B.C. legislature returns with throne speech, budget coming next week

The BC legislature resumes today with a throne speech, one week before the NDP's next budget at roughly the midway point of the minority government's mandate.

Premier John Horgan says the elimination of Medical Service Plan premiums, more child care options and raises in the minimum wage are among his government's achievements, but more needs to be done to improve affordability.

He says the government often hears about gas prices and cellphone charges and promises those issues will be addressed in the throne speech.

Opposition Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson says the NDP has been downplaying a poor record of addressing major issues in B.C., including job losses in the forestry sector.