LANGLEY, B.C. — Only "modest" deficits projected for B.C. over the next couple of years "are no small accomplishment," in light of the growing economic recession affecting much of North America, says the president of the BC Trucking Association.

The 2009-2010 B.C. provincial budget deserves the support of British Columbians and the province’s trucking industry, says Paul Landry, as the government "is tightening its belt on discretionary spending," while trying to stimulate future growth through infrastructure projects.

B.C. Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced yesterday that he will run two years of deficits totaling about $ 740-million. At the same time, the province is cutting $3-billion in spending over the next three years.

Although BCTA’s recommendation that the province freeze the carbon tax on fuel went unheeded, the trucking group says it’s pleased overall with the government’s approach. 

Landry specifically cited investments in the Gateway Program, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Okanagan Corridor and the Cariboo Connector. Including federal contributions, almost $3.3 billion will be spent on key projects over the next three years.

BCTA is content budget moves forward on APU incentives
and highway projects despite ignored calls to halt carbon tax

BCTA also applauded new PST exemptions for idle reduction devices such as auxiliary power units and cab heaters as well as for a broader range of aerodynamic devices.

Other trucking related components of the budget likely include: An onsite outreach-demonstration center in a high-volume truck corridor, such as the Pacific Highway Crossing, and a mobile outreach centre to act as “one-stop shopping” sources, including training and information on applying for financing of technologies and add-on devices.

Also, more financial incentives to adopt energy efficiency technologies are expected; as well as regulatory changes to improve productivity in the industry.

Meanwhile, local unions are already complaining that most of the spending cuts target public employees and the head of the B.C. Federation of Labour, Jim Sinclair, warned that labor unrest would follow.