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Your B.C. Government

Your Voice

September 1, 2009
“This government should be congratulated.  In difficult economic times we face tough choices and this government has made the decisions it needs to to ensure that we can continue to create jobs and business can continue to invest.”
John Winter, President and CEO, B.C. Chamber of Commerce

 September 1, 2009
“Today’s budget update shows that there is cause for optimism and that B.C. remains best positioned in Canada as we emerge from the current economic crisis.”
Stephen Spector, President and FCGA, Certified General Accountants of B.C.

July 24, 2009
“The existing provincial sales tax (PST) is an outdated, inefficient fiscal levy that inhibits investment and imposes heavy compliance burdens on BC businesses. Shifting to a harmonized sales tax (HST) will deliver significant economic benefits to British Columbians.”
Virginia Greene, President and CEO, Business Council of British Columbia, News Release

July 23, 2009
“This is a terrific move by the BC government to improve the economy and great news for British Columbians. For business, it means having to manage the administration of just one tax system rather than two. That saves time and money, and these days that’s very good news for every business, including ours.”
Blair Qualey, President and CEO, New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia, News Release

July 23, 2009
“I got to say still a good thing for British Columbia. The savings of $1.9 billion (for harmonization) is nothing to sneeze at, that’s extremely significant. The paper work burden that’s going to be lifted off the backs of small businesses is huge.”
Brian Bonney, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, CHNL

July 24, 2009
“The point of sale rebate is substantial, minimizing paperwork for both business and customers will reduce processing, which is costly to administer for both the business and the government.”
Adele Yakemchuk, President, Prince George Chamber of Commerce, Prince George Citizen

July 24, 2009
“Harmonization will have a significant and positive impact on agriculture overall, and is consistent with what our members have been calling for.”
Garnet Etsell, Chair, BC Agriculture Council, News Release

Spring 2009
“Businesses will benefit from reduced compliance costs... under a simplified tax administration system, which could ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices.”
Source: Conference Board of Canada, 2009

September 18, 2008
"Right now in British Columbia you’ve got an amazingly honest government. Gordon Campbell cannot have been doing this because he wanted to be popular. He did it because he must have listened to people like me who said if you care about the economy and you care about the climate, this is the best policy."
- Dr. Mark Jaccard, CHNL Jim Harrison Show

June 19, 2008 (Employers get new tool kit to attract, retain workers)
"The tool kit provides businesses with timely information on attracting new employees and retaining their current workforce. The Province continues to support initiatives to help business in B.C. overcome the challenges of success.”
- Linda Larson, vice-chair of the Small Business Roundtable

June 10, 2008 (B.C. holds the line on red tape through 2012)
"Simple, straightforward regulatory requirements make it easier for small businesses to succeed by saving owners and operators valuable time, energy and expense. The commitment to a zero net increase in regulations through 2012 demonstrates this government’s recognition of the importance of regulatory reform to British Columbia’s business community.”
- Laura Jones, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’ vice-president for Western Canada

Jan. 18, 2008 (Mentorship funding supports women in the high-tech sector)
"We believe the demand for mentoring among women in science and technology will only grow, and government’s continued support for our program shows real foresight. Initial feedback from participants suggests they’re gaining first-hand, strategic advice on everything from winning job interviews to working conditions.”
- Marnie Larson, president of the Vancouver Chapter of Wired Woman

Dec. 6, 2007 (Indian businesses explore B.C. Opportunities)
"British Columbia presents many opportunities for Indian businesses to forge new partnerships that will benefit both our economies. I look forward to increasing awareness among B.C. companies of the opportunities in India, and working co-operatively to expand B.C.’s impact in the Indian market.”
- Niraj Bajaj, president of the Indian Merchants’ Chamber