British Columbia MLAs returned to the legislature today for the first session after the October election that gave the New Democrat’s a majority government.

Premier John Horgan says his government will use the session to make good on an election promise to provide one-time, tax-free payment of $1,000 to eligible families and $500 to individuals to help people get through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Called the BC Recovery Benefit, families with a combined household income of less than $125,000 per year will be eligible for the maximum $1,000; while families earning up to $170,000 will get payments on a sliding scale.

Meanwhile, individuals who earn less than $62,000 a year will be eligible for $500, with those earning up to $87,000 will be eligible for the payment on a sliding scale.

Horgan expects the current session to last about two weeks, noting these payments will stimulate spending and help the provincial economy.

“When the pandemic hit our province last spring, we promised British Columbians we would be there for them, for as long as it takes to recover,” Horgan said. “That promise stands. We will continue to listen to public health officials, help those on the front lines, and support families and businesses.”

In a statement, the government says it will build on the measures already in place, noting some initiatives will be extended or expanded, while other new ones will be launched.

Interim BC Liberal Leader Shirley Bond says her Opposition members will push the New Democrats to address troubles beyond the pandemic recovery fund, especially on the issue of the province’s finances.

In a statement, she says today’s Speech from the Throne did not feature an economic recovery plan or introduce anything for British Columbians aside from a one-time benefit payment.

“People in every corner of our province are frustrated and looking for help and action from their government. John Horgan called the Legislature back for one piece of legislation…There’s so much work to be done, we’re here to do it, so why is he wasting time?” she said.

“As it stands now, with only one bill to be debated and no sign of an economic recovery plan, British Columbians won’t see any help or new supports until at least the spring. This is simply unacceptable.”

Opposition House Leader and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar says he’s looking forward to getting back to work, noting the session will be a challenge with a hybrid with both in-person and online participation.

“That brings a whole other set of complexities in terms of juggling who’s physically able to be in the chamber at any given time versus who’s on Zoom and how we make sure that people on Zoom feel like they’re still a full participant in the proceedings so there’s a lot more meeting to be done obviously by video conferencing,” he said.

“All parties are dealing with that, although I guess with the Green’s and an caucus of two it’s a little easier for them to have a conference call. We’d call that a phone call I guess. But, in all seriousness it adds that complexity but Mary Polak, our previous House Leader dealt with that as well and we’ll get through it.”

Along with his duties as House Leader, Milobar will also serve as the critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Horgan’s New Democrats won 57 of the 87 seats in the legislature, while the Liberals lost more than a dozen seats, prompting Andrew Wilkinson to resign as leader.

Raj Chouhan elected first Indo-Canadian Speaker in Canada

Ahead of the Speech from the Thone, Burnaby-Edmonds MLA Raj Chouhan was elected the first South Asian speaker of the Legislature, the first speaker of South-Asian descent anywhere in Canada.

“I am truly grateful to have been entrusted with this role by all members of the legislative assembly,” Chouhan said. “I want to salute our pioneers who paved the way for a better future for all of us.”

“The first south Asians arrived in Canada in 1895. They, and many others who followed them, faced all forms of discrimination. Bigotry and racism was the norm of the day.

Chouhan, who immigrated to Canada in 1973, has been an MLA since 2005 and was deputy Speaker in the previous legislature. He replaces the retired Darryl Plecas as speaker.

“There was a time when people of colour were not even allowed to enter this building, let alone this chamber. But our forefathers never gave up. They continued their struggle for justice and equality,” Chouhan added.

“Over the decades, we have won many battles, but the journey for fairness and equality is far from over.”

Prior to entering politics, Chouhan was the founding president of the Canadian Farmworkers’ Union and served as the director of bargaining for the Hospital Employees’ Union for 18 years.

– With files from Colton Davies