Liberal government re-elected in British Columbia

(May 19/09) B.C. voters elected Premier Gordon Campbell and his British Columbia Liberal Party to its third consecutive majority government on May 12, with preliminary results showing the Liberals with 49 of the 85 seats in the British Columbia Legislative Assembly. 

The New Democratic Party (NDP) retained its position as the official opposition with 36 seats, but the final seat count may not be determined for some time as a number of seats remain too close to call.

During the election, the economy and the environment were top issues.  The Liberals vowed not to raise the $8.00 minimum wage while the NDP promised to immediately increase the minimum wage by 25% to $10.00 and eliminate the $6.00 training wage.  With the re-election of the Liberals, the province’s carbon tax is also secure – the NDP had promised to scrap it if elected.  

CRFA and its allies in the Coalition of BC Businesses played a central role during the election campaign, defending the Liberal decision not to increase the minimum wage. CRFA also developed an online election toolkit highlighting four priority issues for foodservice operators: GST/PST harmonization, stable labour costs, beverage alcohol pricing and distribution, and environmental regulations.  Both major parties were asked questions on these issues with their responses posted online.

Looking forward, CRFA will continue to work with the re-elected government – and all elected members – to encourage the adoption of policies that create a positive business climate for the province’s 12,000 foodservice businesses and the 173,000 British Columbians they employ.