 BC Chamber in the Headlines | |
December 1, 2011
New local government auditor to watch municipal spending - Canada.com
"The legislation of this new office has the potential to fundamentally change the way municipalities in BC operate," said John Winter, president and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.
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| HST-PST Update | |
The rules governing the transition from HST back to PST will be made by the government no later than March 31, 2012.
For more information please refer to this powerpoint on the transition process.
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| Congratulations Municipal Election Winners | |
The BC Chamber of Commerce would like to pass along our congratulations to the following newly elected municipal politicians:
- Ted Adlem, elected Mayor of Mission (Past President - Mission Chamber)
- Dave Formosa, elected Mayor of Powell River (Past President - Powell River Chamber)
- Garth Frizzell, re-elected to Council in Prince George (Past President - Prince George Chamber)
- Patricia Heintzman, re-elected to Council in Squamish (Past President - Squamish Chamber)
- Craig Hodge, elected to council in Coquitlam (former Director - BC Chamber, and Past President - Tri-Cities Chamber)
- Albert Koehler, elected to Council in Prince George (Past President - Prince George Chamber)
- Jason Lum, elected to Council in Chilliwack (Past President - Chilliwack Chamber)
- Denise Pallese, re-elected to Council in Cranbrook (Past President - Cranbrook Chamber)
- Dave Willie, elected to Council in Qualicum Beach (Past President - Qualicum Beach Chamber)
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| What's New @ bcchamber.org | |
Site C project significant for BC
Op-ed to the Vancouver Sun
There is no doubt that a global economic slowdown is a cause for concern in Canada. However, despite the economic uncertainty around the globe, there are also reasons for optimism in B.C., particularly in the energy sector.
At the B.C. Chamber Energy Summit held in Vancouver last month, for example, we heard about the enormous potential for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry in BC. Continue reading
BC Energy Poll Results
What do businesses think about the future of BC's energy sector? Find out in the results of our BC Chamber Energy Poll
Wireless innovations driving BC
Special to the Vancouver Sun
We are fortunate in our lifetimes to have seen technology's amazing ability to "amplify human potential," as Microsoft founder Bill Gates said so aptly.
In the 21st century, the wireless revolution is transforming our economy and quality of life in ways that we never would have thought imaginable only a decade ago. And while every new technology has its detractors, the benefits of wireless communications are having a profoundly positive impact for all of us. Continue reading
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| Chamber News | |
Premier appoints new immigration task force
Premier Christy Clark has announced the creation of the BC Immigration Task Force to review key government programs in order to increase the number of skilled immigrants and investors in BC.
The BC Chamber of Commerce will be an active participant in this committees deliberations.
The task force will examine the current system of economic immigration, assess the outcomes and explore opportunities through the New West Partnership. Continue reading
Addressing Canada's looming skills crisis: retaining older workers
In a discussion paper released today, Incenting Seniors to Continue Working, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce reinforces the argument that retaining older workers in the workforce is part of the solution to avoid the skills crisis Canada is on the verge of experiencing.
The time is right to look at removing disincentives that discourage seniors from working. The paper examines key concerns that need to be addressed in order to pave the way for retention of older workers. Continue reading
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| Provincial News | |
BC invests over $13M in new skills training programs
VICTORIA - From software systems development and auto refinishing, to underground mining, shellfish aquaculture and a host of other programs, the BC government is investing over $13 million in new employment skills training in regions throughout British Columbia.
Over 50 skills training programs are being delivered by 20 post-secondary institutions throughout the province under the government's Employment Skills Access Initiative (ESA).
Industry sectors to receive $10M for new training programs
VANCOUVER - A total of $10 million in skills-training funding is being made available to BC sector and industry groups over three years to allow them to play a leading role in developing new training programs to help meet labour market needs.
The BC government is seeking funding proposals for training programs that are designed to meet present and future labour shortages. Sector or industry-based organizations experiencing a significant labour-market challenge are eligible to apply. Industry-sector organizations will be able to receive up to $500,000 per training project.
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| National News | |
Number of Skilled Immigrants into Canada to Increase
The federal government announced that the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will increase the number of immigrants to Canada to between 42,000 and 45,000 next year from a projected 40,000 this year.
The purpose of PNP is to expedite the permanent-resident applications of immigrants with skill sets deemed desirable by the province or those most likely to invest and create jobs. The Provincial Nominee Program is jointly run by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and BC's Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. More information.
New Pooled Pension Plan for Employees
The federal government has tabled Bill C-25 to establish a Pooled Registered Pension Plan (PRPP), which is meant to provide a new, accessible, large-scale and low-cost defined contribution (DC) pension option for employers, employees and the self-employed.
The proposed Act should help remove barriers that may have hindered some employers from offering pension plans to their employees and could ultimately benefit millions of Canadians. More Information.
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