Chambers of Commerce from across the province are supporting the provincial government鈥檚 most recent budget.

鈥淲hat the budget makes clear is that the strengthening provincial finances are a direct result of renewed confidence and investment from the public sector,鈥� said John Winter, the president and CEO of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce.

鈥淭his is an important message for all parties as they go through their respective leadership races.

鈥淲hile there is significant flexibility for the new premier, this flexibility should not be used to threaten a return to balanced budgets or the private sector confidence that is driving our recovery.

The budget was released on Tuesday and it delivers a $500 million reduction for 2011, combined with a reduction in the debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio. It also offers a very cautious approach to economic growth.

鈥淥ur members will welcome the combination of controlled spending and increased revenue that sees BC well on track to return to balanced budgets by 2013/14,鈥� continued Winter.  鈥淥ur members have been clear, governments number one priority must be to return to balanced budgets as quickly as possible.鈥