Minister's Message

Today I was pleased to present Balanced Budget 2007 to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.

The new budget is dedicated to housing. It delivers a comprehensive range of new supports, including a $250-million Housing Endowment Fund, to help address the housing challenges created by a strong economy.

New supports for the homeless. More options for seniors and those with special needs. Expanded rental assistance. Lower income taxes. Improved benefits for first-time homebuyers.

Balanced Budget 2007 takes a major step towards ensuring

every British Columbian has access to a safe, appropriate and affordable place to call home.

All budget documents and material are now available online at www.gov.bc.ca/bcbudget, including:

• Budget Highlights, a reader-friendly, plain language overview of Balanced Budget 2007;

• speech to the Legislative Assembly, the news release and backgrounder, and links to the Services Plans from every ministry and Crown agency;

• Video clips of my address to the media and stakeholders at lockup, including the slide presentation; and

• the Budget and Fiscal Plan—the main budget document—it lays out the Province's three-year fiscal plan, including economic outlook, revenues, spending, tax measures, and forecasting and risk assumptions.

I would be happy to hear your comments and views on Balanced Budget 2007.