Printable Version

Contents

BC Chamber in the Headlines

Policy Successes

Chamber News

• What’s New @ Bcchamber.org
• BC Chamber of Commerce asks members to identify policy priorities for 2009
• BC Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centre Task Force

Provincial News

• The BC Chamber’s Provincial Datebook
• Chamber Congratulates Province on Appointment of Economic Advisory Council
• BC Economic Forecast Council Predicts Slower Growth
• Record Number of Construction Projects in BC
• New Pilot Project Provides Succession Planning Tools to Small Business
• Small Business Roundtable Advice to the Small Business Community

National News

• Chamber Network Reacts to the Federal Political Crisis
• Historic Air Transport Negotiations with EU Gives Travelers and Shippers More Options

BC Chamber in the Headlines

• Province launches pilot project for small-business succession planning
  A BC Chamber of Commerce survey found that 23% of its members have no succession plans. According to the provincial government, about 29% of small-business…

• Focus on economy: Canadian Chamber - “Businesses in B.C. and across the country are telling the government that it’s time to put citizens first and politics aside,” John Winter, President of the BC Chamber of Commerce, stated...

• A minimum wage increase will mean a cutback in jobs - This misguided plan would impose more than $450 million in new labour costs on BC's small businesses, according to the BC Chamber of Commerce...

• Retailers see small increases - BC Chamber of Commerce CEO John Winter said BC's economy is well structured despite the "doom and gloom" in the media.

• CBC Radio: The Early Edition - The provincial and federal government are jumping to action to tackle our economic woes, but are they doing what's needed?  We'll get two perspectives from Jim Sinclair, BC Federation of Labour President and John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.  Download this interview.

Back to top

Policy Successes

• Province Enacts New Measures to Support Mining – The Province intends to introduce legislation which, subject to the approval of the legislature, will extend the Mining Flow-Through Share Tax Credit to the end of 2009, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009.

• $5m For E&N Corridor Tax Relief, Transportation Study – The B.C. government is committing $5 million to provide property tax relief along the E&N line and to fund a key study of rail options on southern Vancouver Island

• Agreement Extends Full Labour Mobility Across Canada – Full labour mobility between provinces was confirmed by agreement among Canada’s labour and trade ministers, breaking down economic barriers and allowing Canadians and their families to move freely throughout the country.

• Canada Concludes Historic Air Transport Negotiations with European Union - Canada has successfully concluded negotiations with the European Union (EU) on a comprehensive air transport agreement.

Back to top

Chamber News

What’s New @ Bcchamber.org

• The new BC Chamber of Commerce brochure for 2009 is now available as an e-brochure here.

• Two new issues of the Legislative Watch Newsletter for the November sitting are available here.

• AGM 2009 – Registration and Governor’s Bursary information is now available in the Members Only section of the website:

• Don’t forget to cast your vote in the bcchamber.org online polls! 
  Our holiday poll question:
  What New Year’s resolution will you be making for your business or workplace? 
  Send us your answers  and check out previous poll results here.

BC Chamber of Commerce asks members to identify policy priorities for 2009

Recently, an email was sent to the Member Chambers of the BC Chamber of Commerce requesting their input into the 2009 policy priority areas for the Chamber.  The deadline provided with this request indicated that Member Chambers should provide their responses no later than January 5th, 2009.

Given that many chambers will be closing for the holiday season, we would like to extend this deadline until Friday January 9th, 2009.

If chambers have any questions regarding this process please contact Jon Garson:
604.638.8113
jgarson@bcchamber.org

BC Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centre Task Force

At the recent quarterly meeting of November 28th, the BC Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors approved the formation of a Visitor Centre Task Force comprised of Chamber Managers or former Managers who have a long history in the operation of Visitor Centres.

With the help of this task force, the BC Chamber of Commerce has made the following recommendation:

That the Provincial Government work with the Visitor Centre operators to:

1. Create and fund a “Tourism Employment Program’ focused on ensuring the viability and continued success of the Visitor Centre Network; and

2. Create additional capacity in Visitor Centres during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games to ensure that all communities are able to realize the benefits of hosting the games.

Other areas of concern for the task force, which will be addressed in the New Year are:

1. Regional Destination Marketing Organizations and their relationship and marketing of Visitor Centres.

2. 2010 and the role of Visitor Centres to enhance the 2010 Games.

