Until 1993, a corporate or business vote existed in BC municipal elections. It refers to the ability of businesses in a specific city to vote in local government elections. Businesses contribute substantially to the social and economic development of the city, however, have no say in representation from a business perspective.
“Businesses bear the burden of taxation, even though they create jobs, give back to their communities, and make significant investments in the city, but they are not allowed to participate in the election process,” said Anita Huberman, President & CEO, Surrey Board of Trade.
Local elected officials should be accountable to business taxpayers through the electoral system.
Some businesses have owners that live in other jurisdictions than where they operate, and so have no ability to exercise their vote to elect leaders that have a business community’s interest in mind. We need to change this. Businesses are an essential part of the community and need to have a voice in the election process.
That is why the Surrey Board of Trade asks the BC Government to re-implement the business vote. Administrative issues, verification systems, and other policy principles can be evaluated. All election processes are a journey but what remains clear is that businesses need a voice through the electoral system.
“We ask BC to be a leader – we need to think differently for the future of our economic strength.”
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Anita Huberman, 604-634-0342, anita@businessinsurrey.com
PREVIOUS RESEARCH: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/local-governments/governance-powers/corporate_vote_discussion_paper.pdf
