Premier John Horgan told a group of business leaders in Victoria that he can feel their pain, but his government wonB次元官网网址檛 back away from ending the medical fees charged to B.C. residents.

Speaking to a crowd of about 400 at a Victoria Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Horgan said theyB次元官网网址檙e committed to ending the medical services premium, placing the fee on businesses.

Horgan said he has been hearing from businesses with concerns the 1.95 per cent employers health tax on firms will increase costs and the government has formed a small business task force to look for ways to reduce that burden.

HorganB次元官网网址檚 speech also touched on climate change, Indigenous rights issues, and his governmentB次元官网网址檚 speculation tax on vacant properties to provide more affordable housing and rental homes.

He says the government is continuing to consult with businesses about the employer health tax, but that will be the direction the government is taking.

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The premier said he realizes there are challenges and the government wants to address them with business, but he was making no promises.

B次元官网网址淭his is what the rest of the country is doing,B次元官网网址� Horgan says. B次元官网网址淭his is not an anomaly. We are catching up.B次元官网网址�

Allan Cahoon, president and vice-chancellor at Royal Roads University, says the employer tax is a challenge.

B次元官网网址淲hat it means is weB次元官网网址檙e going to have to recalculate our ability to generate revenue and accommodate it,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚t was a surprise to get it. I think we can figure out how to do it.B次元官网网址�

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The Canadian Press

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