News & Events - Express Newsletter
BC Chamber of Commerce Express Newsletter - August 2008 Issue
Contents |
BC Chamber in the Headlines
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BC Chamber in the Headlines |
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Policy Successes |
Canadian Experience ClassFederal government has introduced guidelines for a new Canadian Experience Class immigration program. This program will allow certain temporary foreign workers and foreign students, to use their Canadian work experience to apply to become permanent residents, it is estimated that this program will process 25,000 immigrants annually. For more information visit: http://news.gc.ca/web/view/en/index.jsp?articleid=414179 Note: These guidelines are in draft only and the Chamber will be commenting on them. Province moves ahead with key elements of the Gateway ProgramSouth Fraser Perimeter Road - The Ministry of Transportation has issued a Request for Qualifications for the design, building, finance, operation and maintenance of the new South Fraser Perimeter Road. Port Mann/Highway 1 - The Ministry has also announced the preferred proponent for the Port Mann/Highway 1 project. While contract negotiations are still in process and the fairness reviewer has yet to issue an independent opinion regarding the fairness of the competitive selection process this is the final step prior to the commencement of construction which is due to begin this year. Evergreen – The province and Translink have signed an agreement outlining that the Province of BC will be the project lead for the Evergreen Line rapid transit project. |
Chamber News |
2008-2009 BC Chamber Policy and Positions Manual now available onlineThe 2008-2009 BC Chamber policy manual is now available on the BC Chamber website, http://www.bcchamber.org/advocacy/policy.html. Hard copies of the Manual will be sent to members early next week. If you have any questions regarding the Manual or any of the policy statements or priority areas please contact Jon Garson at jgarson@bcchamber.org. BC Chamber to undertake consultations with member chambers on Single Transferable Vote (STV)The Province has announced $1 million available for an education and information campaign in advance of the referendum on whether BC adopts the STV or keeps the first-past-the-post electoral system. This referendum, to be held in concert with the May 12, 2009 provincial general election, will require 60% of the province wide popular vote, along with the support of at least 60% of the province’s electoral districts. While the Chamber has no policy recommendations on this issue the potential implications for communities and for our members could be significant. As such the BC Chamber will be undertaking a consultation process with members chambers over the month September to provide input into the November Board meeting where the Board of Directors will determine whether the BC Chamber should take a public position on this issue. If you have any questions regarding the STV please contact Jon Garson at jgarson@bcchamber.org BC Chamber hosts 2008 Transportation Summit - October 16 & 17, 2008The 2008 Transportation Summit will take place October 16 & 17, 2008 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. To view the conference program and to register, please visit: |
Provincial News |
BC Climate Action Team tables recommendations with the provincial governmentThe Climate Action Team has been mandated with setting interim targets for 2012 and 2016 and with providing recommendations on what measures can be undertaken to make up the 27% of additional GHG reductions that are still required to meet the provincial target of a 33% overall reduction by 2020. The report contains 31 recommendations focused on 12 areas; pricing emissions, public engagement and outreach, transportations, buildings, energy, industry, communities, agriculture, waste, forest sector, carbon-neutral government and interim targets. The report is open for public comment until Monday October 6, 2008. The Chamber is preparing to provide comments on the report once we have reviewed the material in detail. A summary of the report can be viewed at; A full copy of the plan can be viewed at; Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement to cover Local GovernmentWhile TILMA came into force on April 1, 2007 it did not take full force as it did not apply to local government. The province undertook a consultation process with local government that resulted in a number of amendments to TILMA to address local government concerns, key amongst these were:
The province has signed a joint letter of agreement with UBCM that will mean that TILMA will apply to local government effective April 1, 2009. For further details on TILMA visit www.tilma.ca or www.gov.bc.ca/ecdev Active Government ConsultationsExtension of Landfill Gas Regulation Intentions Paper for Consultation The Ministry of Environment is extending the consultation period for review of the Landfill Gas Regulation Intentions Paper for Consultation from September 15, 2008 to September 30, 2008. The Ministry of Environment (MOE) is in the process of developing the Landfill Gas Regulation under the Environmental Management Act (EMA). This initiative forms part of the work undertaken by MOE in support of the provincial government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 33% below current levels by 2020. The intentions paper is available for review at the following link: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epdiv/ema_codes_of_practice/index.html. This intentions paper will provide a framework for legal drafting and possible further consultation. A response form to seek responses and comments from stakeholders and the public is also available on the website indicated above. Comments should be submitted by September 30, 2008. Additional information and links to related legislation will be posted on the ministry’s website and can be accessed by clicking on the address below, or from the MOE homepage, by following the Environmental Protection Division and Environmental Management Branch links. Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Vehicle Emissions Standards) Act – Intentions Paper for Consultation The Ministry of Environment is in the process of developing a regulation for vehicle emissions standards under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Vehicle Emissions Standards) Act. Enacted in May 2008, the Act enables implementation of a government commitment made in the 2008 Throne Speech to set vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards for new light duty vehicles being sold in British Columbia equivalent to those laid out in California’s 2004 regulation. The Act also enables regulatory requirements for zero emission vehicle fleets; however, this portion of the Act is not being developed at this time. The Act will be brought into force by regulation – enacted when (and not before) the equivalent California regulation and standards are implemented. The Act and regulation are part of the Ministry of Environment’s work to support provincial government commitments to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 33% below current levels by 2020. The ministry’s intentions for the regulation are outlined in a policy intentions paper for consultation (intentions paper). This intentions paper will provide a framework for legal drafting and consultation. A response form to seek responses and comments from stakeholders and the public has also been prepared. The intentions