BC’s New Car Dealers Continue to Forge Strong Relationships with Government
Last week, the new BC government Cabinet was officially sworn in, and each one of our elected officials should be congratulated for their respective appointments. All British Columbians, regardless of political persuasion, should thank Members for their commitment to public service.
Over the next four years, BC New Car Dealers look forward to working with government and Ministers on several important fronts, acquainting our association with newly assigned ministers and continuing to forge a strong relationship with those we have worked with over the years.
The Honourable Selina Robinson was sworn in as the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Ravi Kahlon as Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, the Honourable George Heyman as Minister responsible for the Environment, the Honourable Bruce Ralston as Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and the Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, now assumes responsibility for ICBC.
At the NCDA, we have been incredibly fortunate to have established a very positive and collaborative working relationship with key Ministers in BC. We have worked together to create programs that benefit the entire province, and our partnership has produced tangible results that have benefited the environment and the economy.
It is with thanks to the work of the Province that we are able to facilitate the widely successful CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program. The program offers as much as $3,000 in rebates when purchasing electric vehicles in BC. The incentives offered, making purchasing an EV much more affordable for consumers and has certainly increased buyers.
Through Budget 2020, the Province invested an additional $20 million in point-of-purchase rebates to make EVs even more affordable, helping British Columbians choose cleaner transport options. We have already surpassed the provincial target of 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales consisting of EV’s by 2025 – a whopping six years early – and I appreciate the work we’ve been able to do on this with the Province. With continued effort and focus, we will continue to work toward achieving other future targets.
We very much look forward to working with the Province to continue growing opportunities and training in a number of disciplines in order to meet future demand. The BC auto industry provides more than 30,000 family supporting jobs in the province and over the next decade, it is anticipated that thousands of openings will occur as the current workforce ages and moves closer to retirement.
Certainly, one area of focus is that of auto technicians who are required to meet the increasing sales of more and more technologically advanced vehicles, including electric ones. A wide range of skillsets will be required to meet the evolving needs of the sector, while also establishing our industry’s future leaders.
I began this column by recognizing BC’s newly minted cabinet and their commitment to public service and I think it’s only fitting that I conclude by expressing our sincere thanks and gratitude to former Finance Minister Carole James for her many years of public service, and the thoughtful and respectful manner in which she has always conducted herself. In a new role as special advisor to the Premier, I know Ms. James will continue to make a valuable contribution to the province.
And, as always, stay safe, calm, and be kind to one another.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]
