British Columbia delivers its 2016 budget on February 16.

As with any government, the overarching objectives are simple: to provide great public services, delivering value for every tax dollar spent; fostering an economic environment that encourages growth in high-quality jobs; and, maintaining the fiscal discipline to ensure future generations are not burdened with debt.

The challenge is how to achieve these objectives in a climate of revenue uncertainly, particularly with lingering questions over the potential for liquefied natural gas. Here are the elements of a budget the Canada West Foundation believes would best improve the lives for British Columbians:

  1. Put more money into the pockets of British Columbians

    >$1,098 of what an average B.C. taxpayer contributed last year delivered no services. Instead, the money went to service the debt (calculated from StatsCan data).
    >British Columbians will have more money if the province maintains fiscal discipline and uses surpluses to pay down the $65-billion provincial debt.
    >This will also require continued vigilance on the spending side of the ledger.

  1. Encourage job growth through greater tax efficiency

    >Tax efficiency will encourage businesses to grow to global scale, providing more jobs for British Columbians.
    >The B.C. government should look for ways to increase the tax competitiveness of the province compared to other jurisdictions. (The province has tax on capital investments and corporate rates that is higher than the unweighted OECD average.)
    >Tax efficiency would free up fiscal capacity to provide enhanced public services in the future.

  1. Make it easier to move people and goods around the province

    >Road and bridge projects will improve movement of goods and people throughout the province and Lower Mainland.
    >Better transportation and transit infrastructure will increase business efficiency and productivity and improve market access. (It is estimated the province’s economy loses $500 million-$1.2 billion annually – Source: HDR Inc.)
    >Greater freedom of movement will improve the quality of life for residents.
    >Improved movement will also contribute to GHG reduction goals.

  1. Prepare workers for the new jobs that will be coming

    >The Skills for Jobs Blueprint, introduced in 2014, is helping to match skills development programs to the new types of jobs that are forecast.
    >The government should continue working closely with post-secondary institutions and training providers (including labour unions) to fulfill the remaining Blueprint goals.

  1. Regulatory processes that build public trust

    >Create regulatory processes that are both thorough and efficient, delivering decisions in a timely fashion.
    >Improve consultation with First Nations and negotiate settlements to mitigate uncertainty over major infrastructure projects.