VICTORIA — Premier John Horgan's voice cracked as he tried to hold back tears at a government event saluting foster parents, caregivers and those who share their homes with people with disabilities.
He told the caregivers seated at the front row of the event at British Columbia's legislature he could not look at them because he would lose his composure.
The minority New Democrat government announced funding increases for foster parents, home-share providers and extended family caregivers amounting to $109 million over the next three years in last week's provincial budget.
Horgan says the increases are the first in a decade and amount to $179 per month for foster parents to help cover basic costs of providing for children in their care.
Victoria-area foster parent Heather Haynes says she would continue being a foster parent without the increase, but the extra money helps.
Horgan says helping voiceless people like vulnerable children and families is a major driving force behind his life in politics.
