We applaud Premier Christy Clark’s efforts to look abroad, particularly to Asia, to expand markets for B.C.’s resources, services and expertise. The more trading connections, the better. The opportunities will not come to us, they must be sought out, vigorously and assertively.
Clark’s shiny liquefied-natural gas dream is losing some of its glow as revenue estimates are scaled down and prospective LNG investors show signs of skittishness. Even the government has backed away from its election-campaign hype, with Monday’s throne speech calling LNG development “a chance, not a windfall.”
As we have written several times, as recently as this week, pinning all of B.C.’s economic hopes on LNG is foolish, and the government needs to pursue economic diversity.
If it takes the premier, a cabinet minister, assorted aides and a group of non-government delegates embarking on a trade mission to achieve that, so be it. However, the costs and benefits of such a mission should be made public to assure British Columbians their money is not being expended unwisely.
Within days of Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon reading the throne speech, Clark was packing her bags for her sixth trade mission abroad since 2011. She is in India “for face-to-face meetings with key business and government officials,” according to the government’s website.
She was accompanied by Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk and “a group of registered delegates.” Virk’s task is “to raise awareness of the great potential for secondary and post-secondary education partnerships, joint research initiatives and student exchange between B.C. and India.”
The costs are considerable, but so are the stakes — we shouldn’t expect thousand-dollar returns from penny investments. But neither should we expect public money to be spent on ventures unless there is a reasonable chance for decent returns.
Are potential investors really that dazzled by visits from elected officials? They deal in numbers; they are concerned about profits, not politics. Sure, relationships are necessary, but long-term business deals don’t hang on a relationship with someone whose presence is guaranteed only until the next election.
If high-level shmoozing is what it takes to improve economic diversity, then shmooze away. But keep British Columbians appraised of what is spent and what is gained.
Of course, costs can be immediately tabulated, while it will take considerable time to measure the benefits. Nevertheless, our globe-trotting premier should be as clear and open as possible about the returns on investment from her frequent trade missions.
