everybody for joining us here today on the truth of territorial belonging speaking people decide he's this climate First Nattion I want to live my hands to a cheaper US chip from this year Nuxalk Nation who's also here today I Ross River only developing yourself but he's right behind you we also have some kids playing soccer in that's because part of our enhancement today. As a talk about affordability and one of the initiatives that we've renewed is our investment in kids port to make sure that the problems of providing resources so that kids are from families of limited means we'll be able to participate in sport it's there for me sport brings people together common purpose. A mutual objectives- working together creating friendships and bonds and in many cases over a lifetime so we're very proud of the work we've done with kids portent and I just wanted to raise that at the top that's what got some youngsters playing soccer.
Behind me. At the start I want to say that- we've been experiencing unprecedented inflation not just here in British Columbia but indeed internationally families are seeing at the grocery store we certainly see at the pumps were we've seen a thirty five cent drop. In gas prices and still they remain unacceptably high for most British Columbians but despite that we try to do our best to bring forward initiatives to assist families where we can- to make sure that we're doing everything we can to reduce costs our government started. On that fourteen via limiting medical services premiums as one of our first access government as well as our freezing ferry fares for a time addressing frowns at ICBC.
Removing tolls on bridges in the lower mainland and the list goes on and on a mission to be brought forward to try and reduce costs. For British Columbians but despite our best efforts and- pandemic coming upon a certain- Putin's invasion. Of Ukraine has put us all collectively in a difficult spot so that's why last week we announced sixty million dollars to go to the K. twelve system. Directly to school boards so that they can determine what kids need the supports whether it be for- equipment whether it be for school supplies. Or are making sure that meal programmes can continue in districts across the products. In its that type of targeted investment that Mister Robinson I but focused on with our government over the past number of much.
About allowing the district to make these choices were putting the money in the hands of those who can make the best decisions. On our behalf today we're gonna be announcing to enhance tax measures as well as relief for renters. The tax measures include a one time enhancement of the climate action tax credit. For low and moderate income families that means that when the- climate action tax credits come out in early October they will be four times as large as they would have been. Were it not for this investment five hundred million dollars going into the climate action tax credit. To be distributed to families that need it the most. We're also taking the opportunity today to rename the child opportunity benefit fund and the reason we're doing that is that when we brought it in in twenty nineteen. And then implemented it in twenty twenty. People didn't know what it was and I don't know what it was when I heard child opportunity benefit what I heard was that money for. Post secondary education for training down the road.
Instead I look back to my youth and when I was raising my kids there was a family bonus a baby bonus or the family allowance. So we've renamed the child opportunity benefit to the BC family benefits something that people can understand. That goes directly into the pockets of families. There was a programme in place before twenty seventeen for kids up to the age of sex.
The BC family benefit programme will cover kids up to the age of eighteen and this any parent will tell you. Children cost more overtime not last we believe this is an America that doesn't only help us during inflationary periods. But helps us in the long term that enhancement will be a hundred million dollars starting in January. For a total of six hundred million in today's package added to the four hundred million that came through the ICBC rebate programme. Making this a billion dollar programme with sixty million directed specifically to kids in classrooms. These payments will begin in October and run for six months into. The new year when the family benefit kicks in.
For example an average family of four was C. seven hundred and sixty dollars more. Next year than they would have this year a single parent with one child was C. up to five. Hundred dollars in their pocket that wouldn't be there otherwise. I want to touch upon another programme that we initiated that doesn't get a lot of attention and that was eliminating. The fair for kids under twelve. That has meant three million dedicated rides by children under twelve that's a significant savings for families allowing people to get a climate tied the justice to using public transit. Early in life that will counter it will carry on into adulthood protecting the environment and course reducing costs to people. All of these initiatives will be significant for people one probably the most important for a hundred one one point five million.
Renters in British Columbia. Is our announcement today that effective January the maximum rent increase- for landlords will be two percent. We changed the law that was in place under the former government about. Instant an automatic 2% left. As well as inflation to only have it done the increase be attached to a patient unfortunately during this extraordinary time an inflationary increase in rates would be debilitating for one point five million British Columbians. We're not prepared for that we can continue to work with the landlords of BC to find other ways to engage with them to a system with costs. But this year's- renting crease will be limited to two percent. That will also be added to a BC hydro benefit they will be coming later in the year I'm sure they'll be questions about why that's coming later in the year so leave it for that.
