MILOBAR – Rebate for businesses hit by crime doesn’t go far enough

By PETER MILOBAR
MLA, Kamloops-North Thompson

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, we have all heard horrific stories about B.C. small businesses impacted by crime and vandalism.

Whether in downtown Vancouver, or right here in Kamloops, small businesses across the province have dealt with increasing numbers of break-ins, fires, vandalism and sometimes even threats to the safety of staff and patrons.

This is a serious issue. It impacts the viability of many of these businesses, which in turn impacts the local economy and the people who depend on the business — whether for employment or the goods and services it provides.

For business owners struggling to make ends meet after a challenging few years, the expense of having to replace broken windows, or hire security, could be enough to force them to close their doors permanently.

That’s why business owners, local business improvement associations and chambers of commerce, and our BC United Caucus have been calling on David Eby’s NDP government for months, begging for action and relief for those impacted by rising crime.

In fact, back in April, BC United even introduced a bill in the Legislature that would help to expedite relief for small businesses impacted by crime — but unfortunately, the NDP refused to even call it for debate.

After months of waiting and public outcry, this week the NDP finally acknowledged the impacts that crime is having on B.C.’s small businesses. Jobs Minister Brenda Bailey announced a long-awaited rebate — with no timeline on when it will be available to those in need and no details on how businesses will be able to apply.

At this point, it looks like there will be no further information on this rebate until the fall.

This means that it will be months until applications for the rebate even open, let alone the money actually making it into the pockets of struggling businesses.

Even then, it looks like those that apply for the rebate will have access to up to $2,000 each, an amount that demonstrates that this government is completely out-of-touch with current prices and the daily reality of cost pressures in British Columbia.

A few thousand dollars, while better than nothing, does not go far toward covering costs like window repairs, graffiti removal, or security cameras.

Peter Milobar was elected MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson in May 2017, and re-elected in October 2020. He is the Official Opposition Critic for Finance. He previously served as critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, critic for Environment and Climate Change Strategy, and the Official Opposition House Leader.