BC Chamber in the Headlines
September 16, 2011
Business must challenge government policy: CEO – BC Local News
The business community has got to do a better job of selling itself as a vital contributor to B.C.’s economic health and stability says B.C. Chamber of Commerce CEO John Winter.
September 22, 2011
Jobs Plan Hitting The Right Buttons?: Business says plan heading in right direction – CFJC Kamloops
John Winter, B.C. Chamber of Commerce president, says Clark's focus is in the right place. He says the focus is on industries that are creating products for export. It's good economic strategy that allows . . .”
September 27, 2011
Put economy over politics, business leaders urge - Metro
There’s no room for single-issue politicians with the world on the brink of financial collapse, the B.C. Chamber of Commerce says.
September 29, 2011
Jobs plan a work in progress – Penticton Western News
“Local government must resist the urge to cave into the demands of the NIMBY segment at the expense of the many benefits that economic development brings to the community, the region or the province,” B.C. chamber president John Winter said.
October 4, 2011
Letter to the Editor: The Jobs Agenda, There is No Greater Priorities for the Province – Vancouver Sun
As world leaders grapple with another global economic downturn, the jobs agenda must be front and centre for all BC politicians, regardless of their political stripes or level of government.
October 4, 2011
Industry lauds wine bill - B.C. MP wants to allow interprovincial wine sales – Niagara This Week
Okanagan-Coquihalla MP Dan Albas’s tabling of Bill C-311 to amend Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act comes after years of lobbying by business groups hoping to scrap the law
October 14, 2011
Online service brings immigrants together with business owners looking to sell – Vancouver Sun
“There’s tremendous opportunity [to buy] businesses that are now defunct simply because people have walked away from their investment in order to retire,” John Winter said
October 17, 2011
Tax changes could spur homebuilding sector: CoC – News 130
"The Property Transfer Tax has always been a major bugaboo and it's a major source of revenue for the government. But in the meantime, if they're trying to, I think, step up activity in that sector that's one area that could use their attention for sure."
Upcoming Events
Breakfast with Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto
October 28, 2011
Minister Yamamoto will be joined by Dr. Paul Cappon, President & CEO of the Canadian Council on Learning. Dr. Cappon will present the Canadian Council on Learning's report on the state of post-secondary learning in Canada. Minister Yamamoto to will then put the report into a BC context.
Information & Registration
BC Energy Summit
November 17 & 18, 2011
The expanding role of natural gas and development of BC’s electrical capacity will be highlighted at this two-day conference. Program events will include an address by the Honourable Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy & Mines; presentations on the progress of natural gas projects by industry leaders; BC Hydro CEO Dave Cobb on the future plans of the crown corporation and a panel on the role of alternative energy projects.
Information & Registration
What’s New @ bcchamber.org
Policy & Positions Manual Online
What issues matter to businesses in BC? Find out in the BC Chamber of Commerce Policy & Positions Manual. Search by individual issues or download the entire policy book.
Legislative Watch Newsletter
Have you read the BC Chamber’s Legislative Watch? It is a 2 page update of the major announcements, question period topics and bills from the BC Legislature. Issue 1 from the new October session is available here.
The jobs agenda: There’s no greater priority right now
Editorial by John Winter, President & CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce - September 24, 2011
As world leaders grapple with another global economic downturn, the jobs agenda must be front and centre for all BC politicians, regardless of their political stripes or level of government. Continue reading
Chamber News
October is Small Business Month
Find out what events are going on in your community
Small Business Roundtable - Annual Report to Government | October 2011
The 2011 Small Business Roundtable Report provides addresses issues raised by small business owners during consultations held throughout the province. It includes forward looking recommendations to government and the small business community on strategies to further enhance the growth and success of small business in BC.
Address to the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry. St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador - September 18, 2011
I am honoured to join you, the business and community leaders from across Canada, at this important annual general meeting . .
Aboriginal Business Match 2012
The Aboriginal Business Match 2012 (ABM 2012) is the direct connection between BC First Nations looking to grow their economies and the companies looking to do business with First Nations. This event offers strategic and exclusive accessto First Nation and corporate leaders with real business opportunities seeking partners, investors, customers and suppliers.
Community Futures Video Contest
Community Futures Partners are celebrating the success of rural entrepreneurs with disabilities during Small Business Month and the Year of the Entrepreneur with a video contest. Rural entrepreneurs with disabilities the four western Provinces are invited in to create and submit “YouTube” videos that share their business stories online. The most compelling story – to be judged by public response and a panel - wins a cash prize.
Provincial News
British Columbia to develop liquefied natural gas industry
KITIMAT - As part of "Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan", to be formally released on Thursday, Premier Christy Clark today announced British Columbia will take four key steps to create a prosperous liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry and jobs, including making the Kitimat liquefied natural gas plant operational by 2015.
BC Chamber News Release - BC Government News Release
BC targets innovation, job creation and training
SURREY – As part of ‘Canada Starts Here: The B.C. Jobs Plan’ to be released Thursday, Premier Christy Clark today announced that British Columbia plans to support small business innovation and entrepreneurship by expanding access to venture capital tax credits, extending tax credits available to apprentices and employers, and working with business leaders to cut red tape and streamline administration of provincial taxes.
BC intends to provide a $3-million increase to BC’s successful Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit, targeted to direct investments in new businesses
Enhanced immigration program promotes investment and jobs
VICTORIA – The provincial government is taking steps to further encourage business immigrants to invest in communities in regional B.C. through the BC Provincial Nominee Program.
“Succession planning is a critical issue for businesses around the province at the moment, and this new program is an important start to promoting the continued livelihood of our communities,” John Winter.
BC maps future growth through international education and skills training
KAMLOOPS - As part of 'Canada Starts Here: The B.C. Jobs Plan', to be released Thursday, Premier Christy Clark announced key steps to increase the number of post-secondary students from other countries studying in B.C.
The Province will create Regional Workforce Tables as a new platform for educators, industry, employers, local chambers of commerce, First Nations, labour and others to come together to plan how best to align training programs to meet regional needs.
Province recognizes six small business-friendly communities
VANCOUVER – Local governments that go out of their way to champion the growth of small businesses are being celebrated with a new, annual provincewide award.
This year’s award recipients are: Surrey, Kamloops, Ladysmith, Prince Rupert, Quesnel and Rossland.
Simplified resource road rules benefit industry, users
VICTORIA – British Columbians are invited to comment on a policy project for better regulation of natural resource roads. The Natural Resource Road Act Project aims to establish a single legislative framework for the use, construction, maintenance and management of resource roads.
Private sector input will be crucial for this process, provide yours here.
Federal News
Small Business Profile shows big job creation in BC
VANCOUVER – The governments of Canada and British Columbia today launched the Small Business Profile 2011, a report that highlights the major role that small businesses play in B.C.’s economic success, through job creation, wage increases, exports and contributions to the province’s gross domestic product.
News Release - Small Business Profile Report