MLA'S CORNER: Time to do what's right for B.C.

Things are not OK in B.C. With record-high rent, unaffordable food at the grocery store, soaring gas prices, and ballooning provincial debt, we can no longer stay silent and continue to pass the buck on to the next generation who, by the way, aren’t even staying here. That’s right. I couldn’t believe it when I saw a recent survey from Angus Reid last week suggested that one in three British Columbians are contemplating a move outside of our province. In fact, according to a Statistics Canada report from April 2024, for the first time in more than a decade, B.C. has experienced its first net inter-provincial migration loss of nearly 10,000 residents, and over 67,000 British Columbians chose to move to other provinces. It is frightening to watch the beauty of B.C. and its natural economic advantages whither away over the past seven years. We aren’t just dealing with a crisis of unaffordability; we have continued challenges in so many different areas, including violent crime, addiction and mental illness, and strained healthcare systems in communities big and small across the province. British Columbia is the most beautiful place in the world to live, work and explore. We have so much to be thankful for, and that’s why we cannot continue on the path of higher taxes, growing inflation and reckless spending that has taken a toll on our province. Common sense must prevail. We must focus on rebuilding the B.C. dream and what it means for our businesses, natural resource sectors, our communities, and families. We need to put people before politics and stop the out-of-control spending and policies that has been strangling our potential for years. We need to put a stop to the carbon tax, end hallway healthcare with practical solutions, invigorate our resource industries, and make life affordable for you and your family. It's time do what’s right for BC.