HEARTLANDS ECONOMIC STRATEGY

 

For too long the Heartlands have lagged behind the rest of the province in terms of economic performance and the standard of living afforded to its citizens.  This situation is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue.  As such The Chamber welcomed the government’s announcement of its “Heartlands Economic Strategy” as an important step to revitalize the province of BC

 

The Heartlands Economic Strategy aims to support economic growth and job creation by building on measures already taken by government to revitalise the provincial economy such as tax cuts, the reduction of bureaucracy and red tape and a more flexible labour market by:

 

·   revitalizing the resource industries

·   encouraging growth in new and emerging sectors

·   building new partnerships with Aboriginal groups

·   restoring BC’s transportation infrastructure.

 

BC’s Heartlands are well placed to deliver strong economic growth to business in the region and to the provincial economy as a whole.  Not only do they represent 99% of BC’s land base, they are also home to 41% of British Columbians and 37% of BC jobs. In addition to this the Heartlands generate 70% of BC’s more than $30 billion in annual exports to world markets.

 

In a province as vast and diverse as BC, a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development is not enough.  To ensure all parts of the province realize their full potential government must look for ways to stimulate the economy on a region by region basis which is suitable for both the region and its resource base.

 

To fully appreciate the benefits that can be derived from the Heartlands Strategy the government must ensure that the regions are fully engaged and committed to the process.  The government must ensure that the Heartlands have representation on bodies such as the Premier’s Technology Council and also the Leading Edge Board, to ensure a coordinated approach to economic growth in the region is developed at all levels of government. 

 

The vision encapsulated in the Heartlands Economic Strategy must be delivered in partnership with the regions, the government must ensure that all programs and initiatives follow the example of the Northern Medical Program and are offered in collaboration with local organisations and fully meet the regions’ requirements in terms of skills and also stimulate economic growth.

 

The Chamber recommends that the government continue to take a strategic approach to economic growth in the province on a sector by sector, region by region basis to ensure that the full potential of every region of the province is unleashed and that this approach is developed and implemented in partnership with the regions.