B.C. Conservative leader Doerkson unveils plan to “supercharge” economy

Conservative Party of BC leader Lorne Doerkson was in Surrey on Wednesday, Oct. 7, to announce his party’s plan to “supercharge” the British Columbia economy. He made a campaign stop at Crown Building Supplies in Newton, where he criticized BC NDP leader David Eby and unveiled a package of policies described as “pro-business.”

According to a campaign release, a Conservative government would eliminate the provincial sales tax (PST) for three years on immediate investments in machinery, equipment and business software. It would appoint an expert panel to deliver a plan within 180 days to simplify B.C.’s taxes and attract investment, and select a new minister for red tape reduction to lead a specialized business team working across government.

The proposals also include a Premier’s Technology Council to advise on economic development and government efficiency, with the aim of strengthening conditions for technology jobs in B.C. The party says it would cut red tape back to 2017 levels by the end of its first term, among other measures.

The Surrey Now-Leader was on site at the announcement that morning and said more coverage would follow.