Horgan’s inflation relief nowhere in sight as costs skyrocket: BC Liberals

AS recent numbers from Statistics Canada show a staggering 8.1 per cent inflation rate in B.C., BC Liberal Finance Critic Peter Milobar is questioning why Premier John Horgan has abandoned his promise to ​do anything about it.

“As the cost of groceries, gas, and housing skyrockets, people are counting on government to implement a real plan to fight inflation. But despite Premier Horgan’s promises, the NDP still hasn’t done anything to help people make ends meet or bring inflation under control,” said Milobar.

“It’s been two months since Horgan told people he would bring forward initiatives to assist with inflation and yet the affordability crisis is worse than ever. After all their promises to make life more affordable, the NDP should be deeply embarrassed by their total failure to address this critical issue.”

The BC Liberals pointed out that B.C.’s inflation hit 8.1 per cent in May, higher than the national average of 7.7 per cent and higher than any of the major provinces. In B.C.​, the price of gas is up 42 per cent year-over-year, the price of groceries is up 9 per cent and the price of housing is up 8 per cent.

They said that it was two months ago that Horgan said: “Minister Robinson has been directed by me to look at efforts to bring forward initiatives to assist with inflation. We’ll see how that goes.” Since the time of Horgan’s comments, no such initiatives have been announced, but the NDP did decide to announce their plans for a $1 billion museum project.

“People feel abandoned by this NDP government as they are forced to cope with skyrocketing inflation with no sign of relief,” said Milobar. “John Horgan may have the luxury of maintaining a ‘we’ll see how that goes’ attitude, but for everyday people​, rising costs mean choosing between filling their car with gas or buying groceries to feed their family. They simply cannot afford to wait any longer for this NDP government to realize the impact rising inflation is having on our communities. The time to act was months ago, and each day Horgan delays​, more people struggle to get by.”