Christy Clark: I am proposing increased use of sunset clauses for regulations and legislation and would mandate the select standing committee on finance to develop a comprehensive plan that requires laws and regulations to be reviewed on a consistent basis.
George Abbott: The key to building on our success is to ensure that we look beyond the numbers and look at the impacts of regulation. As premier, I would continue to support the next phase of red tape reduction with our sector partners to ensure that the questions of quality are just as important as quantity.
Mike De Jong: Great progress has been made by the BC Liberals in reducing red tape. Now focus should shift to a “user- driven” process. I would welcome input from small business on priorities. I will encourage voters to support the HST and continue government’s work on interprovincial trade barriers.
C.C.: One of the most consistent concerns I hear from small-business owners relates to property taxes, which is why, as premier, I would undertake a municipal tax review. That will examine whether the system is fair and that no one group is carrying an unfair burden. The review will also allow for a public dialogue involving property taxpayers across B.C. and include a discussion about municipal concern regarding provincial downloading.
G.A.: Certainty around the HST must be our primary objective. That means holding the vote in June. If we have to bring back the PST, we must find better efficiencies in its application. Small business also wants a say on the post-2012 carbon tax, which is why I would add a question to the HST referendum.
M.D.J.: B.C. liberals know the private sector creates jobs and creates revenue to provide social services. B.C. needs to continue to attract tourists, investors and immigrants and to build markets for our products and services. We need to focus precious infrastructure dollars on projects that promote and facilitate economic development.
C.C.: One of the major challenges for small business is accessing capital in order to compete. In my Families First vision, I call for a new business creation tax credit to offer angel investors a tax credit on a portion of their investment in new businesses. This will be targeted to firms that are less than two years old. We should offer a partially refundable payroll tax rebate to eligible startup businesses in their first year. We also need to market the products. That’s why, within the first six months, I will lead a trade mission to China and India.
G.A.: Small businesses need skilled workers to succeed. I support more regionally based training opportunities that connect education with regional economic development. I would also advance programs to attract, train and retain more skilled immigrants to our province. Finally, international trade outreach programs must emphasize the needs of our small businesses.
M.D.J.: Education and training should be directly tied to local economic development needs. A comprehensive economic development strategy will help focus attention on growth sectors and all regions. I will support businesses that export products and services by building the province’s reputation for environmental stewardship and quality of life.