Carole James, Minister of Finance, will meet with financial institutions and investment firms this week to discuss Budget 2018 and how British Columbia’s universal child-care plan will further bolster the province’s strong economy.

James will travel to Chicago, Boston, Montreal and Toronto, from April 2-6, 2018. The tour will highlight B.C.’s diverse economy, triple-A credit rating and balanced fiscal plan that puts people first. While in Toronto, the minister will present B.C.’s new vision for child care and economic growth to the Economic Club of Canada.

Throughout the tour, James will promote B.C.’s strong credit credentials to domestic and international fixed-income investors. She will share specifics about B.C.’s balanced budget, prudent fiscal management and debt affordability. Investors will hear about B.C.’s new universal child-care plan, as well as B.C.’s gross domestic product (GDP) outlook, employment, retail sales and housing starts and exports, all of which continue to exceed expectations.

The estimated travel and accommodation cost for the minister and her ministerial assistant is approximately $9,100. Information on final costs will be made available once the tour is complete and costs are finalized.