BC Construction Association’s take on the recently announced Budget 2020

The 2020 BC Budget released on February 18th is essentially a continuation of the budget the NDP introduced three years ago when they first came into power in British Columbia. Predominately focused on health and human services, the 2020 Budget brings no relief for small businesses facing increased tax and administrative burdens such as the new Employer’s Health Tax, an increase in carbon and corporate taxes, and a rising minimum wage.

We continue to see a “tax and spend” approach that raises concern for the stability of the BC economy as a whole and our industry in particular. BC is still facing a skilled workforce shortage, and we do not see an appropriate corresponding budgetary commitment from this government.

While $7 billion spend in social housing remains on the table, the BC Construction Association (BCCA) continues to work with BC Housing in an ongoing effort to ensure fair, open, and transparent procurement methods.

The 2020 Budget did not include any new CBA/PLA projects but we continue to watch this topic with concern: in this economic climate with our workforce development challenges, adding new barriers is not conducive to the outcomes we all need.

In August 2019 BCCA was advised that its recommendations regarding Prompt Payment legislation were adopted by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and included in their unanimous report on the 2020 Budget. The recommendations made were given during this presentation on June 13, 2019 as part of the 2020 Budget Consultations. A previous presentation was given by BCCA President Chris Atchison on September 25, 2018 to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of their 2019 Budget consultations.

Read more about provincial advocacy initiatives from BCCA here: bccassn.com/resources/advocacy-&-issues/