TODD Stone, BC Liberal Critic for Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, reiterated the need for immediate support for small businesses and criticized the NDP government for the lack of a cohesive jobs plan in the Legislature on Monday.

“Every program rolled out for small businesses by the NDP has been an absolute failure,” said Stone. “This government must do more to reduce the burden on small businesses such as getting more direct relief and grants out the door quickly, suspending the Employer Health Tax, removing the air tax above the heads of local mom and pop shops, helping with their PPE costs, and not imposing any new or increased taxes, fees or other costs — but sadly, this government is just sitting idle.”

Stone also called on the NDP to address the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women and youth, and to focus on putting forward a long-term plan to create full-time private-sector jobs, rather than simply increasing the size of government and relying on part-time jobs. Over the past year, the NDP has grown government by 60,000 positions, while the private sector is still down 43,000 jobs from one year ago, he said.

Video: MLA Todd Stone Private Member’s Motion — Support for Communities