Highlights of British Columbia budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year

VICTORIA — Here are highlights from the B.C. budget tabled Tuesday:

— The government is earmarking $2.1 billion to fund disaster recovery efforts and future response to the threats from wildfires, floods and heat waves.

— The deficit is forecast to be $5.5 billion for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

— Average child-care fees will drop to about $20 per day after the NDP promised $10-a-day child care.

— $22 million will be spent to support survivors and restore funding for 50 sexual assault centres.

— A new Declaration Act Secretariat will ensure legislation is consistent with United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and that it is developed in consultation with Indigenous Peoples.

 — $27.4 billion will be spent on infrastructure over three years, including on the SkyTrain from Surrey to Langley.

— The number of urgent and primary care centres will be doubled by 2025 as part of $3.2 billion earmarked for the health and mental health-care systems.

— The provincial sales tax will be removed on all electric heat pumps.

— A new clean buildings tax rebate will provide incentives to undertake energy refits of larger rental and commercial buildings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 22, 2022.

The Canadian Press