paper and response form (in a variety of formats) are available for downloading or review at the following link: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/codes/vehicle_emissions/index.htm. Additional information on climate change and related ministry intentions can be accessed by clicking on the address below, or from the Ministry of Environment homepage, by following the Climate Change and Environmental Protection Division links. See: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/air/climate/index-home.html. Welcoming and Inclusive Communities and Workplaces Program ~ Community Partnership Development Funding OpportunityThe Welcoming and Inclusive Communities and Workplaces Program (WICWP) is a three-year pilot initiative which supports WelcomeBC by fostering inclusive, welcoming and vibrant communities in British Columbia where immigrants can realize their full potential, racism is eliminated, and cultural diversity is valued and celebrated. Currently, a funding opportunity is available under Community Partnership Development. The Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development is seeking projects that are developmental and collaborative in nature, and will serve as an initial starting point for community capacity building. Information on the Community Partnership Development application process is located at: http://www.welcomebc.ca/en/service_providers/wicwp.html Deadlines for organizations to submit applications are:
Please see the above link for eligibility criteria and application deadline details. Reversing the Tide: Strategies for Successful Rural Revitalization
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National News |
Bill C-415: An Act to Amend the Canada Labour Code (Replacement Workers) Traded DownBill C-415, An Act to Amend the Canada Labour Code (replacement workers), has been traded down on the parliamentary order paper. It is now scheduled for Second Reading debate on October 21st. We will continue to monitor the status of this bill. For more information on this issue contact Jon Garson: jgarson@bcchamber.org The Workplace Skills Initiative (WSI) Holds third Call for ProposalsThe WSI is an important part of the federal government's 2007 policy framework, Advantage Canada, which is focused on creating Canadian advantages that will help improve Canada's quality of life and succeed on the world stage. The government, through the Workplace Skills Initiative, assists employers, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and employees to enhance their skills, respond to constantly evolving workplace requirements, and support their abilities to generate and apply new ideas in increasing the productivity of Canadian organizations. The WSI supports partnership-based pilot projects that test and evaluate innovative, outcomes-focused approaches to skills development for employed Canadians. The WSI funds demonstration projects which respond to a range of skills-related challenges in Canadian workplaces, in order to improve Canada’s productivity and position Canada to effectively compete in the global knowledge-based economy. The WSI invites eligible organizations and their partners to develop concept paper proposals that address one of the following priority areas: 1. To identify, test, and demonstrate innovation in employee skills development in Canadian workplaces with a view to addressing skills shortages. This could include innovative management and leadership practices; vertical mobility and lateral experiences/opportunities; and/or working with employees to identify and upgrade skills and knowledge. Approved projects will contribute to the body of innovative models that provide Canadian employers with a range of approaches to improving their HR practices and the skills of employees. 2. To identify, test and demonstrate innovative approaches to organizational changes to workplace environments that contribute to the improved productivity of Canadian firms. This could include employee engagement and decision making; teaming and/or other collaborative work design processes; management/leadership practices; and/or scheduling or organization of work. Approved projects addressing this priority will form the basis of a body of best practice models contributing to the impact on workplace productivity achieved through organizational changes in management culture, human resource practices and work structure and organization. Federal contributions under this call must not exceed a maximum of $3 million per year with project completion expected by March 31, 2010. Concept paper, application information, requirements and detailed information are available at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/ws/initiatives/wsi/index.shtml. For further information, e-mail: wsi-icmt@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca or call 613-946-1731. Insurance Bureau of Canada Conducting Online Commercial Insurance SurveyThe Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), on behalf of Canada’s commercial insurance industry, is conducting a short online survey about the commercial insurance market (business and non-profit) in Canada. IBC hopes to benefit business owners by helping them to better understand their insurance needs. The Bureau is conducting this survey in order to identify the unique insurance challenges in each industry and sector; and the ways in which it can best communicate these issues to consumers. Businesses can access the survey at the following link: Job Placement Program for Canada’s Veterans – Quickly tap into top talent from across the countryThe Job Placement Program (JPP) is designed to ensure Canada's Veterans get practical help in finding suitable civilian employment within the community of their choice. Right Management, Inc. has developed a National Job Bank and Talent Profile site exclusive to Veterans conducting job search. It is expected that 2,100 members will be released into the program annually - a great resource available to employers, free of charge. How can organizations get involved? Contact Paula Pyne for more information at paula.pyne@right.com or 1-888-221-2202. Resources for new immigrants to Canada from Oxford University PressOxford University Press has recently published two resource books directed at immigrants newly arrived in Canada. The books aim to help immigrants to transition smoothly into Canadian society, establish themselves, and find employment. With a significant portion of Canada’s current job market relying on immigration to meet employment demands, a smooth transition process is vital not only to the new inhabitants of Canada, but to Canada as well. Arrival Survival Canada - A Handbook for New Immigrants Arrival Survival Canada: A Handbook for New Immigrants is an immigrant's guide to the first year of life in Canada and covers a wide array of subjects, such as packing before emigrating, opening bank accounts, creating a credit history, and understanding Canadian school systems. The book guides readers through Canadian culture and outlines solutions to the issues that newcomers typically encounter. The book provides new immigrants, and people still considering immigration, with a foundation of information upon which to build their new lives. How to Find a Job in Canada - Common Problems and Effective Solutions Written by Efim Cheinis, once a newcomer himself from Russia, and Dale Sproule, owner of the Canadian Newcomer Magazine, this second book in the Canadian Newcomer Series deals with all aspects of the Canadian job hunt as it relates to newcomers. |