New Democrat Leader Carol James reflected on recent good news for the BC economy in her speech to the Coalition of BC Businesses, and identified some of the challenges that must be met to insure long run growth, including land claims, land-use plans, and BC’s chronic under-investment in research and development. In what CBC described as a "room of mainly liberal supporters", James spoke of "listening carefully to a wide variety of views" and said that "as the new leader of the BC NDP, I have made it a top priority to meet with business people…to hear from you directly and to learn from your experience as business leaders".

The approach James demonstrated in meeting with what many would consider a hostile audience stands in sharp contrast to Gordon Campbell's style. Campbell has appointed no labour leaders to government boards and commissions, and his speaking engagements have never included a labour friendly crowd. James stressed the need to escape from conflict and stereotypes. She said "…I believe New Democrats and the business community share a lot more in common than is often assumed. And we share a common destiny as British Columbians and a common desire to build a dynamic, prosperous economy that works for everyone."

Business leaders have an opportunity to reciprocate with a less partisan approach than was demonstrated in the period leading up to and through the 2001 election campaign; however, according the CBC, BC Business Coalition head Phil Hochstein was quick to criticize James' concern over the decline in the standard of living for middle-income British Columbians. In her speech, James said that "Nationally wages grew in May 2004 from the previous year by 2.9 per cent with Manitoba leading the way at 6.7 per cent. But in BC, accounting for inflation, wages dropped by 4.5 per cent. Moreover, in 2003, BC finished eighth in Canada in terms of growth in after-tax income." Ungracious comments attributed to Hochstein should not be viewed as representing the entire business community.

James concluded her speech with a challenge for the business community to work with her. She said "I want the NDP and the business community to work in partnership. I can't do my job if we don't build a relationship of trust and good will. And I know you can't do your job either. Real leadership in this young new century, means not letting partisanship get the better of us. At this critical moment in our province's history, we need a competitive and principled dialogue of ideas, not a barrage of attack ads and insults. The measure of our success will be in the maturity we show in meeting the challenges that we all face together. Your invitation to me to speak to you, to develop and nurture a constructive dialogue is in that spirit."

Business needs the constructive dialogue and process promised by James. A few hotheads must not be allowed to deprive the broad community of the opportunities found in her style of politics. The same message also needs to be heard by traditional allies of the NDP.