B.C. budget will benefit working people

VICTORIA, Feb. 20, 2018 /CNW/ - The NDP government's ambitious plans for childcare and strengthening public services will help make life more affordable for working families, says Unifor.

"After 16 years lost to a B.C. Liberal government obsessed with the wealthy, today's budget marks a new start for this province's working people," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Premier John Horgan is keeping his promises to make life more affordable for British Columbians."

Finance Minister Carol James introduced the NDP's first budget since the 2017 election. It contained a much-anticipated roadmap for universal childcare, allocating $1 billion over three years, the largest childcare investment in B.C.'s history. The budget also makes significant investments in education and healthcare.

"Minimum wage increases, creating childcare spaces, eliminating bridge tolls, scrapping health care premiums, campaign finance reform, and electoral reform. The list of fresh priorities goes on," said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Regional Director. "There is no other conclusion: this was a fantastic budget for working families."

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor