Province looks for public input on how to spend $1.5B in COVID-19 recovery funds

The B.C. government is holding virtual town halls and asking people to complete an online survey to help determine how to spend $1.5 billion in funds set aside for stimulus and COVID-19 economic recovery.

Premier John Horgan and Finance Minister Carole James announced the outreach planWednesday in Victoria.

"Everyone says, 'How can I help?' and I want to take advantage of that," said Horgan.

"I think our success has been a result of people coming together," he said of the effort to flatten the curve and reduce the spread of the virus that has killed 168 people in the province andinfected 2,775.

The premier said $3.5 billion has already been spent in response to the pandemic, and money continues to go out, but he said stimulus plans aren't as effective while people are stuck at home which they have been formost of the pandemic.

Phase 3 could come next week

Horgan said a Destination B.C. plan to promote tourism in the province will begin once it's safe toencourage travel again.

He said he's hopefulthe province will be able to enter Phase 3 of its reopening plan next week, but that will depend on a COVID-19 modelling update from Provincial Health OfficerDr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix.

Phase 3includes the reopening offilm and television productions, movie theatres, spas, hotels, resorts, overnight camping in parks, and travel within the province.

Horgansaid Wednesday that allowing non-essential travel throughout the province includes visitors from across the country, though the border with the United States will remain closed to non-essential travellers.

The government'splan to get input on where to best spend the $1.5 billion in stimulus funds will include virtual town halls and an online survey. Feedback is welcomed until July 21.