News Releases
BC Chamber Of Commerce Says “Focus Forward” in Response to Provincial Deficit
February 2, 2009 – The BC Chamber of Commerce expressed its support for the government’s decision Monday, after hearing Finance Minister, Colin Hansen’s announcement that the province will run a deficit for the next two fiscal years.
“It’s unfortunate, but in the current economic situation, obviously cannot be helped,” said John Winter, President & CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “When the options are either forfeit essential government services or run a deficit, there’s very little choice. BC has been fairly sheltered from the crisis thus far - in large part thanks to government action - but as an open trading jurisdiction there is little we can do about the external factors that are affecting our position.”
The important things to focus on now, added Winter, are the ways in which we can precipitate our economy’s rebound – things that won’t be achieved by depriving British Columbians of government spending for the sake of reporting a surplus. In the interest of returning to a balanced budget, however, the Chamber and its members will expect a realistic and manageable recovery plan from government, once the Provincial Budget is unveiled.
“It will do no one any good to keep looking at the bottom of the hole we’re in and wondering how we got here,” he said. “It’s time to look up and start finding a way to climb out.”
Winter pointed to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics as one of these hand holds.
“We should feel more fortunate than ever now to have the Olympics on the horizon in BC,” he said. “They will play an even greater role in our province’s economic well-being, and our return to positive growth in 2010.”
- 30 -
For more information on this issue please contact;
John Winter
President & CEO
BC Chamber of Commerce
D 604 638 8110
C 604.376.3577
E jwinter@bcchamber.org
