Business Community Calls for Economic Plan
For Immediate Release
VANCOUVER, B.C — Today, British Columbia’s business community came together to call on the province’s political leaders to deliver a clear and actionable plan that fosters economic growth, increases prosperity, ignites innovation, and upholds our province’s entrepreneurial spirit.
“In the coming weeks, British Columbians will decide which political party forms the next government. To help voters make an informed decision, B.C.’s business community sent each leader a survey to better understand their economic plans for the province. The responses will be shared with the public and media.
“Canada and British Columbia’s productivity challenges are well-documented, impacting our collective standard of living. GDP per capita is below 2014 levels, and, due to rising costs and an increasingly complex regulatory environment, we face declining investment and stagnant private sector job growth.
“Recent public opinion research indicates that housing affordability, the cost of living, inflation, and healthcare remain the top priorities for British Columbians. These pressing issues are closely tied to the strength of our economy. Without a forward-thinking plan to expand our economic base, the government’s ability to generate the revenue needed to maintain crucial social services and infrastructure will be severely undermined.
“If we do not create conditions conducive for growth, businesses will invest and grow in other provinces, the United States and elsewhere.
“In an era of economic uncertainty and volatility, British Columbia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to position itself as a strong and competitive economy. With a government willing to partner with the private sector, we can unlock this province’s full potential and ensure a prosperous future for all.”
B.C. Leaders Survey Questions
1. Productivity, Business Investment, and Wage Growth
The Bank of Canada is worried about Canada's “productivity emergency” and the lack of investment. How would your government encourage more business investment, job creation, and higher wages in British Columbia?
2. Cost of Doing Business
Business owners are concerned about the rising cost of doing business in British Columbia, due to rising prices, more regulations, and higher taxes. How would you reduce the cost of doing business in the province?
3. Spending and Deficits
Several credit agencies have outlined concerns around B.C.’s planned large deficits for the next three years, driving debt levels higher. Does your government have a plan to balance the budget? And if so, how and when? How will you ensure provincial program spending provides the best value for the services British Columbians rely on?
4. Climate and Energy Policy
How will your government balance environmental goals with keeping life affordable and the economy growing? What are your plans regarding the carbon tax?
5. Resource Development
The health of British Columbia’s resource sectors (LNG, mining, forestry, agriculture) is crucial for sustaining families, creating jobs, and funding healthcare, education, and social services. Will your government prioritize resource development in B.C.? If so, what specific actions will you take?
6. Regulatory Improvement
Good governance includes implementing reasonable regulations that achieve desired outcomes for British Columbians without imposing excessive costs and burdens. How will your government modernize regulations, speed up decision making, and improve regulatory outcomes?
7. Crime and Safety
Statistics Canada’s data shows that the province’s violent crime rate has increased by 30 per cent since 2018 with many businesses across the province reporting higher levels of concern around employee/customer safety. What policy changes would you prioritize to improve public safety in B.C. communities?
8. Cost of Living
The rising cost of living, especially in housing, energy, and food, is a significant concern for many households in B.C. If elected, how will your government address these rising costs and make life more affordable for British Columbians? Will you cut taxes as part of your strategy?
9. Healthcare
B.C.'s healthcare system faces issues like long wait times, crowded emergency rooms, and a shortage of family doctors. What changes would you implement to improve healthcare?
10. Reconciliation
Reconciliation in British Columbia is crucial for building a more inclusive and respectful society, recognizing Indigenous rights, and ensuring opportunities for community growth and empowerment. How will your government support economic reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia?
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Media contact:
Federico Cerani
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com
Alex McMillan
Interim Director of Policy
BC Chamber of Commerce
604-367-8697 | alex@mcmillansolutions.ca
Jayne Czarnocki
Director of Communications
Mining Association of British Columbia
778-957-2597 | jczarnocki@mining.bc.ca
Braden McMillan
Director of Communications
Business Council of British Columbia
236-999-6979 | Braden.mcmillan@bcbc.com
Dariya Baiguzhiyeva
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses
647-464-2814 | public.affairs@cfib.ca
Travis Joern
Director of Communications
BC Council of Forest Industries
778-846-3465 | Joern@cofi.org
Chris Gardner
President
Independent Contractors and Businesses Association
604-761-4905| chris@icba.ca