But I want to thank you for being here to talk about a billion dollars of money back to British Columbians so they can address some of the challenges of cost of living that we've seen. Over the past number of months the last minister on since joining for more details. Thank you premium – I you know the premier has made a significant announcement and- these measures are really going to go a long way. To help a lot of people. 85% of readers Colombians individuals and families will benefit from the climate action tax credit increase next month.
And 75% of families with children will receive more on their PC family benefit payments starting in January. I'm as a premium- mentioned this was a large tin- the fall of twenty twenty. And we launched this programme to help combat child poverty. And to help lower income parents with the cost of raising a family. With providing more opportunities for their children. All the way up to the age of eighteen- as the premier mentioned it was only till.
The age of six about twelve more years of support for families to raise these children. Is absolutely critical. The BC family benefit offers more money . Service more parents and more importantly. Service for children. Normally without the extra support that we are announcing today a family would. With one child would receive about sixty sixteen hundred dollars over the course of the year through the B.
For January through March we are adding another hundred and seventy five dollars to payments for people with one child. An extra three hundred fifty dollars for family with two children. Many families many young people and those on fixed incomes will also benefit from capping rent increases below inflation. And we're not alone in this. The problems of Ontario has capped a rent increases as has Nova Scotia. We're all dealing with- this incredible inflationary period and taking measures to help people through it. And while these are new temporary measures this is not a new commitment from our government we've been reducing costs for people since twenty seventeen. We significantly reducing we've been significantly reducing childcare. In car insurance rates. We've been providing ICBC rebates. It introduced a free transfer children. Been increasing the minimum wage and of course last week increasing funding for school meals and supplies. These additional temporary measures build on the commitments on our commitment as a government to help people- that and the work that we've been doing all along.
The climate action tax credit the BC family benefits and the temporary cap on rent increases are the next steps we are taking to reduce costs. And putting people and putting money in people's pockets because we know that that's what people need right now. I'm pleased for British Columbians that we have the economic strength. To help the people who need it most. Thank you and we look forward to him answering any questions. Thanks minister- premium will invite you back up to the podium to take questions from the media . If you have a question please step over to the Mike- as a reminder to media on the phone line please press star went into the queue limited one question and one follow up.
Question Richard Sussman global this- premium there are some jurisdictions that are giving a lot more than that we're seeing some places are direct rebate checks where every British Columbian would get money decided not to do that. Why and on the issue of cost of living can you also speak to the deal that has been reached with the PC GPU where members they're all ready saying that that deal may not. It goes the cost of living based on what we're seeing with inflation. Well we decided that we want to focus and target the help we're giving the British families because not all British Columbians are in a position that they're struggling whether it be- with groceries whether it be with ram rather be with them meeting rather daily costs. And so by targeting these resources were helping the people in the most that's been our choice other jurisdictions have made somewhere choices others have made different choices.
But ultimately we believe that this is a fair package that will meet the needs of people in the short term and we're gonna continue to work on these. Issues is not something that you just start because inflation starts to go down. The cost of living is a fundamental issue for families work with email over here on the island. In the lower mainland- in in northern insurers Columbia where ever you are costs are going up. And so we believe this is a good start are we started with addressing gas prices back in- in. May and June and we're continuing to do that and so sad that we more happening on the higher French. We kept costs down to the best of our ability on those things that we can control. And we're hoping that- that people will find the way forward the federal government's taking it so Mission very seriously I understand the cabinets here in Vancouver. A meeting to discuss these issues are see the prime minister at the end of week and I look forward to a report from him that will give me comfort.
