The B.C. government has vowed to increase support for local agriculture to assist families struggling to cope with the effects of rising food prices.
In its annual speech from the throne, the Liberal government promised to boost financial support to the Agricultural Land Commission and move forward with a tax credit for farmers who donate food to non-profit groups.
The speech noted that climate change and water shortages are hurting food production in the U.S. and Mexico.
“Combined with the current low Canadian dollar, this creates rising food prices, which are putting a strain on B.C. families,” said the speech, read by Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon.
The government committed to working with industry, local governments and community groups to encourage British Columbians to “buy local, grow local.”
“This work will get more British Columbians engaged in growing food at home and in their communities,” the speech said. “It will provide another source of fresh fruits and vegetables and further strengthen the connection between British Columbians, our communities and our agricultural sector.”
Elsewhere in the speech, the government acknowledged that low global energy prices will have an impact on its plans for a liquefied natural gas industry in B.C.
“There is no question that unforeseen global conditions are posing new challenges,” the speech said. “Low global prices will have an impact on your government’s initial timelines. But government has done everything it set out to do to attract investment for the cleanest LNG in the world.”
The government also promised to:
• Introduce more measures to support vulnerable children and social workers
• Improve supports for people with mental illness
• Introduce legislation to modernize community care and assisted living
• Investigate and take action against improper behaviour in the housing market
The speech also took a shot at Alberta, saying the province has “lost its focus.”
“They expected their resource boom never to end, failed to diversify their economy and lost control of government spending,” the speech said.
“So today, with the price of oil at historic lows, global markets shutting down, and the Canadian dollar falling, it has never been more important to stay vigilant.”
