BC Election - October 19, 2024
(Updated October 8, 2024)
Party Responses to BIABC Questions
BIABC sought responses from the three main political parties to key questions of importance to members and their businesses. The questions were developed in response to a survey undertaken in June of 2024. The parties were given until October 4 to provide their reponses. Below are the responses as received.
BC New Democratic Party
Conservative Party of BC
Green Party of BC
Will be posted if received.
Questions for Parties and Candidates
A survey of small and medium-sized businesses across BC underlines how current issues are placing a financial and emotional burden on shop owners and their front-line staff – requiring the urgent attention and actionof the next provincial government. To that end, Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) will be challenging major political parties and their candidates to make commitments that will support the short and long-term viability of the province’s small business sector. A survey of small and medium-sized businesses across BC underlines how current issues are placing a financial and emotional burden on shop owners and their front-line staff – and require the urgent attention of the next provincial government. To that end, Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) will be challenging major political parties and their candidates to make commitments that will support the short and long-term viability of the province’s small business sector.
Community Safety:
- Do you support targeted investments to improve community safety, including the implementation of a comprehensive policy framework and required investments that shifts the focus from just harm reduction to include prevention, treatment and enforcement? Explain how you plan to address these complex issues.
(Understanding that longer-term solutions to the complex issues of mental health, addictions and housing will take time to materialize, there must be an urgent and extensive investment in policy and actions to create safer streets in our business districts and neighbourhoods. This needs to include a commitment to community policing implemented with the engagement and support of community members.)
- What specific plans, policies and targeted investments will you undertake to address the significant challenges associated with mental health, addictions and housing? Again, please be specific.
(BIABC is advocating for a humane response to the present situation, which includes a comprehensive plan for youth and adults with a range of targeted and meaningful investments, and policy decisions - to create a specific pathway to access on-demand, wrap around services, and sustained/intensive treatment, regardless of where one lives in the province. A key aspect of that plan must ensure an uninterrupted spectrum of care based on individual needs and a robust recruitment strategy to staff the various facilities.)
- How will you achieve concrete results with the federal government to address the significant issue of chronic violent and non-violent offenders?
(Businesses are struggling under the weight of repeated thefts and vandalism, often by persons with multiple convictions for similar crimes. BIABC acknowledges the work of the province in addressing some elements of this issue with their federal counterparts, such as the creation of Dedicated Enforcement Hubs. However, more must be done to advance the long-standing concerns of the small business community and the general public with respect to repeated theft, vandalism and other non-violent offenses.)
The Cost of Doing Business:
- Do you support a review of the five-day mandatory sick leave policy, and reducing the financial impact on small and medium-sized business owners and operators?
(This policy was established in response to the pandemic and applies to all employees covered by the Employment Standards Act, including part-time, temporary, and casual. While there is a positive economic and social benefit, it is one of several employer-related costs that have increased in recent years - and puts the onus on a business owner to pay the employee taking sick leave along with the employee backfilling that position. BIABC is advocating for a review, in consultation with the business community - on options such as a rebate, subsidy or other mechanism that reduces the financial liability for businesses without placing an administrative burden on them. An amended policy would also provide 5 sick days in total, rather than 5 days per employer (full time/ part time – 30+hours).)
Government Support:
- Do you support the improved delivery, increased access and awareness of the Securing Small Business Rebate Program. And will you extend the program beyond its current end-date of January 2025?
(BIABC was a strong advocate for the creation of a fund to help offset costs being incurred by businesses and for preventative measures because of rampant property crime and vandalism. We believe the program can serve a valuable purpose but has fallen short of expectations because of the cumbersome application process and the lack of awareness.)
- Will you create a dedicated/stand-alone ministry of Small Business?
(BC’s small and medium size businesses are the largest private sector employer in the province, and they need a voice. Small businesses are the lifeblood of every community and critical to vitality of downtown business districts and neighbourhoods. A dedicated ministry would help government better understand the health of the sector and respond to its specific and nuanced challenges.)
Key Election Dates
September 21- Election called and official campaigns begin
September 28 - Candidate nominations close at 1:00 p.m.
October 7 - Online and telephone voter registration closes
October 8 - BC Provincial Leaders Debate
October 10 - 13 and 15 - 16 - Advance voting
October 13 - Last day to request vote-by-mail package online or by phone
October 19 - Final Voting Day
Candidates
A full list of nominated candidates can be found on Elections BC website. Please note that nominations are still being held. Candidates are added as they are nominated. Nominations close on September 28.