That focusing on British comments as well Richard fine. Also hoping to hear on you on the BCG you deal- but I also ask about Kevin falcon. Was in Vancouver today cutting a red with. For what would have the opening of the brand new Massey bridge today. As you well know a replacement will not be coming for a number of years still because of the decision your government. To cancel the bridge. What do you see two commuters in that region continued away- in the- deadlock- every morning and afternoon. Well I- with respect to the- collective bargaining process and the- the government or the G. use- attempt ratification of taking the package back to their members.
So are the hospital employees union we believe that's a fair package that meets the interests of. Of taxpayers. Who are access services that meets the needs of workers to provide those services. And I we've done our best to ensure that collective bargaining can work- we'll see what comes back from the membership- that's what. These processes are all about. I with respect to Mr Falk and I saw him last night talk about how acceptable it was. To have- structure for salaries of BC ferries- but that was a structure that he put in place. So all- reserve my comments on his issues around- infrastructure projects he was going to toll abridge you've got all the bridge in the lower mainland we're in the business of taking calls off bridges.
We believe that the summers tunnel- is a better course of action for the environment better course of action for cost effectiveness. And it meets the needs of the majority of the municipalities in the region who were all uniformly save one opposed to- the behavioural plan. Next question is from been deciding CTV. Hi there- I noted I know you and then send some hydro relief potentially coming working with landlords of BC potentially some work there and I'm just wondering. You know you I know months ago you're saying that you're working on this every single day so why not an ounce all these things together especially for lower income people were making difficult. Choices in terms of their budget why not to provide all the information right now. Obviously had a regulated utility- we have to ensure that- the significant profit that they made last year not from- high rates for customers in British Columbia but true trade. A BC hydro as of. A privileged position as one of the dominant utilities in North America and they trade electricity on the open market with you in the United States and- in- operators agree.
And they made significant revenues from that- we don't want to follow in the footsteps of the former government where they use our- current corporations like it's a time machines we want to make sure. That this is done appropriately and it's taken more time BC hydro and we had hoped. And we're announcing the climate action tax credit today because the checks will be coming out in the first week in October. And we wanted people to know that that help was on the way and that's why we're here today. ICBC checks are supposed to come a lot sooner than they actually did for some people as I'm just wondering if. You're really confident that those checks are gonna come in the first week of October. I also wanted to ask the finance minister as well and last year we started supplies. And supplies for the budget. Are there any measures that you're taking or- doing something that you're doing differently to make sure that if there is.
Some sort of ease supplies this year and I did a search. That money could be reduced redirected possibly to programmes like this to help people with. Inflation thank thanks for that been doing that's exactly what we're doing here today. Is you know addressing needs today that British Columbians have- and making sure that we're targeting it to those who need it most- and we're going to continue to monitor. Our how our economy continues to manage through this inflationary period. The bank of Canada- raise interest rates again again so we're watching to see how things play out. I'll be bringing forward our quarterly update I'm in the in the near term. And we have certainly more to say about how we're doing it can. But as you well pointed out making sure that it's a balanced perspective making sure that we can. Manage this responsibly our is part of what we're doing here today. British Columbians need help and we're here to deliver today. And provide relief for responding to Lower Post. Next question is from merry broke I went off for twenty.
Hi premium I'm you mentioned the sixty million dollars that was announced last week to go to schools. School districts in Europe framing it today is going to classrooms. But the money is you know is- to the school districts to decide how they want to use it. And as was mentioned last week by a minister white side. The- the distribution of the money will be through programmes either existing or new. So the money isn't really gonna roll immediately to families and- all the programmes as well intended aren't necessarily going to reach all the families. So I know you've taken care of a big part of this today with that four times increase on the- child or the current benefits. But do you have confidence that. Across the board in schools students will be helped by the sixty nine. Well every service call district has different needs- Sooke stepped out needs are different from those in- in the Fraser Canyon- different from those needs in the Peace River.
Area so we felt the best way to ensure that kids going to school across British Columbia. We're getting access to these dollars their families getting access is always was to do it through the school boards and I. I would argue that may there are many programmes currently in place in districts across BC that will be- kicking in immediately and there will be others that will take more time and that's why- the sixty million dollars is not. Expected to be drawn down completely in the first month or two of the school year but in fact you're of the school year and again.
