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It's Official, We're Number One! - B.C. is number one of all Provinces in Economic Growth

April 27, 2005

PRINCE RUPERT – For the first time in nearly two decades, B.C. is now Number One of all provinces in Canada again in economic growth, confirming that the BC Liberal plan to create new opportunity for British Columbians is working, said Premier Gordon Campbell.

Preliminary results from Statistics Canada released today show that B.C.’s economy grew by 3.9 per cent in 2004 and that, for the for the first time since 1987, BC is leading all provinces.

“Before the last election we laid out a plan to make B.C. Number One again, and the plan is working,” said Campbell. “Together, British Columbians have pulled our province from worst to first in Canada. B.C. is back on top.”

British Columbia’s economic growth of 3.9 per cent in 2004 was well above the national average of 2.8 per cent, the second consecutive year that B.C.’s economy grew above the national rate.

“The latest report confirms what British Columbians already know – our economy is on the move and it’s an exciting time to be working and investing in British Columbia,” said Campbell. “One of our five Great Goals is to create more jobs per capita than anywhere else in Canada. Our plan will make sure we keep leading in job creation. Our plan will make sure we keep moving forward.

“With B.C. leading in economic growth, we have the resources we need to reach our five Great Goals, by investing in learning, healthy living, sustainable environmental management, and support for persons with disabilities, special needs, children at risk and seniors.”

Statistics Canada reports that B.C.’s economic growth in 2004 was fuelled by strong wood-product manufacturing, continued strong housing construction, and robust consumer spending. It also cited a jump in employment as helping build B.C.’s strong performance.

“This news highlights why this election is pivotal to B.C.’s future,” said Campbell. “The NDP want to move backward to the failed polices that reduced our economy to last-place. The BC Liberals want to build on the plan that made us a leader again, and keep moving forward to a better future."
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