Christy Clarke: I would ensure we have fiscal discipline in all areas of government.
We need a sustainable spending plan for health care that’s in line with economic growth. And we need to ensure that priorities in the economic ministries can be dealt with so that we’re not stifling growth.
I favour increased use of sunset clauses and regular reviews of programs.
George Abbott: First, government travel. Government recently invested in “telepresence” technology as a way for groups to conference without the cost of travel. Second, transactional services. Technology allows individuals to conduct simple transactions from the comfort of their homes without having to show up in person. Third, shared internal services.
Mike De Jong: I would reduce the size of cabinet from 24 to less than 20 and reduce the budget of the premier’s office by at least 10%. I believe we are a remarkably over-governed society for a jurisdiction of four million people.
Moira Stilwell: First, explore the use of technology to reduce travel and administrative costs. Second, look for efficiencies and cost savings in all areas of government. Third, ensure that the government remains accountable to taxpayers for expenditure.
CC: B.C.’s future lies with our human resources inside our border and our markets outside our borders. We have the ability to do incredible things as we train our multicultural workforce, invest in research and leverage our natural resources to generate new wealth for B.C. in support of sustaining and strengthening critical social programs.
GA: I foresee at least four significant evolutions for our province over the next 10 years that we must strive toward. The:
- resurgence and rise of rural British Columbia;
- rise of Canada’s Pacific Gateway;
- growing significance of new Canadians and First Nations; and
- new technology economy.
MDJ: Our future depends on how successfully we position ourselves internationally. We must promote and facilitate economic development, to provide jobs and to generate sufficient revenue to pay for social services like health care and education. B.C. has tremendous opportunities if we develop new markets and attract people, customers and investors.
MS: The BC Liberal government has given British Columbia 10 years of economic prosperity. We need to build on that legacy over the next decade to ensure all British Columbians continue to benefit from our success. Specifically, we need to further develop our knowledge-based economy, focus on regional economic strengths and increase exports.
CC: We need to ensure our transportation routes and ports are able to meet the demand of a growing resource sector.
The Evergreen Line must proceed.
Continued investment in health care to meet the needs of an aging population
GA: First, the Port Mann Bridge and Highway 1 expansion. Second, Highway 97 four-laning. Third, Highway 37 electrification. The Northwest Transmission Line is a fundamental part of opening up resource and energy opportunities in the northwest, which will in turn create jobs and bring new investment.
MDJ: I would invest in projects that maximize our opportunity to generate more wealth through trade and investment with overseas markets.
We need to invest in infrastructure strategically to advance our objectives of promoting increased trade and investment. We also need to capitalize on our geographic position as the link between Canada and Asia
MS: First, invest in regional colleges to ensure local knowledge economy. Second, put more “system” into the transportation system. Finally, review health infrastructure to see if it is meeting demand.