Every year, the BC Chamber of Commerce conducts the Collective Perspective survey, providing a unique opportunity to review the needs and wants of business owners across the province.
More than two-thirds of business owners believe the most important factor for the success of their business is the ability to recruit and retain talent. At this stage, all other challenges – including innovation, capital, red tape and taxes – are less significant. Majorities also mention measures to create housing choices that are affordable for younger people , investments to strengthen the health-care system, including in mental health services , investments in public infrastructure , measures to create more affordable housing for low-income people and investments in public transit .
There is a particular topic where responses are lukewarm. About three in 10 business owners acknowledge that they have made no real progress reducing emissions, and about two-in-five do not expect to be pursuing opportunities to do so in the next few years.