Article content

VICTORIA — The John Horgan government this week responded to the novel coronavirus crisis by closing schools, cancelling thousands of surgeries and casting its three-year balanced budget and fiscal plan into doubt.

Premier Horgan and his ministers also signalled there is much more to come from this ambitious and activist government in response to the pandemic.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Vaughn Palmer: Horgan didn't ask for virus crisis, but he's well suited to rise to it Back to video

Legislation is in the works to protect workers who stay home because they are sick or have to self-isolate in response to the virus. Protection will be extended to workers in the gig economy, those on contract and the self-employed.

“We are finding ways to help those businesses that are (employing) five and 10 people and just can’t keep the doors open because no one’s coming in those doors,” said Horgan.

There will likely be relief for tenants and small businesses squeezed by unforgiving landlords. Help is also on the way for at-risk populations at the lower end of the economic scale. The premier hinted at relief for folks who can’t afford to pay their B.C. Hydro bills.