Image Credit: Chad Harris / CFJC Today

By CFJC Today

BUDGET 2022 REACTION

Kamloops Chamber of Commerce hoped to see more in Budget 2022 to address increasing business costs

Feb 23, 2022 | 4:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — On Tuesday (Feb. 22), the provincial government outlined its budget for this year, and the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce says there are some details left to iron out.

Upon reviewing the 2022 budget, Acacia Pangilinan, executive director, says the local chamber was glad to see items that reflect a willingness to invest in people and a low carbon economy.

“There were a few actual Chamber wins that we saw in the budget, including the additional seats for early childcare educators and the introduction of that new Declaration Act Secretariat as well,” Pangilinan says.

However, Pangilinan says the Chamber wants to have more information about where and how business recovery funding will be distributed.

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The organization also feels the government missed an opportunity to help owners navigate the increased cost of doing business.

“There was no change to the threshold for the Employer Health Tax, there was no give on the paid sick leave, and there were no significant tax incentives or benefits that were included for small businesses,” she says.

This week, the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce will be meeting with Peter Milobar, Kamloops-North Thompson MLA and finance critic. And later in March, the Chamber will also host a town hall event with Selina Robinson, B.C.’s finance minister, for members to hear more about budget impacts, and voice their concerns.