Shock as BC Premier Resigns

Reaction in B.C.'s business community to Premier Gordon Campbell's resignation was a mix of shock and appreciation.

John Winter, president and CEO of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, called Campbell "perhaps the best economic manager the province has had" and said it's critical his successor stays the course.

"What we've really got are good public policies that have been allowed to be derailed by politics, and the HST is perhaps the best example of that," Winter said in a phone interview. "British Columbians will be very sorry if HST leaves, but it's hard to explain that."

The uncertainty surrounding leadership of the province is a concern, he said, and noted it will be key that Campbell's successor has a strong economic background and is a good team player.