Premier John Horgan told a group of business leaders in Victoria that he can feel their pain, but his government won91裸聊视频檛 back away from ending the medical fees charged to B.C. residents.

Speaking to a crowd of about 400 at a Victoria Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Horgan said they91裸聊视频檙e committed to ending the medical services premium, placing the fee on businesses.

Horgan said he has been hearing from businesses with concerns the 1.95 per cent employers health tax on firms will increase costs and the government has formed a small business task force to look for ways to reduce that burden.

Horgan91裸聊视频檚 speech also touched on climate change, Indigenous rights issues, and his government91裸聊视频檚 speculation tax on vacant properties to provide more affordable housing and rental homes.

He says the government is continuing to consult with businesses about the employer health tax, but that will be the direction the government is taking.

Related: Al Gore condemns Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion, sides with Horgan

The premier said he realizes there are challenges and the government wants to address them with business, but he was making no promises.

91裸聊视频淭his is what the rest of the country is doing,91裸聊视频� Horgan says. 91裸聊视频淭his is not an anomaly. We are catching up.91裸聊视频�

Allan Cahoon, president and vice-chancellor at Royal Roads University, says the employer tax is a challenge.

91裸聊视频淲hat it means is we91裸聊视频檙e going to have to recalculate our ability to generate revenue and accommodate it,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淚t was a surprise to get it. I think we can figure out how to do it.91裸聊视频�

Related: One year later: Horgan approval rating remains high but NDP support low, poll says

The Canadian Press

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