Burnaby business heads believe it will be business as usual under the new Liberal government.
Despite the B.C. NDP promises to boost small businesses, trades and improve tax credits for the film industry - the B.C. Liberals formed a majority government on a platform promoting a better economy.
In the last 12 years, however, the Liberals have not had a great track record in preserving the economy and furrowed many brows that led to ousting former premier Gordon Campbell after implementing the HST - which also resulted in the combined tax getting the boot.
Regardless of the past, the Liberals campaigned hard on claims of balancing the provincial budget this year and promising a healthy economy under their guidance.
Burnaby Board of Trade CEO Paul Holden says the City of Burnaby has a great relationship with representatives from both the Liberal and NDP camps, and doesn't expect much change with the new government.
"I think for us here in Burnaby, I don't see there being many, if any, changes in the short term, at least," Holden told the NOW in a phone interview. "Our role is to advocate for the needs of the business community, regardless of which stripe of government be in power."
Holden also said it's too early to tell how the Liberals will do in the next four years, but the board of trade will continue to work with the government.
"From our perspective, and the perspectives from our neighbours, we expect those strong relationships to continue," he said. "I think it'll be up to a lot of groups, and groups like ours, ... to make sure (the constituent's) interests are well served."
Over in the B.C. film camp, president of Mammoth Studios in Burnaby and North Shore Studios, Peter Leitch, said he hopes the new government will help the industry be competitive.
"I think it was a big surprise for everyone," Leitch said about the election results. "But we're looking forward to working with the new Liberal government - we've had a good relationship in the past with them, we've worked closely with them."
He said the industry will continue to lobby for better tax credits to become more competitive with Quebec and Ontario in attracting filmmakers.
Leitch noted how in the first quarter of this year, the local industry had slowed down dramatically.
When the election was in its early phase, Leitch and other film heads attended a press event where NDP leader Adrian Dix announced his promise of implementing competitive tax credits if the NDP formed government.
"We're a non-partisan association," he said. "We've got people supporting the Liberals and people supporting the NDP.
"I'm optimistic that the Liberal government supports business and they're going to work with us to try and grow the film business, which is in everyone's best interest."
Leitch said the industry itself needs to do a better job describing the many benefits of having a successful film industry.
"One of the things we need to do a bit better is talk about the value of the creative sector going forward. I don't think we've told the story as well as we could have," he said. "We think it can be a big part of B.C.'s economy and we're looking to take advantage of the opportunities."
The Hospital Employees' Union spokesperson echoed Holden's and Leitch's statements about working with the Liberal government.
"We'll seek a constructive working relationship with (the) government on issues that matter to British Columbians around health care," said Bonnie Pearson, the union's secretary business manager.
However, Pearson also said the union may have had a better relationship under an NDP government.
"If there had been a different outcome, I expect that our voice would have been more respected at the table," she said. "I think we'd have had a seat at the table in a way we've not experienced in the last couple of years."
She said in the last decade, the focus has tended to be on health-care professionals such as nurses and doctors, but other hospital staff members also play a critical role in providing care.
Pearson said hospital support services from clerks, to those who purchase medical supplies and clean the rooms are also important to running an efficient and clean hospital.
"Nonetheless, we're going to seek to work with this government," she added. "I think it's clear that the electorate gave Christy Clark and her party a clear mandate."
