BC party leaders tout business aid plans as Surrey election race heats up

During a campaign stop in Surrey, the province's two largest parties outlined competing business-friendly policies. David Eby of the NDP detailed a $500-million fund that would provide interest-free loans of up to $1 million for up to 72 months to small and medium enterprises recovering from wildfires or tariff impacts, and a $5,000 refundable credit for firms hiring workers aged 18 to 30. Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson argued for eliminating the provincial sales tax on specific machinery, equipment and business software, and pledged to cut red tape, create a tax-simplification panel, and fast-track major capital projects. The Green Party also offered a wealth tax and commercial-rent protections, but the focus remained on the NDP and Conservative pitches as Surrey, BC's second-largest city, could swing the Oct. 24 election.