As BC’s provincial government prepares to unveil the budget for the 2012/13 fiscal year, we're appealing to Premier Christy Clark to ensure that the needs and priorities of the critical small- and medium-sized business sector are not forgotten.

We at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business say, BC’s small business sector is the backbone of our provincial economy and has been hit hard by global economic turmoil and rising costs at home.

We're encouraged by recent statements from Finance Minister Kevin Falcon indicating that BC is on track for a balanced budget by 2013/14.

CFIB surveys show that 91% of CFIB members consider this a priority, and it’s imperative for the health of BC’s business climate that this be the case. So, we're going to be looking to ensure this government keeps spending within reasonable limits.

Here's what else we'll be keeping a sharp eye and a sharper pencil out for:

• government honouring its commitment to eliminate the Small Business Tax. We recognize the fiscal circumstances of this government, and understand it is likely not possible to eliminate the tax by April 1^st, 2012, as originally promised. However, we call on the government to do so as soon as is fiscally possible within a balanced budget framework.

• action to help mitigate the impact of the proposed Family Day holiday, which CFIB estimates will cost an average small business paying average wages $1135 in labour costs alone. Member support for Family Day nearly doubles when potential government offsetting measures are considered.

• Finally, we want to see a freeze on the Carbon Tax Rate after July 1, 2012; and we're looking out for the Taxpayer Fairness and Service Code enshrined in legislation as part of a clear and consistent transition back to the PST.

You don't get what you don't ask for in life - so let's see how well government meets the needs of small business in the budget lockup Tuesday. After all, what's good for small business, is good for BC. I think we can all agree on that.