Marshall Neufeld and Minister Michelle Rempel pose for a photo after meeting with the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce recently. Lyonel Doherty photo
When federal minister Michelle Rempel looks at the Oliver area, she sees economic potential.
That was her take after talking to the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce recently.
The Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification attended a roundtable discussion with members of the chamber and Conservative Party candidate Marshall Neufeld (South Okanagan West Kootenay).
Rempel outlined the government’s priorities, including efforts to reduce red tape, lower taxes, and deliver on necessary infrastructure investments across Canada.
“Thanks to our efforts, Canada is creating jobs and economic growth,” Rempel said. “Our meetings helped to demonstrate the positive impact our policies are having right here in the Oliver region.”
She referred to the government’s efforts to create the right economic conditions for continued growth and prosperity. This includes investing in skills training, basic infrastructure, and increasing access to markets through the government’s trade agenda.
Rempel said the recipe for success in economic diversity is using the strength of primary industries to develop secondary industries.
She pointed to Oliver’s strong agriculture and wine sector, noting she can see a lot of investment happening in these areas.
Rempel said the government is focusing on ensuring that businesses thrive in a low tax environment and that they benefit from skilled labour and free-trade agreements.
The minister, a certified sommelier specializing in Okanagan wine, is happy to see work being done on a regional tourism strategy, adding that Oliver and Osoyoos are becoming go-to destinations in Canada.
“When people think of destinations, the Okanagan is coming into its own,” Rempel said.
She noted the importance of people supporting the local agriculture and tourism industries.
Neufeld noted the important agreement with China in the export of BC cherries, and the $243 million for the astronomy industry, which is benefiting the White Lake Observatory.
In addition, he said the Area 27 race track project in Oliver will definitely boost the local economy. (He only wishes he could afford the membership fees.)
