B.C. business leaders echo Alberta’s economic frustrations

Oil-rich Alberta is getting a sympathetic ear from some business leaders in B.C. who say they understand the anger being felt across the Rockies as the idea of separating from Canada is floated.

Laura Jones, president and CEO of the BC Business Council, is not in favour of separating, but she understands the frustration around the lack of movement to boost the national and provincial economies.

“I am absolutely supportive of listening when people have concerns and taking those concerns seriously. I think that’s what makes for a great country. It’s often the friction that makes the pearls,” Jones told 1130 NewsRadio exclusively.

“In Alberta’s case, they’re concerned that a number of federal policies have undermined their economic well-being, and I would say it’s not just their economic well-being. One of the things [Donald] Trump has done is give us a big education in the importance of exports to Canada’s economy.”

Jones says the BC Business Council is putting the final touches on a letter that’s set to go out to every MP next week outlining what is wrong with the economy and solutions to fix it.

“We have some very, very serious challenges in this country. Our economy has been flatlining for over a decade, whether you’re looking nationally or provincially, and we have to get serious about strengthening our economy, and this letter is about that,” she said.

Jones says the council shares some of the same concerns that Alberta has recently highlighted. She explains that the council, like Alberta, would like to see the emissions cap on oil and gas abandoned, as the council thinks it undermines provincial and national prosperity.

“We need some of these big energy projects to move forward in order to create more revenue to generate more opportunities for people. These are high-paying jobs, they are very important, not just provincially but nationally across the country,” Jones explained.

She adds that once Prime Minister Mark Carney names his new cabinet next Monday, invitations will also go out for meetings with West Coast business leaders to help hammer out a solution.

“The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging that you have one, and one of the things politicians often do, and I understand why they do it, but I think the public is getting increasingly frustrated with it, is the shiny, high-gloss spin on the numbers,” she shared.

“For example, one of the things we do is talk about GDP growth, but we don’t talk about GDP per capita, so per person we’re declining, but it looks like we’re growing because population has increased. We’re starting in our letter by making sure there’s a good fact base around some of these economic realities.”

Jones says if the government doesn’t address the economy urgently, it’ll set us up for failure in the future.

“Really, what we’re saying is attracting prosperity to the country because these projects are the ones that create jobs, future opportunities for our kids, high wages, revenue for governments so that they can have money for healthcare and education … so this is the kind of thing we’re talking about when we’re talking about attracting big investment. And the thing about big investment is it can ‘quietly quit’ your country, if you’re not careful. So, we need to really make sure this is top of mind.”

She’s also calling for the federal government to cut bureaucracy annd red tape and improve tax and regulatory competitiveness — none of which are helped by growing deficits at both the provincial and federal levels.

“You do have to do a little bit to make sure that we’re an attractive destination, as a big project might be looking at what kind of return they can make in Canada versus the U.S. or versus other countries. You want to be in the mix for that, and that means you have to be competitive,” she said.

Jones doubles down that in the face of ongoing threats from the U.S. administration, now is the time to not only improve the economy but to ensure Canada doesn’t have to rely on other countries.

“I think interprovincial trade should be table stakes for everybody, but this letter is going to MPs, and it’s actually the premiers who have the most influence over interprovincial trade. And we are hopeful that we will see some bold action on interprovincial trade, but I have to say… that talk is plentiful, action is harder to come by.”

In addition to pressing the feds for answers, Jones clarifies there is ongoing dialogue with provincial MLAs, as well.

“You cannot pour from an empty cup, and the policies that we pursue have a huge impact on how much is in the cup, because people won’t go where they’re not welcomed. Big projects, big business, they have choices. We’re talking to government about all those things and more — there’s lots of work to do.”

Once all these obstacles are addressed, Jones is confident things will improve.

“One hundred per cent, it ties absolutely into the top concern of most British Columbians and most Canadians, which is affordability. It’s not just the prices of things in the grocery store, it is also, do you have a good, high-paying job to help you pay for those groceries?

“And that comes with investment, that comes with companies saying, ‘Yes, this is a good place to be. We want to create a new big project or expand an existing operation in the province.’ That’s what gives us opportunity for the future.”

1130 NewsRadio reached out to the BC Chamber of Commerce for comment. It declined, but says it remains in favour of removing interprovincial trade barriers.

In a statement, Fiona Famulak, president and CEO of the chamber, said, “The BC Chamber of Commerce is focused on critical issues that will unlock the economic potential for British Columbia and Canada. Foremost is the need for the federal government and provincial governments to work collaboratively and create a single market in our country where businesses and consumers can buy and sell products without onerous inter-provincial restrictions impeding productivity and growth.”