THE NDP on Friday claimed that Premier John Horgan and the New Democrat government have been working hard over these first few weeks, making a better B.C., “following 16 years of a B.C. Liberal government that only cared about their wealthy friends and supporters.”

The NDP said in a statement that since July 18, when Horgan and his cabinet were sworn in, the new B.C. government has been working to make life more affordable for British Columbians, create good jobs and opportunities across our great province, and restore and strengthen important services.

Here are just a few things the NDP said Horgan and the New Democrat government have already done within a few short weeks:

Supports for people affected by the wildfires

Immediately following the swearing-in of the new government, Horgan and the new B.C. government made addressing the wildfires and supporting people and businesses affected by them the most urgent priority. Within 24 hours, a task force that includes members of cabinet was established that immediately went to the front lines to determine the scope of the problem, and determine what was needed. The new government also pledged ongoing financial support for people forced to evacuate their communities until they are allowed to return home.

Standing up for BC’s interests in the face of Kinder Morgan

The New Democrat government took action on their commitment to protect British Columbia’s interests in the face of the proposed expansion of the Kinder Morgan pipeline and increased tanker traffic. New Democrats said they would use every tool in the toolbox to protect the economy, environment and thousands of existing jobs, and that work has begun. The first steps include securing Thomas Berger as external legal counsel, seeking options for the B.C. government to participate in legal challenges, and ensuring the province engages in meaningful consultation with Indigenous people concerning the project.

Restoring the Human Rights Commission

Under the B.C. Liberal government, B.C. was the only province without a Human Right Commission, and British Columbians deserve better. That’s why John Horgan and the New Democrat government announced they will re-establish a human rights commission to fight inequality and discrimination in all its forms.

Eliminated tuition fees on Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning programs

The NDP said Horgan wants to make it easier for all British Columbians to get ahead. Removing financial roadblocks like these is an important step towards investing in an economy that works for everyone.

Sending the Site C project for an independent review

The B.C. Liberal government refused to allow our independent energy watchdog to examine the Site C project. Instead, the B.C. Liberals just wanted to “get it past the point of no return” unscrutinized, and regardless of whether there would be a massive financial impact on people across the province. As promised, the New Democrat government is finally sending the project to review so that the best-informed decisions can be made in the interests of B.C. families.

Increased income assistance and disability payments by $100

The NDP said the previous B.C. Liberal government were only looking out for their wealthy friends, while everyone else was left to fend for themselves and the most vulnerable suffered. The New Democrat government is there for people, and this immediate increase was an important part of our government’s commitment to create a comprehensive poverty reduction plan.

A review of the Hullcar Aquifer to ensure drinking water is safe

As concerns mounted about the safety of drinking water, people in the Hullcar Valley were hitting brick walls with the previous B.C. Liberal government who seemed mostly unconcerned.

The new government has announced a new review to ensure agricultural practices are consistent with ensuring safe drinking water.

Purchasing the Waneta Dam through BC Hydro

Owning the Waneta Dam and generating station is expected to help keep rates affordable for British Columbians, and will support local jobs for many years.

Establishing a stand-alone Ministry for Mental Health and Addictions during overdose crisis

The first priority of this new ministry is to save lives immediately in the face of the overdose crisis, and this involves meeting with people on the front lines of the crisis.

Taking steps toward affordable and quality childcare

Under the B.C. Liberal government’s watch, childcare became less and less accessible, and more and more expensive – forcing some parents to make tough decisions about their careers. As promised, Horgan and the New Democrat government want to make child care affordable, and a first step toward that was to establish a Minister of State for Childcare, the NDP said.

The NDP said that there is much more to come, as Horgan and the New Democrat government get to work preparing for the fall session of the legislature which will be about making life better for British Columbians – something the B.C. Liberal government took for granted and called “busy work.”