For many British Columbians parties’ divergent views on BC’s economy will be top-of-mind when they step into the ballot box in the upcoming provincial election. 

Join us October 7 when we sit down with a panel drawn from across the political spectrum for a conversation about The Election and the Economy. They are:

• Sonia Furstenau - Leader of the BC Green Party
• Moe Sihota - Former BC NDP MLA & cabinet minister, broadcaster, political commentator
• Yuri Fulmer - Conservative Party of BC
• David Williams - Business Council of BC Vice President of Policy
• Jairo Yunis - Canadian Federation of Independent Business Director, BC and Western Economic Policy 

When asked about rising spending in our past conversations, BC Premier David Eby has pointed to spending as an investment in other deficits left by previous government – a deficit of investment in services and infrastructure including much-needed schools and hospitals, transit, and social services. 

Yet, BC is on track to hit a record $7.9 billion deficit this year – well up from the $5.7 billion surplus the premier inherited two years ago. One commentator noted BC’s debt already requires significant taxpayer dollars to pay interest charges, putting the figure at $4.1 billion this year and rising with each annual deficit. BC’s credit rating has already been downgraded by one agency. 

BC Conservative leader John Rustad calls it chronic financial mismanagement, and was recently quoted in media saying if elected BC’s budget will be his first priority. He’s spoken about growing BC out of the problem through renewed growth in LNG, agriculture, and forestry, among other sectors, and that he will look to selectively reduce spending and cut regulations that are adding costs. He has pledged to cut to both corporate and personal taxes, and to eliminate the carbon tax. 

We hope you can join us for the conversation – webcast with the Vancouver Sun and on our own website.

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