BC Government’s Economic Strategy Sets the Vision, Results are the Key

In response to the Province of British Columbia’s release of Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger British Columbia and Canada, Alex McMillan, CEO (Interim) of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement:

“The provincial government’s new economic strategy, Look West, articulates a vision for economic possibilities and rightly focuses attention on potential areas of strengths in the BC economy to facilitate and accelerate growth. However, British Columbian’s need to see a clear and focussed plan on what actions government will take to deliver the objectives it contains.

“Look West makes commitments to policy issues the BC Chamber as been advocating for, including the promise to attract and deliver major projects from our resource sectors. Every community in British Columbia is a resource community; we all prosper when we effectively and sustainably leverage these assets. A goal to realize a 50% reduction in permitting times is the right choice; attracting more investments and jobs will require a reduction in the amount of time it takes to bring projects to life.

“We were pleased to note that Look West identifies diversification of markets, reduction of our economic reliance on the United States and the removal of internal trade barriers as priorities, these are important objectives to our members and communities across the province. 

In addition, we applaud the investment in skilled trades. Addressing our labour challenges is foundational to our ability as a province to realize economic growth and achieve the strategy’s goals. 

“While Look West lays out an admirable vision for what could be achieved over the next 10 years, the BC Chamber of Commerce would have liked to see an articulation of the changes to legislation, policies and programs government is committed to making to see their vision realized. If we are going to attract over $200 billion in private sector investment, government needs to specify the ways they will create the conditions to make it possible. 

“It is absolutely critical the government reflects the needs of businesses as they move forward to implement their strategy. We look forward to being engaged with government to ensure our members’ voices are heard as this vision is brought to life.”

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About the BC Chamber of Commerce
The BC Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most broadly based business organization in the province. Representing 85 local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade and 32,000 businesses of every size and from every sector and region of the province, the BC Chamber of Commerce is uniquely positioned to “Know What’s on BC’s Mind.”

Media Contact
BC Chamber of Commerce Communications
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