Monday, April 30, 2007

B.C. Economy And Retail Sector
MLA Statements

This week we celebrate retail businesses in British Columbia. British Columbia is certainly the place to be. With word of our vibrant economy spreading, people are directing their attention to this beautiful province. B.C. has gained in interprovincial migration since 2003. Homes are constantly being built to meet the demand of the flow of new residents.

Retailers in my riding of Burnaby North are enjoying our strong economy. Stores in the Brentwood and Gilmore areas are expanding rapidly with corresponding housing developments.

Newcomers are realizing that Burnaby, centrally located in the Greater Vancouver regional district, offers them everything they need for themselves and their families.

This province has posted another stellar year in retail sales in 2006, let us not forget. Because people are finding work when they come to this province, it affords them the opportunity to purchase what they want on top of what they need. Department, clothing and shoe stores all recorded brisk business. Sales by computer software retailers were up significantly. What goes around comes around.

People are finding work and boosting the economy, which is creating even more jobs. B.C. and Alberta are the only two provinces to report an increase in sales at double-digit rates for a third straight year. We are also the only two provinces in Canada that reported sales growth that exceeded the national average of 6.4 percent.

B.C. is leading the country in so many areas. We're the best place on earth to live, work, play, visit and invest. We have also become the best place to do business.