By Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
Aug. 12, 2011

Re: Time to draw deeper from local revenue streams

Mr. O'Neill is entitled to his own opinions about the world wide economic turmoil; however he is missing many of the facts.

British Columbia weathered the recession of 2008/09 better than most jurisdictions in the world and we are positioned to do that again.

Key to our success is new markets and the diversification of our economy - in particular our efforts to identify new trade markets in China and India.

British Columbia's exports for the first half of 2011 are up by nearly 14 per cent compared with first six months of 2010. For the second month in a row, the value B.C. exports of softwood lumber to China surpassed the value shipped to the United States.

Lumber exports to China can be attributed to 20 mills operating across the province supporting 10,000 jobs for B.C. families.

Over the last decade, it's clear we've seen renewed competitiveness in B.C. that benefits businesses both large and small.

Not only does small business account for 41 per cent of the total value of goods exported from B.C., but a thriving economy benefits businesses of all sizes.

Government has made sure that starting and operating a small business is easier by reducing red tape by more than 42 per cent.

We've made it more profitable to operate a small business. Although Mr. O'Neill supports the NDP, they voted against cutting small business income tax rates by 44 per cent.

And most importantly, we are showing the world that B.C. is open for business. We will continue to attract growing economies and expand our markets to create jobs for families across the province.

Pat Bell
Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation