Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Conservative Caucus of BC MLAs say the destruction of CrossRoads Brewing is a tragic example of repeat offenders devastating communities, small businesses, and local economies. “This wasn’t just a fire, it was the loss of a community hub, dozens of jobs, and years of investment,” said Rosalyn Bird, MLA for Prince George–Valemount and Critic for Citizens’ Services.  “The accused has made at least 19 court appearances since 2021, and was even convicted of sexual assault back in 2009. Small businesses are telling me they’re ready to shut down and leave Prince George because crime is out of control. That is a tragedy for families, workers, and our economy.” Bird added: “CrossRoads was exactly the kind of business BC needs more of - building community, creating jobs, and drawing people downtown. Just last Thursday, we heard directly from Craft Brewers and distilleries in Prince George about how rising taxes are making it harder to hire and keep staff, and that evening Prince George MLAs...

Kelowna Mayor Tom Dyas says his city fully supports the federal government’s intention to introduce bail reform legislation this fall. In a letter sent to Sean Fraser, Canada's minister of justice and attorney general, Dyas wrote that businesses and visitors are “frustrated by repeated and escalating crime” that can be pinned on chronic offenders. It was highlighted recently in a damning survey by Business Improvement Areas of BC, which represents 55,000 businesses in 80 downtowns, main streets and commercial districts throughout the province ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

If you wanted to craft the worst possible government aid program, it would go something like this: A provincial fund that offers a paltry amount of money to address an enormous problem, launched far too late to make a difference, with so many bureaucratic hurdles that even the businesses that showed up as validators to government’s original press conference get rejected when they apply for the money. Welcome to the NDP’s Security Small Business Rebate Program. It’s on track to be a humdinger of a disaster . . . . CLICK HERE for the full story

More than 600 businesses in B.C. have applied to a provincial rebate program to help prevent and repair damage from vandalism, according to the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Development. The $10.5-million Securing Small Business Rebate Program launched Nov. 22 and allows businesses to apply for as much as $2,000 per business for the cost of repairs due to vandalism. It also provides up to $1,000 for prevention measures, such as the installation of security cameras and shatter-proof glass ... CLICK HERE for the full story

The coalition says some people afraid to walk in their community, assaults at work are up and businesses are losing millions from in-store theft. ... According to a coalition release, it “wants governments to work together and act without delay on the growing crime and violence crisis in communities across British Columbia. “More and more British Columbians are afraid to walk in their own streets and shopping districts, employees fear being assaulted at work, and local businesses are losing millions from brazen in-store theft that leads to higher prices for BC families” ... CLICK HERE for the full story

  I FEEL CERTAIN that there will be sighs of relief, and gratitude extended towards our provincial government once the small business community becomes aware of the largesse soon to be extended towards them.   YES, that was sarcasm! I speak of the new $10.5-million Securing Small Business Rebate Program which becomes available on November 22 nd . According to Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, “ Small businesses are the foundation of B.C.’s economy, and we are taking action to maintain a thriving business community .” She continued, “ Supporting small businesses with this rebate helps provide some relief for the costs they’ve taken on through no fault of their own .” The securing Small Business Rebate Programs will apparently assist businesses in the costs they’ve been incurring due to repeated vandalism of their premises. For some, it’s been in the TENS OF THOUSANDS of dollars as windows and doors are repeatedly smashed by the same...