Contents |
|
|
BC Chamber in the Headlines |
-
May 27, 2010
HST has its supporters - News1130
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - We've heard so often from those against the HST, it's almost hard to believe some are actually for it. John Winter, President and CEO ...
-
May 28, 2010
HST opposition hits threshold in all BC ridings: tax opponents - Victoria Times Colonist
“There's no sign of the government backing down and we are pleased to hear that,” said John Winter, president of the BC Chamber. “It's what we want and what ...
-
May 28, 2010
CBC Vancouver News Story – BC Chamber support for HST from the AGM
Short video on the HST, with comments from Premier Campbell and BC Chamber Board Members at the AGM
-
May 28, 2010
Third Quarter launched in BC - CKNW
The BC Chamber of Commerce is working with it's Manitoba counterpart on a pilot project aimed at keeping retirement age people in the work force . . .
-
May 28, 2010
COC supports HST - CKNW News Talk 980
The BC Chamber of Commerce isn't wavering on its support for the Harmonized Sales Tax. President John Winter was asked about the petition aimed at stopping ...
-
May 29,2010
Premier vows to follow law on HST - The Province
The province's largest business organizations — the BC Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of BC — say they have been assured Campbell will do ...
-
May 31, 2010
McClelland moves up chamber ladder - BCLocalNews
Deb McClelland, executive director of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed to the board of the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce. ...
-
June 1, 2010
Valley's Chamber of Commerce No. 1 - Comox Valley Record
JEFF LUCAS, the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce president, and Dianne Hawkins, executive director of the chamber, accept the Chamber of the Year ...
-
June 1, 2010
Chamber receives special recognition - Vernon Morning Star
Jonathan Jones (left) and Val Trevis, with the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, receive an honourable mention from Daren Hancott, with the BC Chamber of ...
-
June 2, 2010
McLaren a BC chamber director - Prince George Citizen
Prince George businessman Dan McLaren was named to the BC Chamber of Commerce board of directors during its annual general meeting and conference last ...
-
June 2, 2010
Task force recommends longer municipal election terms - Pique newsmagazine
The decision went against the wishes of the BC Chamber of Commerce, which supports a corporate vote because it was in place in BC before and, said Chamber ...
-
June 3, 2010
BC Chamber wants to look at business property tax - BCLocalNews
The President of the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce, ... from the annual general meeting of the BC Chamber of Commerce in Vancouver. ...
-
June 3, 2010
HST Policy - Audio Clip
John Winter the President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce is on to talk about HST and a new policy the BC Chamber is supporting from this area.
(John starts at the 11:45 mark)
-
June 4, 2010
BC's best - Comox Valley Echo
Daren Hancott, chair of the board of governors of the BC Chamber of Commerce, announced the award in Vancouver.
-
June 4, 2010
Chamber director focused on the Island - Victoria Times Colonist
... after being elected to the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce board of directors this week. ...
-
June 8, 2010
Let's go downtown, says new ADBA ED - Abbotsford Times
Business leaders recently supported a motion for the BC Chamber of Commerce to push the provincial government to reform local government finances. ...
-
June 8, 2010
John Winter: HST is key to a strong economy in BC - Straight.com
The reasons to support the HST may not inspire rallies, but the ramifications of this policy change will affect the entire economy and, ...
-
June 9, 2010
HST 'transformation' will strengthen BC economy - North Shore News
As a former business owner and chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce, I have been personally advocating for the elimination of the PST and transformation of ...
-
June 9, 2010
Watson to chair BC Chamber - North Shore News
The BC Chamber of Commerce recently elected North Vancouver's Mike Watson to chair the board of directors.
-
June 10, 2010
HST brings sales tax break – across the border - Agassiz Harrison Observer
BC Chamber of Commerce president John Winter argues the savings BC businesses gain with the move to the HST will allow them to drop their prices over time. ...
-
June 10, 2010
Business getting in the game - BCLocalNews
Jackie Frederick, recently appointed member of the BC Chamber of Commerce board of directors, sits among a clutter of her prized sports memorabilia, ...
- June 14, 2010
Moves | Personnel changes - Vancouver Sun
BC Chamber of Commerce board for 2010/2011
back to top |
Policy Successes |
2008-2009 Policy Report Card
Read the 08/09 Policy Report Card - highlighting all of the Chamber's policy successes over the past year.
back to top |
Chamber News |
What’s new @ bcchamber.org
Be HST ready: Resources for businesses
Over the last several months, the CRA has been actively communicating with businesses in Canada about the transition to HST. Links to information and tools for businesses can be found on the CRA’s “Are you HST Ready?” web page.
Key resources to help businesses seamlessly transition to the HST include:
- A series of sales tax notices to help businesses wind down the PST and transition to the HST.
- Free information seminars for businesses to learn about the transition to the HST and how it will affect their business. Business owners can register for a seminar in their community. The CRA has offered 332 community seminars in BC, and 45 more seminars are planned before the end of June. Check the website often, as new dates and locations are posted regularly.
- A series of videocasts with topics that include transitional rules for goods and services and rules for reporting, collecting and self-assessing HST has been produced.
- The CRA has prepared a comprehensive list of GST/HST bulletins, info on rebates and checklists covering a wide range of topics.
