NDP Failures Drive British Columbians to Leave Province: Gavin Dew
KELOWNA, BC: Gavin Dew, Conservative MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Opposition Critic for Jobs and Economic Growth, sharply criticized the BC NDP government today following the release of a troubling new report by the Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC). The report highlights growing frustration among British Columbians due to rampant unaffordability, excessive taxation, and a struggling economy that is driving residents to leave the province.
“This latest report is a damning indictment of NDP economic mismanagement,” said Dew. “People across our province are facing impossible choices: stay and struggle with sky-high costs and red tape or move elsewhere to pursue a better life. It’s clear the NDP government is failing to provide British Columbians with the economic stability and opportunities they need and deserve.”
According to the BCBC report, affordability remains the top concern, cited by 36% of respondents, with rising housing costs, high taxes, and excessive regulations making daily life unaffordable. Additionally, 28% of respondents specifically pointed to increased taxes and red tape as significant factors forcing them to consider leaving BC. Jobs and wages were also a major concern, as 23% of British Columbians struggle with stagnant wages and limited economic opportunities.
Youth unemployment has also become increasingly severe under the NDP, adding another layer of hardship for young British Columbians. Many young adults face bleak employment prospects, with businesses hesitant to hire due to economic uncertainty and prohibitive operating costs. The inability of youth to secure stable, well-paying jobs has driven many to look outside BC, eroding the province’s long-term economic vitality and innovation potential.
“Our future is fading under the Eby NDP – we’re losing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, and high school students are struggling to get their first summer job,” Dew said.
“The rising youth unemployment crisis highlights the NDP’s fundamental misunderstanding of how to build a robust economy,” Dew emphasized.
“We must create opportunities that encourage young British Columbians to stay and build their futures right here at home. With the right leadership and a clear economic plan, we can restore confidence, unlock potential, and provide a hopeful path forward for BC’s youth.”
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