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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

Conservatives Call on Eby to Stop the Political Theatre and Fix BC’s Business Climate

IMAGE CREDIT: Chris McCloughlin/Moment/Getty Images

New research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) shows British Columbia’s small businesses face one of the most punishing tax environments in North America, fueling what Conservative MLAs call a “rock-bottom moment” for business confidence.

“Small business owners are telling us they’re exhausted, overtaxed, and ready to give up,” said Gavin Dew, Official Opposition Critic for Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. 

“We are on the verge of losing an entire generation of entrepreneurs. Instead of performing for the cameras by talking about Donald Trump, David Eby should focus on what’s under his control: fixing BC’s broken business climate, lowering costs, and creating conditions for investment and opportunity.”

According to CFIB’s Uneven Ground report, a microbusiness in Vancouver pays $45,000 in total taxes – ranking 16th of 30 jurisdictions surveyed. Once that business grows to 25 employees, the tax bill skyrockets to $364,000, including more than $200,000 in payroll taxes, leaving BC 22nd overall and 29th for payroll taxes, second worst in North America behind only Quebec.

“These numbers tell a tragic story: higher taxes mean fewer jobs, less investment, and a stagnant economy,” said Peter Milobar, Official Opposition Critic for Finance and MLA for Kamloops-Centre. 

“Instead of helping small businesses reinvest in their workers and communities, the NDP has piled on red tape and costs that make it harder to keep the doors open. The Eby government is ignoring the very people who drive our economy.”

Dew, who is also MLA for Kelowna-Mission, said it’s time for the government to act decisively: “British Columbians deserve better than a premier who is distracted by chasing headlines. He needs to level the playing field for small business, protect the entrepreneurs we have, and rebuild the conditions for growth. If we don’t, we risk not just losing jobs today, but losing the next generation of job creators altogether.” 

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