The easiest way to stay on top of all the latest information is to sign up for the CRA’s HST electronic mailing list or RSS feed
HST to Benefit Business
Surrey Leader - June 04, 2010
Read the letter
Residential Energy Credit Program for British Columbia Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) – Notice to Energy Suppliers
Provides energy suppliers with information on how to enrol in the program and claim reimbursements for energy credits provided to eligible residential customers. An enrolment package is also being mailed out to energy suppliers. In addition, there is a new webpage for the Residential Energy Credit and Rebate Program, which contains notices, forms and legislation related to the program.
You can view this publication, and the new webpage, online, or request a paper or an electronic copy of this, or any of our publications, by e-mailing.
HST Video
The Province has produced a short animated video outlining the "10 facts you should know about the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)"
View the video here
Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia Fund Small Business BC Initiative
The Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia announced funding for Small Business BC to enhance accessibility to the resources available to businesses.
Read the News Release
Canadian Small Business Financing Program
Small businesses in Canada with a gross revenue of $5 million or less are now eligible for a maximum loan of $500,000 with Industry Canada. Loans can be used to finance up to 90 percent of the cost of:
- purchasing or improving land, real property or immovables;
- purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property; or
- purchasing or improving new or used equipment.
For more information on the Canada Small Business Financing Program:
Tel. (toll free): 866-959-1699, Fax: 613-952-0290, Email, Website
Workplace Training for Innovation Pilot Program
The Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development has established a new program initiative, Workplace Training for Innovation Program, through the Strategic Training and Transition Fund. The program is designed to provide eligible employers with funding for employee training.
Visit the Government website for more information
Support for the Northern Gateway Project
To ensure our provincial and federal government representatives are aware of support for the Northern Gateway Project, there is a page on the NG Alliance website where people can enter their postal code and very easily send a letter of support to their MLA and / or MP and / or the Prime Minister.
Visit the Northern Gateway site
Updated EmbraceBC website launched
New features include:
- Details about projects and available funding.
- An interactive map
- A Resource Toolbox
- And a blog space
Check out the new website
If you have an announcement, a community event or resources that you would like us to post on the new site, please contact Mindy Nannar Stakeholder Relations Coordinator.
back to top |
Provincial News |
Strong BC Presence at South Korean CLean Tech Show
VICTORIA – BC’s leadership in clean energy and technology is on display at the International Exhibition on Environmental Technology and Green Energy (ENVEX 2010), South Korea’s largest annual environmental trade show .
South Korea is British Columbia’s fourth-largest trading partner . . .
Major Construction Projects Reach New Records
VICTORIA – The number and value of major construction projects planned or underway across BC have reached record highs.
Construction is making an economic impact in all parts of the province . . .
Labour Tool Maps Job Future
VICTORIA – Students, job seekers and employers will benefit from a new made-in-BC tool that will help them choose the right career path and therefore, contributing to the Province’s economic growth.
The interactive report provides users with reliable labour market information . . .
Local Elections Task Force Delivers Recommendations
VICTORIA - The Local Government Elections Task Force has delivered its final report.
Read the recommendations
Read the BC Chamber News Release focusing on the need to Reform Local Government
Better Access to Foreign Grads Helps BC Business
VANCOUVER – Businesses will gain improved access to highly skilled, in-demand foreign graduate students with a new expansion to BC’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
A three-year pilot program will enable graduates . . .
Canada, BC Fund Small Business BC Project
CRANBROOK – The Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia have announced funding for Small Business BC to enhance accessibility to the resources available to businesses.
Funding will allow improved access to and awareness of the services available to help small business .
Older Workers Plus News Skills Equal Better Jobs
VICTORIA – Hundreds of older British Columbians in our most vulnerable communities will gain new skills and new employment opportunities with 23 new projects offered through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) program.
A program to help unemployed workers, primarily those aged 55 to 64 . . .
Top Bond Rating Agencies Affirm BC’s High Rating
VICTORIA – Standard & Poor’s has affirmed the Province of British Columbia’s credit rating at AAA, the highest possible, noting the Province’s strong fiscal management is keeping BC on track to balance the budget by 2014.
The province's debt reduction in recent years gave it an increased capacity to respond to the global recession . . .
BC and Treaty 8 First Nations Sign Five Agreements
VICTORIA – The Province and three Treaty 8 First Nations signed a final agreement and four resource management agreements.
The agreements establish a process for consultation and collaborative management of lands . . .
back to top |
National News |
Bank of Canada increases overnight rate target to 1/2 per cent
OTTAWA – The Bank of Canada today announced that it is raising its target for the overnight rate by one-quarter of one percentage point to 1/2 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly raised to 3/4 per cent and the deposit rate is kept at 1/4 per cent, thus re-establishing the normal operating band of 50 basis points for the overnight rate.
The global economic recovery is proceeding . . .
Bank of Canada Report: Crude Oil Futures - A Crystal Ball?
Based on recent research, this article discusses three ways that oil-futures prices can improve our understanding of current conditions and future prospects in the global market for crude oil.
Read the report
Service Canada Centres for Youth Open for Business
Employers and students encouraged to take advantage of more than 300 Service Canada Centres for Youth (SCCY) across Canada that have recently opened.
SCCYs help bring youth and employers together . . .
back to top |
|
|
|
