Rebooting British Columbia’s economy will mean addressing five ongoing issues, members of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce were told on Tuesday.
Speaking at the chamber’s Annual General Meeting, Candace Nancke, chair of the Certified General Accountants Association of B.C. said the province’s economy is in better shape than it was a year ago.
“The news isn’t quite as bad as it was a year ago, but it isn’t exactly time to celebrate either,” she said.
B.C.’s economy is forecast to grow by two per cent or more this year, while the national economic growth is not expected to reach that level.
In the Thompson-Okanagan region, home to 12 per cent of the province’s population, a large senior population and a low percentage of children add a dynamic which is difficult for businesses.
Across the province, she said B.C.’s challenges are debt management, simplified tax policies, a reduction of red tape and trade barriers, a need for skilled labourers and a need for strong, decisive leadership in government and business.
If the challenges can be addressed, she said, “British Columbians have good reason to expect better things from here.”