The best people to make those choices for the people on the ground- in communities across problems. Any of the following yeah I'm so in October there will be elections for school trustees across the province and I'm just wondering what you think parents should be looking for in their trustee candidates. Are I don't know- I- I haven't seen the list of candidates in my community of look at them closely. And make choices based on- who I believe would be serving the best interests of the kids and parents in the district I live in and I encourage other people. To participate in the municipal elections upcoming it's- the most close to you form of government and particularly if you've got youngsters. In the K. twelve system you want to know that your board of trustees- is competent and focused on the needs of your family out that we might buy stuff people. Nothing CTV I. I remember as we- as was alluded to the bank of Canada increased its- interest rate hike.
Today for the fifth time this year. In letter that would you say to folks who say. British Columbians are gonna be struggling even more in light of that and- more I too have been done to help them today. And is maybe more help coming down the line. We didn't anticipate we couldn't anticipate what the bank of Canada would have done today- but as the minister said we now will take stock about. One of the challenges we have. Is that circumstances have been changing rather rapidly over the past number of years whether it be. Responding to call bed responding to- at Mr Gruber's rific fires.
You name it government's job is to respond to circumstances as we find them. And do the best we can to either create programmes or use the programmes that are currently in place. To meet the needs of the public we will monitor the impacts of the- interest rate increases that's going to be very challenging for many. In the community announcer who talked to the prime minister about that on Friday when I seem. Follow up. I do it on a different topic it relates to crime. There was a murder in the name on Monday night I don't know if you heard about it but it was.
A twenty nine year old man was stabbed to death in the playground in- Mayfield Sutton park right in the heart of Nanaimo. It happened on Monday night there seem to have said. It was an unprovoked. Attack as seventeen in nineteen year old now arrested not yet charged at this point. I'm Leonard Krog then I was Merritt said he understands the murder victim was somebody who's disabled. I guess I'm just wonder if I can get your weighing on- those facts and that that murder. Well certainly my heart goes out to the victim in a horrific crash acts of random violence to it may not be random off to see what the investigation unfolds- well.
As the investigation unfolds what the circumstances were. But I have to say I think all British Columbians earned that Canadians are. Are observing an increase. In violence in our communities whether it be. Scotia just- eighteen months ago- the attacks since the scheduling now that are very front and centre in our minds today. And also the events you just articulated in an IRA. Are there has been an increase in violence against each other and quite frankly we all have a responsibility not just governments not just done. A public safety officials but all of us to- to work together to figure out how we address these issues- when it comes to mental health and addictions we started.
A trend across the country by astonishing a minister in the ministry that now is. Common practise in every jurisdiction in the country. So making changes in how we deliver services how we are there for people when they need us. It's critical we did a review of the police act with the view to making sure. That communities have long Forsman officers that had the tools they need. To not just deal with crime but to deal with mental health challenges because that's often times. What they're called out to address and that's not part of their training we need to make that part of training we need to make sure. That law enforcement has a balance of but- people with expertise in this area as well as those who gone through training. How to do that the front line work that they they are very urgent provide for us and we're so grateful for.
Russia techniques. I remember- it looks like to take full advantage of this you need to have a household income of under a hundred seventeen thousand dollars which is the Canada. It is the- child benefit of threshold. There's a lot of people who have. Income slightly more than that you would consider themselves struggling right now some wonder how you came to that amount. Do you think it's sufficient when. There are people who will be making more who are at risk to the interest rates are for the building of. Losing their housing or being unable to pay their bills yeah we did we didn't sell thank you for the question right we did we didn't set out to find all of the solutions to the challenges. Today we set out to take the pieces that we tried a billion dollars worth. And directed towards those who need it the most are people gonna miss that threshold is it going to be sufficient for all families certainly not. But it it is a significant step a billion dollars a tonne of money- and we need to make sure that has a maximum impact I can ask.