3. Special Project Funding

If you have any questions about this task force please contact Roslyn Castleden:
604.638.8111
rcastleden@bcchamber.org

Back to top

Provincial News

The BC Chamber’s Provincial Datebook
Mark these in your calendar!

• January 22nd & 23rd - Opportunities North: The Northern Economic Summit
• February 3rd & 4th - The British Columbia Economic Summit
• February 12th - Speech from the Throne
• February 19th - Budget 2009

January 22nd & 23rd, 2009

Opportunities North: The Northern Economic Summit
Important Consultation Opportunity for Northern Chambers of Commerce

Prince George, Prince George Civic Centre

On January 22-23, 2009, Chambers of Commerce in Northern BC will have a unique opportunity to join Premier Gordon Campbell as he brings together business, community and government leaders to highlight the choices, challenges and potential opportunities of the North, reinforcing its critical importance to all of British Columbia.

This interactive Summit, featuring prominent national and international speakers and BC cabinet ministers, will explore the options and opportunities related to a wide range of issues, including the state of the global economy, job-creating green technologies, transportation, productivity and labour mobility, international trade and economic diversification.

This is an unprecedented event and an important chance for Chambers to provide input to the Provincial Government on the critical and singular role the North will play in BC’s long-term economic development.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your Voice heard.

Be sure to save the date and plan to be a part of this exceptional event that will help shape the economic future of our province. More information

February 3rd & 4th, 2009

The British Columbia Economic Summit
Important Consultation Opportunity for Chambers of Commerce & Boards of Trade:

Vancouver, Sheraton Wall Centre

While British Columbia and Canada are better positioned to weather the difficulties of today's changing economy than other parts of the world, we are not immune from the international impact of these demanding times.

Chambers of Commerce in BC must be at the forefront of the efforts to safeguard the provincial economy.  Positioned as the Chambers are to directly represent the concerns of the business community, the input they can provide will be vital to our continued financial security.

On February 3-4, 2009, join Premier Gordon Campbell at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel as he brings together business, community and government leaders to highlight the choices, challenges and potential of our provincial economy.

This interactive two-day Summit, featuring prominent national and international speakers and B.C. cabinet ministers, is an important opportunity for Chambers to provide their input to the province on the options and opportunities related to a wide range of issues, including:

• the state of the global economy,
• job-creating green technologies,
• transportation and the Pacific Gateway,
• productivity and labour mobility,
• international trade and competition,
• and the case for economic diversification around the province.

Be sure to save the date and plan to be a part of this unique opportunity that will help shape the economic future of our province. More information

February 12th, 2009

Speech from the Throne

The 4th session of the 38th Parliament will resume on the 12th of February with the Speech from the Throne.

February 19th, 2009

Budget 2009

The provincial budget will be introduced on the 19th of February. In keeping with previous years, the BC Chamber will host a conference call on the 19th, where we will provide detailed analysis of Budget 2009.

Chamber Congratulates Province on Appointment of Economic Advisory Council

The BC Chamber of Commerce was pleased by the announcement that the Provincial Government has established a new Economic Advisory Council to provide guidance on maintaining BC’s economic stability.

The Chamber further congratulates Premier Gordon Campbell for appointing David Emerson as Chair of the Council.  Under his leadership, the council is set to begin work immediately to aid the government in the management of our economy.  The Chamber is encouraged to see that the government is acting on its promise to devote serious action to the safeguarding of BC’s continued stability.

BC Economic Forecast Council Predicts Slower Growth

The BC Economic Forecast Council has lowered growth projections for the Province in response to the possibility of a prolonged US recession, continued turmoil in world financial markets and slowing demand for BC products.

The average of the collected forecasts from the Economic Forecast Council now projects BC’s real gross domestic product at 1.3 per cent this year, down from the previous forecast of 1.4 per cent. For 2009, the forecast economic growth is expected to average 0.6 per cent, down from 1.3 per cent. Forecasts indicate growth is expected to average 2.7 per cent in 2010 and 2.6 per cent from 2011 to 2013.

Despite this deceleration, it is important to note that growth is still expected to be positive.  BC is one of the only regions in North America expected to escape recession entirely, indicating a comparatively strong economic position.

