VICTORIA, B.C.: Yesterday’s announcement from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on looking across the border – potentially to Montana, Idaho and either Washington or Oregon – to reach coastal access for Alberta Oil, continues to highlight the obstacles Premier David Eby is presenting for economic growth in British Columbia.
On the heels of Saskatchewan-based Nutrien selecting Washington state over BC for a new $1 billion export facility, this is a situation that is getting worse by the day, says Conservative Party of BC Interim Leader Trevor Halford.
“There is a pattern developing where both the private-sector and our provincial counterparts are looking to the United States rather than BC to facilitate economic opportunities,” says Halford. “Government barriers and uncertainty for investment leads to time-sensitive projects looking elsewhere, which means that investment, jobs, and tax revenues are lost, with British Columbians suffering as a result.”
According to the BC Government’s Second Quarterly Report released last month, real business investment in the province is forecast to decrease by 0.9 per cent in 2025. That number is expected to grow rapidly with the current climate of volatility caused by the threat to land ownership after the Cowichan court decision and an obstructionist government allergic to fostering opportunity.
The situation is not only embarrassing, but sending a clear message that BC is no longer a reliable partner for new projects and those looking to build, according to Larry Neufeld, Conservative Caucus Critic for Oil, Gas, & LNG.
“Amidst the current trade dispute with the US, David Eby’s policy agenda is dissuading investment and driving it across the border,” says Neufeld. “It is the height of irresponsibility for this government to willingly forego billions in economic impact that would provide direct benefit to workers, families and communities, particularly in northern BC.”
Domestic and international investors are guided by certainty and clear guardrails that allow for economic potential, adds Neufeld
“In such a globally competitive environment for investment, it is critical for David Eby to immediately change course and communicate that British Columbia is a jurisdiction where partnership and profitability are possible and sustainable for the long-term.”
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Media Contact:
Ryan Painter
Communications
Ryan.Painter@leg.bc.ca