Answer more detailed questions about the threshold but- we set out to do the best we could today- some of just agreed with that- but I think they're gonna be a whole bunch of people are really grateful for the help. And hopeful that we see a downturn in inflationary pressures and returned to what was a more normal environment for our- interest rates which would. Budgeting zero for a long long time and again that's better responsibility and I'm sure the prime minister will be able to give me a good explanation as to why- there are. Not time. To be in any meaningful way to address that. Follow proper. Minister in the premium access asked me to. Be a little bit more detailed on on the threshold in. Part of part of the decision was about looking at existing programmes run. Making sure that we could. You know move this. Up these resources to families as quickly as we could so that was.
That's part of it is our existing programmes- but also you know the- the free transit. Is for all children regardless of income. They the- programme for schools for example their student and family portability fund. That we set out. As for any family that's struggling it's there's no threshold for that any family that needs help. Supplies with school supplies with me all programmes. Again that's available. In we'll be talking more about the- hydro- opportunity in the in the coming- coming months.
Before the end of the year so. We recognise that. You know not all programmes are going to benefit everyone equally. A very good we wanted to target those who are most impacted. And the last thing I'll just say as- the rent threshold so for those families are renting- it's just a 2% rate across the board again that's not- that's not related at all to. Tim come. Go head wrap- would be interested in both of you on this as well on it previously just touched on it. The bank of Canada hiking. Interest rates again today to a very aggressive. Territory is it too much based on what you're hearing from people do you think. The bank of Canada has gone too far on its interest rates and risk losing people between the problem of inflation in the solution. Of interest rates. Yeah well it's always a delicate balance to try and find that space where a other policy is intersecting with publicly. And as I say though this is federal responsibility I'm not. Trying to avoid answering the question instead I'm going to say that.
I will talk to the prime minister this week and I'll get a better answer directly from him I'm hopeful and- all of you have access to- so the federal. Like cabinet ministers are in bank robbery and hopefully you'll put those questions to them as well. But the end of the day we are we are experiencing something we haven't seen. Since the nineteen eighties. And that that's going to require us to roll up our sleeves and figure out- were their solutions in the nineteen eighty seven one or visit. Our work their solutions that were just regarded in the nineteen eighties and may be relevant to today. Those are always challenges for governments regardless of where you are in the country. On there on the red side- I will add that to percent- no discussion landed at 2% on terriers at two and a half percent and- other provinces will go in other directions.
Our in British Columbia where we have high cost of living to start with- adding- increases in the interest rates are are certainly challenging and- and we have to keep a close eye on that and I know the minister will. Next questions we do close capital daily. Hi there. Are you concerned about the trends that we're starting to see a doctor is doing rolling from MSP and starting to charge privately. Armed I'm not concerned well of course I'm concerned about the challenges were facing on a public delivery of public health services in Canada not just in British Columbia. As the head of the council of federation of all the premiums in the country. I've been tasked by my colleagues of different political stripes liberals conservatives. Independence a two one make the case to auto while that they need to sit down with us not in an- in choosing way but in a complementary and partnership way.
To reimagine healthcare. So that we can meet the challenges of an ageing population. Which includes doctors we have more doctors seventy years old or higher in in. The South Island in any other part of the country. That's a problem not we can't force doctors to continue working. On their period of time they want to work. So that means that more recruitment or retention. Looking at movies to compensate trying to keep our elder doctors in place either as mentors. Or providing. Other services rather than having the- what has become the norm an office with overhead and all the other challenges. As we look at this we're gonna need to do it arm in arm with a doctor to be seen. Then for the first time in my memory and I've been engaged in- governments- for almost thirty years or over thirty years- what I've discovered seen in the past number of months is doctors working with the ministry of health to try and find some.
Everyone wants to make sure we're providing the best care possible doctors want to do that- the administration wants to do that certainly patients one issue that so I'm- I'm confident that we're at the table working together. We've made some- planetary steps in the right direction with respect overhead costs and retention. Issues and now we need to do more we need to train more are we need to make sure I was working with a sinus Uman resources tragedy because we can't just keep poaching. From other parts of the country RBC another burger have a capacity to pay more but should we be able to go and say that. Nurses and other healthcare providers in other provinces come here and we'll pay you more that doesn't build a country that fractures account. So any of the following I do on an unrelated topic regarding capping rented 2% is. Welcome for many people but- is your government interested or- talking about the possibility of- unit based rent control. And I think that. Yeah okay I'm- right now we're really focused on until until a- as the former minister of housing that was a- we did a task force.
