B.C. Throne Speech to outline legislative priorities for 2024

B.C. Lieutenant Governor Janet Austen will deliver the throne speech on Tuesday, outlining the provincial government’s political agenda for the upcoming year.

Heading into an election later in 2024, the speech will officially open the spring legislative session, with clues as to what British Columbians can expect to be included in the budget, which will be unveiled Thursday.

Recent forecasts from the Ministry of Finance and private financial experts suggest the province will experience slow economic growth this year.

Premier David Eby has said he expects the government to table about 20 pieces of new legislation and a fiscal plan that looks to help families facing the high cost of living.

Last year, the BC NDP tabled several pieces of housing legislation, aimed at increasing supply. The government also moved to restrict short-term rentals and build more units near transit hubs.

Meanwhile, BC United Leader Kevin Falcon promised last week that if elected he would introduce housing initiatives to help first-time homebuyers raise down payments and would eliminate the property transfer tax for buyers of homes under $1 million.

The provincial election is slated for Oct. 19.

Stay with The Leader Spirit for the latest on the Throne Speech and Budget 2024, with full coverage on-air and online.

-With files from The Canadian Press