BRIEF OF THE SURREY BOARD OF TRADEAddressing the following criteria: · how to achieve a sustained economic recovery in Canada, · how to create quality sustainable jobs, · how to ensure relatively low rates of taxation, and · how to achieve a balanced budget. In particular, the thoughts and suggestions of Canadians about how to attain high levels of job growth and business investment in order to ensure shared prosperity and a high standard of living for all are being sought. The Surrey Board of Trade board of Trade is concerned that the Canadian government maintain the fiscal advantage that they have so far been able to create and is pleased to be able to offer some comment with respect to the above stated goals in the planning for the next budget cycle. As you are very well aware, a healthy business environment is critical in building an even stronger economy, which will benefit all Canadians by improving the climate for small business success and moving toward a stronger aviation sector which is critical in the life of Canada. The Surrey Board of Trade recommends that the Government of Canada take action on two specific areas: 1.
Normalize the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance for computer
equipment purchases such that it is in the same asset class as computer
software (Class 12). 2.
Move with all urgency to stem the enormous economic losses as a
result of the loss of Canadian flyers to American border airports because of
high Canadian air fares by revising the relationship which Canadian
airports have with the Federal government such that they become economic
generators as opposed to a source of rental income, along with the many other
fees which create an enormous disparity between US and Canadian airports. These issues are costing the Canadian economy dearly in lost jobs (along with the lost tax revenues) and potential revenue from a thriving, competitive aviation industry, as well as creating jobs in all areas of Canada and through many different supporting sectors, to handle the increased aviation-related business, as well as energizing the economies of communities connected to Canadian airports. The Surrey Board of Trade recommends that the Government of Canada undertake an urgent study to reduce and ultimately eliminate airport rent and fees in favour of economic returns from a growing and sustainable Canadian aviation sector which would become a major contributing economic engine in this country. |