A rental housing task force. It was something that we we've heard of a fair bit about and I know that. Administering who is currently there the housing minister is looking at. What else we might need to do in order to- help them one and a half million British Columbians who are renters. Are there have been no decisions have been made . Next question our class and be busy today.
So the province has reached a tentative deal with six thousand healthcare workers which the ECU says provides for inflation sensitive wage increases and other compensation improvements. During the next provincial back. Well so a lot of- a lot of phone questions in there I'm in thank you and welcome to the- to the scram- so while the questions are are currently underway with the public sector account really provide to many details. Of because it still has to be ratified has to go back to the members and I. One respect that I what I can say is that this is a reasonable and fair deal for employees now as well as three years from now. I'm in the deal needs to balance the needs of old all of these public sector workers including that they have to work is that you mentioned.
With our fiscal responsibilities on- for the provinces and the people of British Columbia. Elective phone. Very much thank you. And our last question on site is from Justin semansky a leisure. I think you bring your- people with disabilities in BC have been struggling to afford at the daily necessities and have been even before the current economic situation- became what it is- is the government planning to expend financial support for people with disabilities in British Columbia. Thank you very much for the question and one of the first things we did- the point. Of being sworn in in twenty seventeen was increase income assistance and disability pension so we did that again the next year and- last year's budget was the largest increase in BC history.
And we still have a long way to go. The challenges of living. With a disability in British Columbia- increase- as time goes by. We need to make sure that we're providing the resources that those families those individuals need. To make ends meet at the end of the day and provide other opportunities as well and that's what we've been focusing on trying to ensure that the earnings exemption for example for those who are on income.
Disability pensions can burn a bit more to supplement the pensions that there are you- I entitled to as as part of our our budget process. I know Mister Robinson more while look at these issues very closely through the fall. And preparing the budget for twenty- twenty three. In the following ISO on same note there- some disabled British Columbians have chosen medically assisted death- due the lack of support they feel they've they've received to continue living. What do you think that says about the government's approach and doesn't change anything about- what the pros we moving forward. I'm not bad not familiar with anything other than anecdotal evidence for but you're just asking me so I don't want to- speculate on that individuals- are just that. Are they make choices- that meet their needs I'm not aware of- the circumstances that you're just describing to me so I'll leave that. Everything I have one more question on the phone line fun Palmer thank you for such- good afternoon premium. One sorry I'm not over there Langford wishing. I hear it's a beautiful place.
And isn't. This a dancer on the first day of the renowned again it's lovely okay . Even my basement. But eight the recount bothering. A so you can't bring- well below the rate of inflation. Our doesn't that discourage investment in rental housing and development of rental housing. It does have it does have consequences- absolutely Bonn and- that's why we're continuing to work with the landlords of BC. I try and find out ways that we can meet their needs in the long term but we have a short term- crisis quite frankly. And one point five million British Columbians that rent I will benefit from this and it still is an increase as I said- about this are comparable to that this going out taking place in Nova Scotia. And slightly below what's happening in Ontario- but- I absolutely agree that we need to ensure that they're very vital housing stock that's provided not- by massive landlords but small landlords renting out part of the basement or- or a second property- in a community that they don't even live in now just to try and- make ends meet.
There we need to be conscious about and we are we're monitoring that and will keep talking and- see where we need to go in the months ahead. Thank you for up. Yes please a premium as a government still working on legislation that would allow. Private to override local government in order to expedite approval of needed items of house in. Even it's certainly not here- as the previous housing minister and- I can say that- I've been- working very closely with DVB on a range of tools that we are considering. To do our an update to the three point plan that we brought forward in twenty eighteen- we've certainly all heard- DVB speak to certainly his frustration and I think our government's frustration when there are really good viable projects but forward in local governments. For their own reasons are make decisions that don't support are the fact that we are and continue to be in a challenge time around housing a man so that is something that we're continuing to work on. Through this time even in David absence from around the cabinet table.
Until the time we have.