Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, has issued the following statement in response to the expert panel on basic income’s report to government:

The B.C. government is investing $10 million in a new FireSmart Economic Recovery Fund, as part of its economic recovery plan to create jobs and help communities cope with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Province and BC Hydro are reducing rates and lowering the costs of connecting to the electricity grid to help industries, public transportation agencies and neighbourhood energy systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions and attract new clean tech industries to British Columbia.

Taking care of provincial parks while creating jobs and safeguarding nature is at the heart of a new investment supporting economic recovery for people in British Columbia.

B.C. businesses wanting to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs can access more in provincial rebates through the CleanBC Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive (SUVI) and Commercial Vehicle Pilot (CVP) programs.

Restaurants and hospitality businesses that are experiencing unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic will be provided with immediate relief from the fees charged by food delivery companies.

The province is delivering relief to small- and medium-sized forestry businesses for the extra costs of keeping their employees and communities safe, while operating through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications for the new Agritech Grant program are being accepted.