British Columbia Premier John Horgan is once again urging the federal government to provide more financial support to the province, calling Ottawa’s claims of providing adequate funding “disingenuous.”
During a press conference on Tuesday, Horgan expressed frustration with the federal government’s response to B.C.’s request for additional funding to help with the province’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Horgan stated that while the federal government has provided some financial assistance, it has not been enough to meet the needs of British Columbians. He emphasized that the province is facing significant challenges, including a struggling tourism industry and a struggling forestry sector.
The premier also pointed out that B.C. has been hit hard by the pandemic, with the province’s unemployment rate reaching 8.1% in April, the highest in the country.
Horgan’s comments come after the federal government announced a $19 billion relief package for provinces and territories in April, which included $2 billion for B.C. However, the premier argues that this amount is not enough to address the province’s needs.
In response to the federal government’s claims that B.C. has not fully utilized the funding provided, Horgan stated that the province has been using the funds as intended and has been transparent in its spending.
He also noted that the federal government has not provided any additional funding for the province’s ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Horgan’s call for more federal support has been echoed by other provincial leaders, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Quebec Premier François Legault.
In conclusion, Premier Horgan is urging the federal government to provide more financial assistance to British Columbia, stating that the province’s needs have not been adequately addressed. He also refutes the federal government’s claims of providing sufficient funding, stating that the province has been transparent in its use of the funds provided.
