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Conservative Economic Team Responds to Urgent Industry Concerns


 "For far too long, the BC NDP has ignored the economic challenges facing British Columbians. Manufacturing jobs are vanishing, forestry is in decline, and private sector employment growth has stagnated. Meanwhile, affordability has worsened for both families and businesses. British Columbians deserve better, and we’re here to deliver real solutions to rebuild our economy and create jobs that support everyday working people and their families." – Gavin Dew, MLA and Shadow Minister for Jobs, Economy, Development, and Innovation.

 

December 3, 2024, Vancouver, BC – The Conservative economic team met today with business leaders and stakeholders to tackle critical issues impacting British Columbia’s economy. Attended by 9 critics from the Conservative Caucus, this meeting was convened by MLA Gavin Dew – Shadow Minister for Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation - as a direct response to an October 30th open letter from seven of the province’s largest industry associations. To date, the Conservatives remain the only party to act on the letter’s urgent call for solutions.
 
According to the letter, “Rising costs for essentials like housing and groceries are placing immense pressure on households, while many small businesses face growing difficulties meeting their payrolls and staying open for business.” Dew emphasized the urgent need for change, citing alarming statistics from the letter:

•    BC has lost 12,400 manufacturing jobs since 2017 and over 10,000 forestry jobs in just four years.
•    Private sector employment has seen virtually no growth between 2019 and 2023—a trend industry leaders call “unprecedented and unsustainable.”
•    Affordability concerns are at an all-time high, with 92% of businesses and 80% of residents in Metro Vancouver reporting worsening conditions since 2020.
 
“Our team of economic critics is focused on private sector jobs because they are the foundation of strong communities,” said Dew. “Without decisive action, the affordability crisis will continue to worsen, and British Columbians will fall further behind.”


 
Throughout the meeting, Dew and his fellow critics emphasized their commitment to working collaboratively with industry leaders to develop a comprehensive recovery plan. Discussions also highlighted the province’s growing fiscal challenges, including a projected $9 billion deficit for 2024-25, the largest in BC’s history.
 
Shadow Minister for Finance, Peter Milobar, noted, “We’re not just pointing out the problems. We’re bringing together the brightest minds and strongest advocates to offer practical solutions that will drive private sector growth and improve affordability for families.”
 
The business associations’ letter warns of the need to capitalize on BC’s natural advantages: abundant resources, a skilled workforce, and a reputation for stability. However, without immediate government action, these strengths risk being squandered.

The team of Conservative critics pledged to work collaboratively with industry leaders to deliver a comprehensive plan for economic recovery, well-paying jobs, and long-term prosperity for British Columbians.
 
Harman Banghu, Shadow Minister for Transportation, concluded “British Columbia has the potential to be a leader in the global economy, but that requires bold action and strong leadership. The BC NDP’s silence and inaction on these critical issues speaks volumes. As a government-in-waiting with a team focused on bringing economic growth and jobs, we won’t stand by while British Columbians are left behind.”

 
The Conservative economic team reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive and collaborative approach, ensuring that all voices are heard in the development of policies that drive long-term prosperity and job creation.
 
-30-
 
Conservative Shadow Ministers
Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna Mission
Critic for Jobs, Economy, Development and Innovation
 
Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops Centre
Critic For Finance
 
Ward Stamer, MLA for Kamloops - North Thompson
Critic For Forests
 
Donegal Wilson, MLA for Boundary - Similkameen
Critic For Water, Land, Resource Stewardship and Wildlife Management
 
Harman Bhangu, MLA Langley - Abbortsford
Critic For Transportation
 
Pete Davis, MLA For Kootenay-Rockies
Critic For Mining, Critical Minerals and Columbia Treaty
 
Kiel Giddens, MLA for Prince George - Mackenzie
Critic For Labour
 
Scott McInnis, MLA for Columbia River - Revelstoke
Critic For Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
 
Teresa Wat, MLA for Richmond - Bridgeport
Critic For Tourism, Arts, Culture, Anti-Racism and Trade

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