B.C. Finance Minister Michael de Jong tabled a new budget on Tuesday that will see the provincial government invest $1.6 billion over the next three years on new and increased spending.
But how will that investment impact Mission residents?
According to Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson, capital spending will benefit Mission with a portion of $55 million for emergency preparedness and prevention initiatives to upgrade dikes – on both sides of the river.
“Agriculture is a key local economic driver in our community and the new Farmers’ Food Donation Tax Credit is worth 25 per cent of qualifying agricultural products donated to a registered charity providing food for the needy or supporting a school meal plan,” Gibson said.
He also said changes to the Medical Service Plan will make all children exempt from MSP premiums, which should benefit about 70,000 single-parent families in the province. Premium assistance will be expanded, reducing payments for 335,000 people.
Gibson said eligibility will also be expanded for the BC Training and Education Savings Program.
“Children born on or after Jan. 1, 2006 will be eligible to receive a one-time $1,200 grant to the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). This expansion will give 40,000 additional children the opportunity to save for their future education.”