recently announced $36 billion plan to expand the province’s electricity grid, shows the government is serious about telling investors who want to put their money behind industries powered by clean energy and technology that BC’s open for business.” -Merran Smith, Fellow, Simon Fraser University. Founder, Clean Energy Canada.

“This budget sends the message to working British Columbians that the province has their back.” -Al Phillips, President, BC Building Trades Council.

“It is great to see the BC Government making life more affordable for working people in BC” -MoveUP President, Graeme Hutchison.

“Credit where credit’s due. The increase of the threshold before the employer health tax kicks in is a good step forward.” -Carson Binda, Canadian Taxpayers Federation.