For more information:
http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008FIN0024-001846.htm

Record Number of Construction Projects in BC

The latest Major Projects Inventory shows that construction projects across B.C. have increased for the 21st consecutive quarter, with 863 major capital projects, worth an estimated $174.7 billion planned or underway.

This is further demonstration of BC’s persistent growth during this difficult economic time.  BC will continue to rely on the construction industry to provide critical employment opportunities and economic stimulus to help maintain stability and avoid recession.

The September edition of the Major Projects Inventory is available online at www.gov.bc.ca/tted.

Read more: http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008TTED0051-001826.htm

New Pilot Project Provides Succession Planning Tools to Small Business

A pilot project to deliver training in small business succession planning in five rural communities –Vernon, Nelson, Duncan, Houston and Kamloops – received a $47,000 partnership grant from the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue.

The Business Succession Planning project, developed by the NextSteps Enterprise West Society, with cooperation from Community Futures and the BC Chamber of Commerce will deliver workshops via video-conferencing, as well as peer-to-peer mentoring and toolkits, to about 60 small businesses across the province.

Succession planning is a critical issue for small businesses in BC, and a vital part of ensuring continued sustainable local economies throughout the province.

To learn more: http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008SBR0059-001848.htm

Small Business Roundtable Advice to the Small Business Community

The Small Business Roundtable 3rd Annual Report offers this advice for small businesses.  You can read the whole report online at:

http://www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca/publications/SBR_Report_Oct08.pdf

• Be aware, and take advantage, of the information, tools and services available to you.  Start by visiting Small Business BC’s website at www.smallbusinessbc.ca.
• Work with local community groups, such as the Community Futures or the Chamber of Commerce, to advocate for changes to enhance small business growth within your own region, including adopting a mobile business license and implementing BizPaL:  www.bizpal.ca
• Volunteer your business expertise to local schools providing Junior Achievement BC programs – be part of developing tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.
• Become informed about Climate Action initiatives – recognize and take advantage of the economic opportunities.
• Where government regulations create business impediments, take the time to tell the government about the problem and potential solution through the Straightforward BC website at www.straightforwardbc.gov.bc.ca.

The Small Business Roundtable was established in 2005 with a mandate to provide small business with a voice in government.  The Roundtable is chaired by the Minister of Small Business and Revenue, and has 21 board members selected for their leadership in the small business community, including several representatives from the Chamber Network:

http://www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca/about_members.htm

Back to top

National News

Chamber Network Reacts to the Federal Political Crisis

The beginning of December was a particularly active time for the Chamber Network in Canada.  Chambers of Commerce at the national, provincial, and local levels took leadership roles in voicing the concerns of Canadian businesses and citizens over the political controversy burgeoning in our nation’s capital.  The following are just some of the initiatives taken by the Network:

News Release from the BC Chamber of Commerce

Canadian Businesses to Government: “Focus on Economy”

Releases from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Canadian businesses want political leaders to focus on the economy: Survey

Canadian Chamber Economic Climate Survey results

Cooperate to Get Canada’s Economy Moving Now, Chamber Tells MPs

“Put Canadians Ahead of Politics” Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Next Steps

The Federal Budget is set to be announced on the 27th of January, 2009.  The BC Chamber of Commerce will be following up with its members for input regarding what Chamber recommendations will be put forward to the government with regards to budget decisions in the next few weeks.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is also preparing resource materials to aid chambers of commerce across the country coordinate their input into the 2009 Federal Budget consultations. At the Canadian Chamber, contact Jennifer Hagen: jhagen@chamber.ca

The BC Chamber strongly encourages its Member Chambers to become involved in this process by whatever means available to them.  This is an important opportunity to provide guidance to government and ensure the needs of our members are being heard.

Should you have any questions about the BC Chamber of Commerce's input into the consultation process, please contact Jon Garson:
604.638.8113
jgarson@bcchamber.org

Historic Air Transport Negotiations with EU Gives Travelers and Shippers More Options

Canada has successfully concluded negotiations with the European Union (EU) on a comprehensive air transport agreement which will open access for Canadian carriers to all 27 Member States of Canada's second largest bilateral aviation, trade and investment market.

The BC Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Canadian Government for its success in bringing about this agreement, which represents significant progress on Canada’s Blue Sky policy, and which will provide travelers and shippers with more choices in terms of destinations, flights and routes, more direct services, and the potential for lower fares.

Read more:  http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2008/08-h237e.htm

Back to top