Lack of detail in throne speech concerns chamber

The B.C. government’s speech from the throne left a local business group with more questions than answers.

Members of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce say they were left wondering what the impact will be on businesses due to the lack of any significant detail.

The speech, which was read by the lieutenant governor on Tuesday, outlined the NDP government’s broad goals for the coming legislative session.

Some of the highlights included:

• Tying minimum wage increases to the rate of inflation;
• Introducing a cooling-off period on home purchases during a volatile market;
• Helping prepare people for the jobs of the future with a generational commitment to develop the talent B.C. needs over the next 10 years to close the skills gap;
• Managing B.C.’s lands and resources through a new ministry that supports the goals of reconciliation, economic development and environmental protection.

Robin Cardew, chamber president, said business owners and non-profits will want to know exactly how linking minimum wage increases to the rate of inflation will impact them.

“How often can employers anticipate that labour-related costs will be climbing in a year and which metrics are being chosen for those increases?” Cardew asked. “As for the housing market, there is no question that affordability for British Columbians is a significant issue. However, what does a cooling-off period mean? What should buyers, sellers and real estate professionals expect?”

The chamber is also seeking more information on how training will be rolled out to address the labour shortage or how a new ministry will balance economic development with a focus on the environment and reconciliation.

“More details on these initiatives may be part of the provincial budget Feb. 22, and we hope the budget and the budget process, of which the chamber was a part of, contains the necessary information for businesses to plan and execute meaningful measures to come out of the past and focus on our vibrant future,” Cardew stated.

Cardew added the government must understand that damaging the viability of businesses will not result in a healthy and vibrant economy.

“However, we are receiving hints through the speech from the throne that business owners may field the brunt of costs. We hope for properly laid plans to meet the goal of building a stronger B.C. for everyone and look forward to the details of the budget,” said Cardew.

Vernon Matters reached out to Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu for comment on the chamber’s concerns.

Sandhu issued the following statement:

“This week our government presented its vision for the province with our plans to support people. B.C. already has one of the highest vaccination rates in North America, and the strongest economic recovery in Canada. In the year ahead we will continue to improve health care, fight climate change, make life more affordable, and train our future workforce.

“We will be tying minimum wage increases to the rate of inflation while working with our post secondary institutions to develop the talent B.C. needs over the next ten years to close the skills gap. We will also continue with our historic expansion of childcare in the province, creating more safe, affordable and nurturing spaces for kids so parents can pursue educational and career goals.

“Together, these actions will ensure that business owners can find the staff with the skills they need, so people in Vernon can continue to support our local small businesses. These businesses are the heart of our community, and I’m glad that we’re all working toward a better future for B.C.”