The B.C. Liberal party has promised to deliver emergency financing to businesses hardest hit by the pandemic, including the tourism industry.
“A loan guarantee program for tourism and hospitality, plus elimination of the small business tax will keep more people working and help get our communities thriving again,” said B.C. Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson.
The party said the program would be available to the over 19,000 tourism and hospitality businesses in B.C.
“Small businesses represent the best of British Columbia and are the backbone of our economy. They need our support now more than ever, which is why a BC Liberal government will immediately eliminate the small business tax,” said Wilkinson.
The Liberals also pledged to eliminate the two per cent small business income tax to help small businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These announcements build on our recent commitment to eliminate the PST, which together, will be a huge boost to families, small businesses, the hospitality industry and our economy at large,” said Wilkinson.
Small businesses make up 98 per cent of all businesses in B.C. and employ over one million people, the party said.
The Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association estimates 40 per cent of local businesses report tourism spending is either their primary or secondary source of income.
