Benefits for the Shuswap

When our government released this year’s provincial budget, I was excited for seniors and families in the Shuswap to experience its benefits.

Balanced Budget 2017 – our fifth-consecutive balanced budget – shows what can be accomplished when we grow our economy and control spending. With a strong economic foundation, we’re able to make record investments while also returning money to British Columbians who have worked hard for our success. 

This year’s budget starts the process of eliminating MSP premiums, cutting them by 50 per cent. Beginning January 1, 2018, households earning an annual net income of up to $120,000 will see their premiums cut in half. For families, this means savings of up to $900 a year, and for individuals, savings of up to $450 a year. This change will benefit seniors as well. Senior couples with a family net income between $51,001 and $120,000 will save $900 per year, while senior couples earning up to $51,000 – or single seniors earning up to $45,000 – will continue to qualify for reduced premiums. 

This year’s budget delivers many other benefits to seniors – both here in the Shuswap and around the province. Aside from providing a further $159 million to maintain rental assistance programs for low-income families and seniors, Budget 2017 contributes to our government’s $920 million commitment to build nearly 5,300 units of affordable housing – including 542 units for seniors. And adding $4.2 billion to the health care budget over three years is good for all British Columbians – including seniors. 

With record job creation and more people working than ever before, our government recognizes that British Columbians have worked hard to get us to the position we are in today. Through sustained economic growth and projected budget surpluses, government is able to give back while also investing in our future. And that’s something I’m proud to deliver for the Shuswap. 

Greg Kyllo
MLA for Shuswap