B.C.’s downtown businesses say they are facing a growing crisis of rising crime and costs, and want to know what provincial political parties are doing to help.
The Business Improvement Associations of BC, representing more than 500 businesses in major downtown cores, sent questionnaires to the BC Greens, Conservatives and NDP on Monday, in advance of the Oct. 19 provincial election. The questionnaires ask the parties what they will do to tackle crime, repeat offenders, addictions, homelessness, housing costs and street disorder, as well as whether the parties will keep the NDP government’s current mandatory five-day paid sick leave provisions, extend a small business grant and create a stand-alone small business ministry.The questions stem from a summer survey that shows businesses are facing rising cost pressures, and are unsure of their survival.
“Almost 40 per cent of businesses that responded to our survey suggested if things do not change, either for the cost of doing business or the street disorder or crime issue, they do not see themselves surviving past two years,” said Jeff Bray, the BIABC president.BC NDP Jobs Minister Brenda Bailey said she’s heard the concerns and her government is rolling out additional action this week on street disorder caused by those with the most complex mental health and addictions challenges.
The BC Conservatives did not return a request for comment on Monday, though the party has indicated it plans to reduce cost burdens for businesses and tackle street disorder through measures like revoking decriminalization.On most days, you can find Rob reporting out of the messy attic at the B.C. Legislature that houses the press gallery, where he analyzes the latest news as CHEK’s Political Correspondent. A veteran...
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