The BC Chamber of Commerce has commended the provincial government for its updated 2013 provincial budget released yesterday, with president and CEO John Winter describing it as “both balanced and prudent.”
Winter said balancing the province’s budget is imperative for growth and has long been a priority for the chamber and its 36,000 member businesses.
“The BC Chamber commends the government for its commitment to four years of balanced budgets and for demonstrating that commitment in this updated budget,” said Winter, adding that B.C. needs a review of its government services and programs.
“The BC Chamber urges this government to take swift action in launching a core review process,” he said.
“The BC Chamber has long advocated for such a review to ensure that every B.C. tax dollar is well spent and in the current best interests of British Columbians.”
Anticipated tax revenue was downgraded by $221 million from the original forecast in the government’s pre-election budget. Economic growth is anticipated to be 1.4%, down from the originally forecasted 1.6%. As a result, the government will be looking for additional cost savings this year.
