And what about that new statutory vacation day for British Columbians in February?
As they were in the BC Liberal Party’s leadership race, business issues will be key in a successful run for leadership of the BC New Democratic Party. NDP members are scheduled to cast their votes in the party’s leadership race on April 17. In this third instalment of Business in Vancouver’s NDP leadership series, the newspaper surveys the five candidates on attracting investment to B.C., instituting a statutory vacation in February and controlling red tape. In the first instalment (issue 1117; March 22-28), the candidates outlined plans for health care, balancing budgets and government spending. In instalment No. 2 (issue 1118; March 29-April 4), they discussed their vision for the province, policies that distinguish them from the current government and infrastructure spending. Next week: the HST.
I would:
- improve public health care, which, according to KPMG’s “Competitive Alternatives,” provides B.C. with a major competitive advantage;
- improve B.C.’s poor ranking on research and development; and
- move forward with the settling of aboriginal land claims and other issues critical to certainty and economic development in the B.C. economy.
Yes, given the long period between New Year’s Day and the Easter long weekend.
Truly meaningful consultation is critical in adopting new standards and regulations or in changing existing regulations, which would be my objective in order to properly assess the costs and benefits.
BC shouldn’t compete to be a low-cost jurisdiction. We should be a high-skill, high-quality-of-life jurisdiction. First, invest in young people to ensure they have skills that business and investors require. Second, steward natural resources so they are developed wisely. Finally, protect our natural environment, which is the envy of the world.
I am more interested in hearing whether British Columbians think we need a holiday in February.
The BC Liberals claim to have “cut” red tape by one-third, but I know that many small-business owners don’t feel any better off. We need to focus on regulation that protects things that are important and not those that simply create unnecessary costs.
First, provide stability. That means running government in an open way, following through on commitments and including stakeholders in policy development. Second, establish regional international centres of excellence to take advantage of economic opportunities for key industries. Finally, create partnerships with post-secondary institutions to increase investment in research and development.
I support a statutory holiday in February and would ensure that we first assess the costs to government and other employers.
Work with all stakeholders to ensure B.C. has a strong economy and supports economic development. Maintaining a competitive business climate is important to economic growth, but we must ensure we move forward in a way that respects our environment, communities, workers’ rights and social services.
I would transfer subsidies of fossil fuels into green technologies, increase education spending and increase use of rail and public transit.
Yes. British Columbians are some of the most productive workers on the planet, yet enjoy a comparative few holidays per year. I fully support the introduction of a February statutory holiday.
As premier, I would undertake a full review of existing regulations on all businesses in British Columbia to ensure that business is not overly burdened while maintaining the highest standards for our public, workers and environment.
I would make B.C. an attractive jurisdiction for investors due to it having high literacy, an educated workforce, safe communities, good infrastructure, certainty on the land base, competitive tax rates and good quality of life. I will be open about our plans and implement them if elected and have no surprises.
Yes. A statutory holiday in February would be good for everyone. Many business get additional customers on statutory holidays. .
I would:
- develop easy-to-use online content and make it easier for small-business owners to file government paperwork;
- remind staff that the role of government is accuracy, not reams of paperwork; and
- encourage small-business owners to identify where paperwork can be streamlined but still be accurate.