If elected BC NDP promises to expand student grant program while BC Liberal Party promises to work to end tent cities

The NDP is promising to increase a British Columbia government student grant program up to $4,000 for eligible students to help them pay tuition, textbook and supply costs.

New Democrat Leader John Horgan says a re-elected NDP will also add 2,000 more technology spaces in post-secondary programs across B.C.

Horgan says the NDP will provide more details about its post-secondary education plans when it releases its election platform next week.

He says the grant program will be expanded to allow more middle-class and low-income students access to receive up to $4,000 each.

Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson was also in Vancouver this morning to denounce the New Democrat's handling of tent encampments and a lack of help for people with mental health or addiction issues.

Addressing the issue of public safety, Andrew Wilkinson said that a BC Liberal government will work to end tent cities in urban parks.

"In cities across B.C. people are getting fed up with growing street crime and the increase in violent incidents. We’re all appalled at hearing stories of people being chased, harassed, or attacked.

This is wrong, and it needs to be fixed", said Wilkinson. Blaming NDP for "warehousing those suffering from mental health and addictions issues", Wilkinson said that vulnerable citizens, many of whom are suffering from brain injuries, addictions, and untreated mental illness are being left on the streets .

"As a trained physician, I know we need to treat the underlying medical causes of mental illness and addictions", added Wilkinson.