Highlights from B.C.’s throne speech include focus on housing issues

VICTORIA – Highlights of the British Columbia government’s throne speech presented Tuesday:

— The province is promising to help people who want to become homeowners by looking for ways to increase the housing supply.

———

— The government is staying the course on a 2013 Liberal campaign promise to develop liquefied natural gas, despite acknowledging that an unforeseen drop in global commodity prices will affect its initial timeline.

———

— The province’s operating debt will be paid down and a prosperity fund created to leave an endowment for future generations.

———

— Increase financial support for the Agricultural Land Reserve and a tax credit will be extended to farmers who donate food to non-profit groups.

— — —

— Work to renew the softwood lumber agreement with the United States and offer support for Canada on signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an international trade deal.

— — —

— Introduce legislation in the coming weeks to modernize community care and assisted living, and negotiating a settlement with B.C. nurses.