If Bill C-311 is approved, it would formally remove all federal taxes on alcohol, and give provinces more flexibility in determining taxation and movement of alcohol within Canada. The bill cleared the Senate committee hearings Monday. Even with the associated tax and individual provincial issues, this bill, if passed, will be a win for Canadian consumers and producers alike and we certainly feel it is a feather in the cap of the Penticton and South Okanagan Chambers.
Grant Writing Workshop
A huge thank you to Aaron McRann from the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan and Tracy St. Claire of the United Way for sponsoring our workshop Successful Grant Writing held on Thursday June 7 2012 to a full room. This workshop proved to be very popular and we are planning to have another one this Fall.
Public Consultations Saturday June 23rd
As part of its commitment to public consultation in the development of the City of Penticton Bike Plan and the revitalization of the west Okanagan Lake waterfront, the City invites you to a public consultation opportunity under the tents next to the Peach on Saturday, June 23, 2012, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Staff and Committee members will be on hand to explain why the various options were presented, as each identified area of Lakeshore Drive has different elements to be considered.
Plans based on ideas and suggestions from you, the public needs your input and feedback. Please take the time to come enjoy the Peach City Beach Cruise car show and get involved in shaping the West Okanagan Lake Waterfront revitalization plan and the Penticton bike plan.
The binder information is available for review on the City's project website www.penticton.ca/waterfront. You are also able to provide input throughout the process at bikeplan@penticton.ca or waterfront@penticton.ca. See waterfront@penticton.ca for an updated powerpoint on the West Okanagan Lake Waterfront. Information on the Vibrant Penticton projects is also available on the City website www.penticton.ca
Canada's Top 10 Barriers to Competitiveness
Barrier 1: Resolving Canada's Skills Crisis. Here's the issue:
Despite current unemployment levels, Canada has a growing labour shortage. More people and better skills are needed for Canada to compete and prosper in a global, knowledge-based economy. Domestic skills development and improving access to foreign workers are vital to the continued success of Canadian businesses and our economy.
Participate in a Skills Survey
As part of the chamber network's ongoing consultation on the issues related to skills/competitiveness, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has distributed short skills surveys on various themes under its skills agenda. They are looking to Canadian businesses for feedback on the skills challenges they're facing now - real-time data needed to support their advocacy work.
The surveys are live now and are your opportunity to comment. For the full list of the top 10 barriers, check the link provided on our Chamber website www.penticton.org
Here 's the list of surveys:
Survey 1 on post-secondary education:http://bit.ly/Top10survey1
Survey 2 on life-long learning: http://bit.ly/Top10survey2
Survey 3 on older workers and people with disabilities:http://bit.ly/top10survey3
Survey 4 on integration services of immigrants:http://bit.ly/Top10survey4
Survey 5 on immigration potential through temporary foreign workers; permanent workers and international students:http://bit.ly/Top10survey5
Survey 6 on early childhood education programs:http://bit.ly/Top10survey6
Survey 7 on skilled trades and labour mobility: http://bit.ly/Top10survey07
Survey 8 on Aboriginal workforce development: http://bit.ly/Top10survey08
