BC Chamber in the Headlines
February 24, 2012
BC unveils 2012 budget – Coast Reporter
“John Winter, president of the BC Chamber of Commerce called the budget “prudent,” predicting it would ward off external risks faced by the economy.”
March 5, 2012
Teachers' strike could be costly for BC economy: BC Chamber of Commerce says up to 1/3 of workforce could be away – News1130
“[John] Winter says 97 percent of BC businesses employ five people or less and one or two people away will hurt the bottom line.”
March 18, 2012
New energy future lies ahead – Vancouver Sun Editorial
“Our province, indeed our whole continent, is on the verge of a new, cleaner energy future. The technical revolution that has led to the production of vast new supplies of unconventional gas is a truly remarkable achievement, one that will see natural gas finally come to play its long-hoped-for role in our country’s energy mix.”
March 21, 2012
Chambers offer up Jumbo praise – Invermere Valley Echo
“The BC Chamber has hailed the decision, and says it hopes the approval of Jumbo is a sign that other projects under review — including some mining and natural gas developments — will benefit from a speedier, balanced process.”
March 21, 2012
Car levy, new carbon tax for TransLink concerns business – Surrey North Delta Leader
“BC Chamber of Commerce president John Winter said he thinks the regional mayors' council should abandon the two options and accept higher property taxes for now while they pursue longer-term funding mechanisms for TransLink.”
Upcoming Events
BC Chamber Transportation Summit 2012
June 4-5, 2012
Join the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce on June 4th and 5th at the beautiful Hotel Vancouver for the BC Transportation Summit 2012. BC’s gateway strategy and future development in the transportation sector will take the spotlight as business, stakeholders and government meet.
What’s New @ bcchamber.org
Jumbo Glacier Resort Approved
The BC Chamber of Commerce would like to applaud the BC Government for its foresight in approving the Jumbo Glacier Resort.
“This project has been reviewed to death,” said John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “It’s good to see BC sending a clear signal that major projects like these will be judged on their own merits.”
Read the BC Chamber News Release
Newsletters
We need your input on skills and training
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is holding a survey consultation with businesses across the country to develop solutions to the growing labour shortage facing many sectors.
The first 1 minute survey in this process is focused on post-secondary education, and we very much hope to have your input.
Access the Survey Here
Canadian Chamber Skills Webinar
The focus will be on SME Employee Skills Upgrading. This webinar will take place on Thursday, March 28, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EDT.
The fastest way to improve your business’ productivity is to grow your employees’ skill sets. Targeted at small- and medium-sized businesses, participants will learn how essential skills in the workplace can make a difference and how to find the skills upgrading support they need.
Participants are asked to pre-register
Chamber News
BC Government looking for business input on PST re-implementation
The BC government will be re-implementing the provincial sales tax (PST) effective April 1, 2013 and they are looking for your input. They are looking for suggestions about the best way to provide you with re‑implementation information. Please forward your advice to SBRPublications@gov.bc.ca by April 30, 2012.
Additionally, the government will be updating their website as information becomes available, and you can subscribe to their What’s New web page to be notified of any updates.
Visitor Centre Funding
As part of the Gaining the Edge Tourism Strategy, the BC Government is increasing Visitor Centre funding. Chambers of Commerce operating Visitor Centre will have already received this money for the purchase of materials, supplies or services.
Please note that this additional funding must be spent by March 31, 2012, and that a statement of purchases must be submitted to the Ministry no later than April 30, 2012. If you have any questions regarding this funding, please contact Nancy Frederickson at 250-356-5630.
Changes to EI Benefits for Apprentices
Are you an employer that has an apprentice on staff? There will be upcoming changes beginning April 2nd to the process of how apprentices access Financial Supports while they are attending the classroom component of their training.
For details that will assist both you and your apprentice, please visit the Employment & Labour website.
John Winter to sit on Prime Minister Award Committee
The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards (PMVA) have been created to recognize the exceptional contributions of volunteers, local businesses and innovative not-for-profit organizations in improving the well-being of families and their communities. The awards highlight best practices in community leadership and encourage partnerships across sectors.
John Winter, President & CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, has been nominated to the National Advisory Committee. This committee will evaluate the top-ranked nominations provided by the regional reviewers and will recommend the award winners to the Minister of HRSD for final decision. More information on these awards can be found through the PMO.
Arts Engagement Proposals Open
The Request for Proposal for the Arts Engagement projects under the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation has been posted on BC Bid as document ON-002222. The closing date is April 16, 2012.
The EmbraceBC Arts Engagement projects utilize the arts to bring together diverse groups to interact and collaborate on a project that addresses racism, promotes multiculturalism and builds an inclusive community. Project terms can be for up to 18 months in order to provide communities with opportunities to enhance project deliverables and outcomes. Contract values will be for a maximum of $35,000. All inquiries should be directed to Bobby Kapoor.
Communities in Bloom - grow investment in your community
Communities in Bloom is a program that inspires communities to enhance and sustain the visual appeal of neighbourhoods, public spaces, parks and streetscapes through the imaginative use of regionally-appropriate plants and landscaping with attention to environmental stewardship and to preserve heritage and cultural assets.
People and businesses want to be associated with an attractive looking community, which is particularly important with respect to potential residents, investors, visitors, developers, realtors and others. The application deadline is March 31, please visit the website to learn more.
Pemberton Valley Lodge Wins Green Business Award
Pemberton Valley Lodge was recently recognized for its impressive list of green initiatives with the Successful You "Best Green Business" award, which was presented in late February at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel. Small Business BC’s Successful You Awards (SYA) recognize and celebrate BC entrepreneurs for making important contributions to their local communities and the global economy. For more information about Pemberton Valley Lodge’s win, click here.
Provincial News
Panel to perform independent review of BC Transit
VICTORIA – Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom has selected three people with expertise in finance, transit and municipal affairs to conduct the BC Transit Independent Review.
Lekstrom called for an independent review after listening to the concerns of some mayors and other locally elected officials about BC Transit’s performance and operations.
New strategy promotes local food, foreign markets
VICTORIA – British Columbia’s new agrifoods strategy, released under the BC Jobs Plan, charts a path forward to increasing local food production and processing, while supporting job growth and healthy communities.
Over the next five years, the agrifoods strategy will also support industry innovation, address the sector’s labour market needs and ensure a sustainable land base for production.
Premier Clark delivers six-month BC Jobs Plan update
VICTORIA – Premier Christy Clark released today the six-month progress report for ‘Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan’, which clearly outlines the steps taken by our government to promote economic investment and job growth in British Columbia.
Read the News Release
Read the 6 Month Progress Report