B.C. NDP government to lay out priorities in throne speech as COVID cases climb

British Columbia's NDP government is set to present itsthronespeech Monday, laying out its priorities more than a year after the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The speech is set to begin at 2 p.m. PT.

NDPhouse leader Mike Farnworth has said it will focus on getting B.C. through and beyond the pandemic.

Finance Minister Selina Robinson is set to table the government's first budget on April 20. Last December, in a fiscal update,she forecast a budget deficit nearing $14 billion.

Farnworth saidthe budget will include details of government investment in infrastructure, but will also keep focused on the fight against COVID-19.

Interim Liberal Leader Shirley Bond saidthe government's economic, social and health programs throughout the pandemic have been unfocused and the Opposition will demand initiatives with straightforward goals.

Adam Olsen, one of two B.C. Greens in the legislature, says the NDP has yet to offer a clear agenda since their fall election win.