Premier Christy Clark discussed the provincial government’s priorities for the coming year — and what they mean for business — at a Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce luncheon Friday at Crown Isle.
"When I became premier two years ago, I said I was going to balance the budget," Clark said. "I wasn't unique in that. Every premier across the country said they were going to balance the budget two years ago."
But B.C. and Saskatchewan are the only provinces to do so.
"We got there because we have worked hard over 12 years to look after your money," said Clark, adding "sound fiscal management" has enabled a new regional hospital in the Comox Valley, a new trades training centre at North Island College and a new francophone school.
Clark also touched on new relationships with Asia and India that are helping drive the economy; a B.C. Prosperity Fund intended to solve the debt problem; and the importance of freeing up small business from bureaucracy.
"We are at a crossroads here in British Columbia, right now," Clark said. "We have this huge opportunity ahead of us, but we have a tremendous risk if we don't stay on our path. We have to make those right decisions today."
See Wednesday's Comox Valley Record for more.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com