(Vancouver) A new report released today by the BC Office of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives finds that BC has the advantage over Washington State. The report, "In Search of the Good Life: 'Competitiveness' in British Columbia and Washington State," looks at both traditional business measures of competitiveness as well important cost-of-living and quality of life measures.
Economy and economic indicators
The headlines were predictable and the message clear -- BC could be staring down a $5 billion deficit unless dramatic action is taken. But a closer look shows that such grim prospects are greatly overstated.
(Vancouver) BC's Fiscal Review Panel presented its report today. Upon reviewing the report, the CCPA is concerned that it will be inappropriately used by the government to justify spending cuts and privatization that are not warranted.
Like the 1993 Alberta Fiscal Review Panel, the BC report claims the province is facing an unsustainable structural deficit. According to the CCPA, however, the report is overly alarmist about BC's fiscal situation.
(Vancouver) The BC Office of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives released a new report today that sets out a bold collection of policy ideas for promoting new investment in BC's resource sector. Re-capturing the Wealth: Investment Solutions for Jobs and Environmental Sustainability in BC's Resource Sector proposes policies to increase innovation and efficiency, move up the value chain, and improve environmental performance in forestry, fisheries, and mining.
BC's economy has been hit hard in recent months by numerous events outside the province's borders: the US trade actions on softwood lumber; a global economy grinding to a halt; and the economic aftermath of September 11. These factors are affecting BC exporters, weakening consumer confidence, and driving up unemployment rates. Yet the provincial government has committed itself to deep spending cuts that will only make this situation worse, and that could push the BC economy into a full-blown recession.
Inside this issue:
BC versus Washington State: How do we Compare?
BC's Economy at the Crossroads