B.C.’s throne speech delivered Tuesday afternoon by Lt.-Gov Judith Guichon offered a status quo agenda for the spring legislative session with few new projects or programs on the horizon.
The speech promised a balanced budget and focused on the need to create jobs in an uncertain economic climate, though it was light on details of exactly how that would be accomplished.
“The global economic recovery remains fragile and market conditions remain unstable,” said Guichon. “Consider the price of oil. Who could have credibly predicted that oil would lose half of its value in a matter of months?”
Guichon emphasized B.C. is in a better position than many other provinces to weather financial storms, thanks to its diversified economy.
Areas including liquefied natural gas, forestry, mining, technology, tourism and international education were all touted in the speech as drivers of the provincial economy, along with small businesses.
The speech pointed to B.C.’s continued growth in exports, especially to Asian markets including China, as key.
As in previous throne speeches, an LNG industry was also promoted as being capable of creating “100,000 jobs” and enough revenue to pay off provincial debts.
Guichon described LNG development as a “generational opportunity.”
But the speech was silent on any specific deals with LNG companies.
The speech pointed to changes to B.C.’s liquor laws as one example of government cutting red tape for business.
Immediate reaction to the throne speech was critical, with both the NDP, Green Party and media pundits labelling it as boring and lacking in new ideas.
David Schreck, a North Vancouver political blogger and former NDP MLA, said some of that is to be expected from a throne speech, which is general and vague by its nature.
“Throne speeches are always bad,” he said. “They are usually boring. This one did not break that mould.”
“The tone is status quo, stay the course and lower expectations.”
Schreck noted the references to how LNG will benefit the provincial economy were toned down from previous years.
He added this year likely won’t be a barnburner in provincial politics. “The excitement politically will be on the federal election.”
