B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson has unveiled a plan aimed at improving children’s health, education and access to recreational activities, including a proposed $500 annual activity credit, expanded school meal programs and a ban on cellphones in schools.
Speaking at a news conference in Delta on Sunday, Doerkson said families across British Columbia are struggling with rising costs, leaving some unable to afford sports, music lessons and other extracurricular activities.
“Too many families are working harder than ever, and still can’t afford hockey, swimming, music or summer camp.”
Doerkson said the party’s proposed Healthy B.C. Kids plan would focus on reducing classroom distractions, addressing food insecurity and making recreational opportunities more affordable.
The Conservatives are promising to ban cellphones in schools, arguing the devices interfere with students’ ability to concentrate and learn.
“Classrooms should absolutely be a place where kids learn to focus and to read, to do math and to get along with each other. Not a place where they compete with a phone for attention. Every notification is a moment not spent reading, thinking, running around outside or looking a friend in the eye.”
The proposal would also expand school meal programs in communities with high levels of need, with the stated goal of ensuring no child goes hungry during the school day.
The Conservatives are also proposing a refundable B.C. Children’s Activity Credit worth up to $500 per child annually to help cover sports, recreation, music, arts and camp expenses.
Under another commitment, the party would double annual funding for the Playground Equipment Program to $10 million, with a goal of replacing aging playground equipment at 50 schools each year.
“Kids deserve places to play and parents shouldn’t have to spend years fundraising for them.”
The Conservatives would also introduce a municipal funding partnership to help build more sports fields, arenas, swimming pools and recreation centres.
Doerkson said the proposals are intended to provide children with opportunities to remain physically active while reducing financial pressure on parents.
The party is also promising to extend the provincial Autism Funding Program and review planned changes to disability supports to ensure families do not lose assistance they rely on.
Doerkson linked the children’s initiatives to his party’s broader affordability platform, which includes a proposed provincial income tax reduction of $1,000 annually for nearly every working British Columbian, or $2,000 for an average couple.
He also criticized Premier David Eby’s record, arguing the province needs a change in leadership to address affordability and education challenges.
“We need serious leadership for serious times. These are serious times in British Columbia, and we are going to build a British Columbia, that is on a new path for hope and prosperity. Where families and kids can finally thrive again.”
Asked about the impact of artificial intelligence on students’ learning and ability to retain information, Doerkson acknowledged the need for broader provincial policy.
“I think we need policy on AI in general, and I think it needs to be addressed in a very robust way in this province.”
Doerkson said the Conservatives’ full election platform would be released later Sunday.
Doerkson pays tribute to soldiers killed at CFB Wainwright
During the news conference, Doerkson also offered condolences to the families of four Canadian Armed Forces members reported killed in an incident at CFB Wainwright in Alberta on Saturday night.
He expressed sympathy for those injured and thanked first responders who attended the scene.
The four deceased members were identified in the supplied information as Pte. Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver, B.C., Pte. Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask., Pte. Aidan Leichmark of Langley, B.C., and Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton.
“Sadly two young men from British Columbia have been lost, and I want to send my regards and certainly thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of those two individuals,” Doerkson said.
