lol This usary bc report is strongest in arguing for more civility in discussions around economic development. B.C.’s “generally poor state of public discourse” is identified as an impediment to advancing projects that would create jobs, boost productivity and fund services British Columbians say they want. “Ways must be found to do better when it comes to identifying basic facts, acknowledging relevant concerns and finding common ground,” asserts the report. D’Avignon believes a silent majority of B.C. residents want sensible resource development. The results of last May’s provincial election proved it, adds chamber CEO John Winter. Included among their report’s 60 recommendations are proposals for: • A non-renewable resource endowment fund, operated at arm’s length from politicians. • A provincial Working Income Tax Credit for low earners. • Inflation-indexed increases to B.C.’s minimum wage. • A body reporting to the public on important economic data. (The province recently wound down such a body, the B.C. Progress Board.) The business groups — bolstered by an advisory council of eight prominent British Columbians including former finance ministers Andrew Petter and Carole Taylor — acknowledged their project required them to go beyond their usual areas of expertise. But that’s appropriate, says D’Avignon. “My membership is partnering on infrastructure projects and hospitals. We deliver books to east side schools.” The business groups did polling and held nine community gatherings, discovering considerable public disenchantment. A third of respondents disagreed that they could advance financially by working hard. More than two-thirds described their trust in government as scant. And most said B.C. businesses don’t do enough to protect the environment or pay enough tax. Perhaps the business groups gathered too much information. Their impact would be stronger had they focused narrowly on a few key points, and argued them hard.
Posted on: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 17:05:59 +0000
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