Grace Lore, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, has released the following statement in recognition of Equal Pay Day:  

British Columbia is well-positioned to support people through emerging global economic headwinds with preliminary numbers showing an improved fiscal forecast.

The Province’s year-end Public Accounts show B.C. had a strong fiscal result last year, bolstered by a faster-than-expected economic recovery as government made record investments to support British Columbians.

As part of the Province’s work to develop an action plan to end gender-based violence, staff at the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) presented its trauma informed, wraparound supports and services available in Greater Victoria.

A new homebuyer protection period will protect people in B.C. looking to buy a home from being pressured into high-risk sales.

The expansion of the Speculation and Vacancy Tax will help eliminate speculative real estate practices and turn empty units into homes for people in additional communities in B.C. struggling with housing affordability.

A new tax credit will make energy retrofits for multi-unit residential and commercial buildings more affordable, saving owners 5% on retrofits to help reduce their energy use.

B.C.’s speculation and vacancy tax (SVT) helped make homes more affordable in the SVT areas of the province, based on independent analysis by Tsur Somerville and Jake Wetzel.

People in British Columbia are asked to share their ideas and priorities to help make life better for people, businesses and communities as government plans Budget 2023.