The major take-aways from B.C. Premier David Eby’s first throne speech

While short on specifics, David Eby’s first throne speech as B.C. premier promised to increase the stock of housing for middle-income families, crack down on gangs and money launderers, pass pay transparency legislation, expand access to addictions treatment and reduce waiting times for cancer care.

The throne speech, read by Lt.-Gov Janet Austin, kicks off the 11-week spring legislative session. The provincial budget will be released on Feb. 28. Here are some of the key take-aways:

The speech said the rising cost of living is by far the biggest source of anxiety for people and promised a refreshed housing strategy that will build more housing and services near public transit hubs in the province. It will be backed up by legislation to be introduced in the fall session.

Eby has promised a rethink of the province’s social housing program. Government-subsidized housing would no longer be just for lower-income earners but also for middle-class families who can’t afford to buy a home.