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The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has given the provincial budget a “B–”.
Points deemed positive by the Chamber include the balanced budget, measures to improve affordability, housing investment, child benefits and CleanBC credits.
Aspects of the budget the Chamber considers “less good” are a lack of action “to make the spec tax more fair”, “no action” to encourage business competitiveness and “double-dipping on the employer health tax and MSP” payments for 2019.
Under “concerns”, there was only one point listed – “climbing corporate tax rates”.
Carmen Sparg, the Chamber’s president, said on Wednesday that though much of the budget is inspired by “laudable goals”, it is ultimately “part of a tend to increase taxes on business”.
She added: “These tax increases on business will hinder their ability to invest and grow, and (ultimately) to hire more British Columbians. The government needs not only to see what’s ahead, but also what is around the corner.
“Are storm clouds gathering?”
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