VICTORIA, B.C.: If Premier David Eby is serious about protecting B.C.’s failing economy, he should recall the Legislature to pass urgent legislation immediately.

David Eby and the NDP talk tough about standing up for British Columbians, but their own policies have done more harm than good. DRIPA is driving away investment and creating uncertainty for businesses across B.C. According to a Business Council of British Columbia survey, 98% of businesses are “very concerned” about DRIPA applying to all laws in the province. The same share of respondents also said that they do not believe DRIPA is living up to its original promise of creating greater investment certainty in B.C. To make matters worse, the NDP continues to block one of B.C.’s biggest economic opportunities: a new oil pipeline. With the economy in crisis, MLAs should not be on summer break. We need to get back to work, repeal DRIPA, end the economic blockade, and start building a new pipeline.

“B.C. cannot afford to wait until the fall to address DRIPA,” said Scott McInnis, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Relations. “The NDP government’s reckless implementation of DRIPA has plunged B.C.’s economy into chaos. All the uncertainty is driving investment out of B.C., costing British Columbians lost jobs and lost opportunities. David Eby must recall the Legislature so we can swiftly pass emergency legislation to repeal DRIPA this summer.

“The Premier should also ask the Prime Minister to recall the House of Commons to quickly end the economic blockade of B.C.’s north coast and get a new pipeline approved,” said Larry Neufeld, Shadow Minister for Energy. “This blockade is hurting B.C.’s economy and fails to protect the environment. We must reopen B.C. for business and ensure that a new pipeline provides maximum benefits.”

“The NDP need to start walking their talk about protecting the economy instead of just spewing a lot of hot air,” said Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. “I am calling on David Eby to recall the Legislature to bring immediate economic relief to British Columbians.”

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Media Contact:
Erika Acuzar
Conservative.Communications@leg.bc.ca
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