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Date |
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11/8/2011 |
Media Release |
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Municipal Candidates Give Mixed Reviews of Chamber’s Pillars of Good Governance |
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MEDIA
RELEASE
FOR
IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Municipal Candidates Give Mixed Reviews of Chamber’s Pillars of
Good Governance
November 8, 2011 – Victoria,
BC – Municipal candidates from four municipalities (Victoria, Esquimalt,
Saanich and Oak Bay) took part last week in a unique briefing on business
issues that resulted in some strong debate. Candidates were invited to the
Chamber offices where the four pillars which make up Our Vibrant Community
were presented and candidates had the opportunity to ask questions furthering
their understanding of business issues.
The discussion around the pillar
of affordability was particularly spirited as the Chamber views the trend to
increase property taxes at rates in excess of incomes and economic growth as
unsustainable. The Chamber has called for a cap on
municipal budget increases at the rate of real GDP growth plus a factor for
population growth and inflation.
“We were pleased to see that so
many municipal candidates understand the fiscal challenges facing residents of
the region.” Said Bruce Carter, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of
Commerce. “On the other hand, we were surprised by the varying definitions of
affordability, indicating that there is still a great deal of work ahead.”
Candidates have also provided
their comments on the pillars of good governance on the
Chamber website, where
some have clearly endorsed the Chamber’s pillars of good governance. To see
how candidates have responded to the four pillars click here.
The pillars of good governance are described in further
detail in the September issue of the Chamber’s Business
Matters magazine and, and were developed as part of a Chamber-led initiative to get Victorians talking about ways to make our
region even better. As we approach a municipal election, Our Vibrant
Community is a campaign that highlights and aims to encourage discussion of
the big picture, set priorities as a community and encourage debate.
As the Voice of Business for the
region, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has close to 1,500 members and
has received Accreditation with Distinction from the Canadian Chamber of
Commerce.
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For more information contact:
Ellen
Henry Bruce
Carter
Manager of Member
Communications Chief
Executive Officer
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Greater
Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Email: ehenry@gvcc.org Email:
bcarter@gvcc.org
Cell: 250-812-0510
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