Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce

Where there is control in public spending and some economic initiatives, there is no plan to reform health care and debt continues to climb.

“Though the budget contains no surprises for the business community.” states Helen Secco,President of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce,” there are aspects which will need to be addressed over the coming months.“

For the Mission business community, there are areas of the budget that will bring benefit. With 47 applications for independent energy production in the Mission area, business is poised to take advantage of the Clean Energy Action plan. The Budget also focused on investing in Municipal infrastructure.  The $39 million increase in funding to RCMP policing cost will help relieve some of the tax burden of the growing municipal expense. Looking forward to the 2014 BC Winter Games hosted in Mission,the establishment of $30 million sports legacy will impact the success of the games.

Mission’s recent brush with the Fraser Health Authority’s reduction of services at the Mission Memorial Hospital, sustainable health care is an issue that the Mission Chamber believes should be addressed.  While it was positive to see that $1.3 billion of the $2 billion funding increase will go to health authorities for front line services; dedicating every dollar of revenue from the pending HST to healthcare does not create measurable outcomes, which is vital when economic recovery is far from secure. 

“The Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce will continue to advocate for a reformed healthcare system that ensures services are being provided for the Mission area.” continues Secco. “We look to the provincial government to make sustainable policy that will allow Mission to be an attractive place to live, work and play.”