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Backgrounder
Work with business, labour and communities for a strong economy for everyone
Creating a more diverse and value-added economy requires a fair, competitive tax and regulatory
environment, no question. But so much more is needed: a skilled workforce, reliable public services such
as BC Hydro and medicare, a commitment to research and to commercialization of new ideas and
products, solid transportation and communication infrastructure, and – most importantly – a partnership
between the province and communities to develop economic strategies that work to provide stability for
businesses, employees, communities and families
The New Democrat Plan
• During periods of high commodity prices, return a significant portion of the provincial budget
surplus to rural and resource communities for investment in economic sustainability and
diversification
• Help forest communities plan for the economic impact of the pine beetle epidemic with reinvestment
of increased timber royalties from expanded local harvest
• Restrict exports of raw logs from public lands and ensure that forest communities gain jobs from
regional timber harvest
• Balance the budget
• Resolve land claims and strengthen meaningful consultation with First Nations
• Scrap the $6 an hour training wage, prevent the exploitation of children in the workplace, and
ensure fair employment standards and strengthened enforcement
• Ensure healthy and safe working conditions
• Ensure a strategic and competitive tax and regulatory environment that stimulates and supports
innovation, job creation and diversification:
• strategic tax reductions for innovation and job growth, e.g. film production tax credits
• no corporate capital tax for non-financial institutions
• no new taxes on small businesses
• reduce regulatory costs while maintaining high standards
• work with the federal government to extend EI to self-employed people
• Establish a Premier's Economic Advisory Council
• Utilize the strength of BC Hydro to establish British Columbia as a major world leader in the
development of clean, green power
• Market BC agriculture with a creative and energetic Buy BC program and ensure the
Agricultural Land Reserve is protected to strengthen opportunities for sustainable agriculture
• Improve freight and goods transportation on key trade corridors
• Ensure that the 2010 Olympic Games are socially, economically and environmentally
responsible, and bring benefits to all regions of the province.
This vision of an increasingly prosperous, stable and sustainable economy whose benefits are shared equally
throughout our province will not be achieved at exclusive meetings in Victoria between Gordon Campbell
and Liberal Party insiders. All regions, all British Columbians, deserve to be partners in that effort.
