BC NDP promise $1,000 recovery benefit for some families

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The BC NDP election platform, unveiled Tuesday, focuses on recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and promises to get British Columbians money quickly.

NDP Leader John Horgan announced the 60 new promises, which includes a one-time recovery benefit.

“This election is about what kind of future British Columbians want as we face a new reality and move towards full recovery,” Horgan said in a release. “Our plan provides the support people need right now and lays out a vision for how B.C. can emerge from the pandemic stronger and more secure than ever.”

Overall the @bcndp saying they are making 60 new promises
a new medical school
silver alert
fast track drug decriminalization (? have said the problem is federal regs)
new rent supplements
make sure classrooms resources they need #bced#bcpoli @news1130 #bcvotes2020 pic.twitter.com/qEkuTRj6as

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) October 6, 2020

If elected, the NDP is pledging a one-time, $1,000 recovery benefit for families with a household income under $125,000 a year, with a sliding scale to $170,00. Individuals would receive $500 if they are earning less than $62,000, with a sliding scale up to $87,000.

The @bcndp platform out —
A LOT of $ promises *including* the $400 renter rebate @jjhorgan promised *last* election.
And a one time cash bonus for everyone if you elect them
up to $1000 for families, $500 for single folk #bcpoli #bcvotes2020 @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/2BhnwKCPb3

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) October 6, 2020

Horgan said the package will cost about $1.4 billion, and it is necessary.

He explained the money wasn’t held back in pre-election government funding announcements.

“We put this together over the past couple of weeks based on what we see is the need for British Columbians, and I believe that it’s appropriate and British Columbians will respond positively to it,” he said.

Bringing back its promise from the last election, the NDP said it would introduce a $400 renter rebate.

A rent freeze until the end of the year and capping increases after that is also included in the party’s platform.

The $10-a-day childcare will be expanded and transit will be free for kids up to the age of 12 to help families get around easier.

As part of the party’s recovery investment fund, it said it will provide another $3 billion to build new schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure. The party suggests this will create about 18,000 new jobs a year.

The NDP plans to launch a 10-year cancer plan which includes a new medical school to train more doctors.

Looking at clean energy, the NDP wants to make electric vehicles affordable by bringing in an income-tested incentive to help more people switch over, regardless of their income.

Looking at clean energy – the @bcndp promises about no emission vehicles was part of their past promises clean energy plan to move to electric vehicles in next couple decades#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 #BCvotes2020 pic.twitter.com/nod8cZdgm8

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) October 6, 2020

Banning single-use plastics and focusing on clean water projections are new additions to the party’s approach to climate change.

The platform also has promises around challenging issues, such as combatting systemic racism and closing the gender pay gap.

On Monday, the party promised free COVID-19 vaccines for all British Columbians once one becomes available.

Read the full platform: