30 - Sunday, March 15, 1998 - North Shore News Katherine Whittred, MLA North Vancouver - Lonsdale C Number One Again Job Situation Was Bleak in ‘97 BC is a province that should be leading the country in economic growth. Instead, it is in last place and today we are in a “made-in-BC” recession. How does that affect you? The combination of increased deficits and debt have resulted in the government imposing major tax increases Today, an average family of four pays $2,300 more in taxes than it did in 1992. These tax increases have put BC families in last place in take home pay. Another result of the “made-in-BC” recession is that new investment and new jobs are going elsewhere. Companies are leaving the province and taking thousands of jobs over the past five years. with them. BC has fallen into last place when it comes to creating new jobs (sce graph). We had fewer people working in January "98 compared to the previous year. BC also had the highest unemployment rate west of Quebec. “Voar ts Vous Chapa hs Sccaoraly Nigel EGO January 1997 to January 1998 As well, private sector investment dropped to last place amongst the six largest provinces in Canada. Why has this happened? Economic indicators suggest that the current government has brought in a range of policies that have created, over time, a poor business climate for new investment. The recent Asian crisis will only make this situation worse, We will have to take bold and aggressive steps to restore hope, to restore jobs, and to restore economic stability. Let's make BC number one again. WATCH... _DEBT WATCH “MORE DEBT MEANS MORE government expropriation without compensation. Private citizens, char- tive again. A ‘results-driven’ Forest Practices Code and streamlined Balance the budget and reduce the debt. We must cut Total Provincial Debt ‘Sourve Pubic Aazasts, Mrrty of Preece and spending and create more value for every tax dollar spent. Individuals, households, and businesses balance their budgets. We should expect the provincial government to do the same, We must introduce “balanced budger” legislation outlawing deficic spending to ensure that the govern- ment lives within its means. Deliver truth in budgeting. We muse have open and honest accounting practices. Government should keep its books the way it makes you keep yours. Government financial statements must be truthful and easily understood. Government must not hide the real deficit or debt from the public. It’s your money, and you should know exactly what the government is Gaing with it. Cut personal income tax and small business taxes. Heavy tax- ation discourages investment: and hampers job creation, | Experience has shown that the more disposable income people have, the more jobs are created. Remember, consumer spending creates jobs. Eliminate red tape and costly government regulations. We must make BC businesses competi- approval processes for small business- es and resource companies will help return new investment to this province. Enact fair and balanced labour laws. We muse put work- ers’ rights first by restoring their right to have a secret vote for certification. We must have more flexibility for workers and eniplovers by moderniz- laws ands the ing our tabour Employment Standards Act. Protect private property tights. Vhere should be no more ities, and resource companies must know that the government will pro- tect their property under the law and in treaty negotiations. Negotiate workable, afford- able treaty settlements. We must have a province-wide vote on the government's negotiating posi- tion for treaty settlements. We must ensure that treaties provide certainty, finality, and equality of opportunity and responsibili- ty for all British Columbians under the law. Fight for BC’s fair share of federal tax dollars. The gov- ernment must fight for a fairer equalization = program that returns to BC its rightful share of your tax dollars. Provide better education and job training. We must make sure that we make the most effective use of educational tax dollars to ensure thae BCD scu- dents have che skills, training, and education required te com- pete in today’s global economy.