The BC NDP have announced that the province's interactive digital media tax credit will be increased.The move comes amid a push to boost British Columbia's tech sector..During a press conference at Electronic Arts in Burnaby on Monday, Premier David Eby and Finance Minister Brenda Bailey explained that the tax credit will jump from 17.5% to 25%, and go from being temporary to permanent."We're in a really fraught time," Eby said, citing everything from threats by US President Donald Trump to the high cost of living. "We need to ensure that we're doing all we can to stand on our own two feet to develop our economy, to ensure prosperity for British Columbians and Canadians."He explained that in BC, that means ensuring competitiveness not just traditional industries, but new and emerging ones as well."We continue to demonstrate that success through major flagship games that are produced here at EA, and little indie games that are put together by a couple people in the province that compete on the world stage and inspire all of us," Eby added, thanking those in the industry for their hard work..Bailey echoed his sentiments, arguing that the tech sector is "so important for the growth of British Columbia.".When asked how much the tax credit would cost the province, Bailey pointed out that such credits exist across Canada and that BC is still at the low end of the spectrum, percentage-wise..She added that BC has a lot to offer potential tech workers, namely the lifestyle and "competitive tax system.""The reality," she added, "is that this tax credit has been shown in other jurisdictions when raised to actually increase the number of employees in a sector."BC has taken a number of steps as of late to grow its reputation as a tech hub..Highly anticipated tech conference kicks off in Vancouver.In May, Vancouver hosted its first ever Web Summit, bringing together over 15,000 people from more than 100 countries.
