Nov
30
By Carole James
Recently, Premier Gordon Campbell took to the airwaves with a $250,000 TV address. Rather than set out a renewed vision for our province, the premier wasted the opportunity with a series of excuses for the HST, recycled promises on education, and a reckless tax cut aimed at buying back the support of British Columbians.
British Columbians deserve better. British Columbia needs a prudent fiscal and economic approach.
A competitive tax environment that encourages investment is absolutely critical. But a one-off, half-billion-dollar tax cut from a desperate government when B.C.'s economic and fiscal picture remains very uncertain is just plain reckless. And with the province still in deficit, the tax cut will no doubt be paid for with fee hikes and cuts to vital public services.
The premier has failed to acknowledge the mounting economic and social challenges under his government. The statistics are revealing. Between 2001 and 2009, B.C. was the only province in Western Canada to have negative growth in exports. We've had the lowest growth in average hourly wages and lost approximately 50,000 jobs in our natural resource and manufacturing industries.
Our social indicators are no better. B.C. has the highest rate of child poverty in Canada. We face a growing income gap and disparities between rural and urban B.C. And by the premier's own admission one in five children do not have the literacy or numeracy skills they need to succeed.
But we can meet these challenges. Indeed, as I travel the province and hear from British Columbians, I am more optimistic than ever about our future. That is why I launched Our Province Our Future, a series of summits on the economy, which draws on knowledge of community leaders, including local government, business, labour, first nations, academics and civil society groups.
One clear theme has emerged: B.C. needs a new way of doing business. For too long our polarized politics have shut people out. We need a new approach that deals people in, an approach built on four key priorities.
First: A strong, dynamic private sector economy. The wealth created by business and entrepreneurs helps pay for the services that make for a just and fair society. We can't have one without the other.
It's why I will retain a competitive tax environment. It's why I support economic investments in diversification.
Second: Investments in human capital. In today's economy, the potential of every British Columbian is by far our most important asset.
That is why I have been calling for smart investments in early learning, education, and apprenticeships.
And it's why I have proposed changes to help make advanced education a reality for all those with the determination to succeed.
Third: A fundamental commitment to sustainability, climate action and environmental health. B.C.'s natural environment is central to our social and economic well-being.
That's why I've called for comprehensive retrofitting program to create green jobs and reduce our carbon emissions.
And it's why I have made it clear that economic development cannot be at the expense of environmental protection or without meaningful inclusion of first nations people.
And fourth: A strong, vibrant democracy characterized by open government and fair access to information.
British Columbians need to be part of the decisions that affect all of our lives.
That is why I tabled a package of far-reaching democratic reforms that opens up government, tightens up lobbyist registration rules, and fundamentally changes the way we finance political campaigns.
Taken together these four priorities represent a fundamental shift in the way we do business.
B.C. has the opportunity to be a world leader in economic innovation, social justice and environmental stewardship.
Our community of James Bay knows the power of bringing a community together. Having grown up here and raised my kids here, I am reminded of the strengths of community each and every day!