Businesses in B.C. are weighing in on what they want the newly elected government to do to strengthen the economy.

Bridgitte Anderson, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT), says she has high expectations for the BC Conservatives, who haven’t held power in the province for almost a century. She is calling on the new government to urgently rebuild B.C.’s struggling economy.

“It has been a very difficult jurisdiction in which to attract investment and operate a business, whether in retail, natural resources, or manufacturing,” Anderson said. 

“Right across the board, the cost of doing business has increased significantly. Many of our members have considered moving their businesses out of the province, and even out of the country.”

In a recent survey, the GVBOT found that 77 per cent of its members believe the province’s economy is on the wrong track. More than half are pessimistic about their business outlook and personal finances over the next year, and they’re looking to the incoming government to turn things around.

The premier-elect ran on lofty promises to support B.C. businesses and boost the economy, including eliminating the provincial sales tax on professional services.

 “This would be a tax on a tax that would add more costs to delivering housing, major projects, and even those small mom-and-pop shops that have to protect their customers and employees,” Anderson said. 

“The incoming BC Conservative government says it is going to cancel it, which is great news. This would be very welcome among our members.”

Kalith Nanayakkara, senior policy analyst with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), says small businesses in the province are feeling the pressure to stay afloat, with many permanently closing their doors.

“What the incoming provincial government has committed to is quite exciting for small businesses,” Nanayakkara said. 

“We are looking forward to seeing results and judging them by those results, not so much by the promises.”

He says B.C. is one of the most expensive places to do business in North America. 

“We have some of the highest payroll tax burdens on the continent,” Nanayakkara said. 

“Making it easier for small businesses to hire and grow will help address that.”

Meanwhile, business owners are hoping to see the new government fulfill its promises, helping the province climb out of debt and boosting the economy.

“If those promises are delivered, and delivered with urgency, it will open up investment, create jobs and start sending signals to investors that B.C. is open for business,” Anderson said.