News & Events - Express Newsletter
BC Chamber of Commerce Express Newsletter - December 2009 Issue
Contents |
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BC Chamber in the Headlines |
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Policy Successes |
BC Chamber Welcomes Reconciliation Protocol as Providing Benefits to First Nations and Certainty for BusinessChambers of Commerce from across the province today welcomed the announcement from the Provincial Government and First Nations from the Central and North Coast of a new Coastal Reconciliation Protocol that will provide a more collaborative approach to decisions impacting the land base. Qualifications Recognition to Help B.C. ImmigrantsImmigrants to B.C. seeking employment in regulated occupations will benefit from a new pan-Canadian framework to improve the recognition of foreign qualifications by ensuring that their education, skills, knowledge, and experience are fully utilized in the labour market sooner. Under the new Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications, the provinces have committed to a shared vision for making foreign qualifications recognition practices faster, fairer, more transparent, and consistent across the country. |
Chamber News |
What’s new @ bcchamber.org
AGM 2010 – May 27 – 29The BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting & Conference is in its 58th year in 2010, and for the very first time ever is being held in Vancouver. May 27th through 29th, 2010, join the BC Chamber of Commerce at this fantastic members-only event featuring fascinating guest speakers, engaging panels, and lively policy debates. The BC Chamber will be hosting the province’s business community at the extraordinary new Vancouver Convention Centre, making this an AGM you won’t want to miss. Complete event details will be made available as they are confirmed on the Chamber’s website here. For information on sponsoring the AGM & Conference, please contact Denise Douglas: 604.638.8112 or ddouglas@bcchamber.org CALL TO ACTION: Reform of Local Government Working GroupThe BC Chamber is creating a working group to review the issue of reform of local government, and is seeking volunteers from Member Chambers to participate. Terms of reference will be provided and the working group will undertake its work with a view to providing policy recommendations to the 2010 AGM. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jon Garson: jgarson@bcchamber.org HST and Chamber membershipAs you are aware the HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) will take effect on July 1, 2010. The following information will hopefully assist in understanding how membership fees will be affected. If membership is due on January 1, 2010 for the full 2010 year, under the Provincial Government transitional rules, HST will not have to be collected on any portion of the fee as the balance is due before May 1, 2010. If the membership fee is due on or after July 1, 2010, HST applies. Further, any fees due on or after July 1, 2010, but paid from May 1, 2010 onwards (according to provincial Government Transitional rules) will be charged HST. If you have questions regarding membership and HST please do not hesitate to contact the BC Chamber at 604.683.0700 or bccc@bcchamber.org. New and Improved program with Shell-TritonThe BC Chamber is pleased to announce changes to the Shell Benefit Program. The discount is now 3 cents per litre for gas and diesel up from 2 cents. For Member Chambers, there is a new flyer to use in promotion of the program to your members, as well as new program application form. Both the flyer and application form are on the Chamber web site in the members only section. Over the next couple of weeks Shell will change the discount for all members currently on the program. If you have questions about the program, please contact the Chamber office at 604.683.0700 or bccc@bcchamber.org |
Provincial News |
Elections Task Force Gets UnderwayA task force dedicated to reviewing and making recommendations for B.C.’s local government electoral process has held its first meeting. The task force will review specific issues related to various local government elections topics, including campaign financing, enforcement, the role of B.C.’s chief electoral officer, the election cycle, the corporate vote, candidate eligibility and other items to be mutually agreed upon. The BC Chamber of Commerce will be making a presentation to this Task Force on the issue of the business vote. Read the BC Chamber Policy Statement “Restoration of the Business Vote”... Green Energy Advisory Task ForceThe newly-formed Green Energy Advisory Task Force is beginning its work ensuring B.C. remains a leader in clean and renewable energy. The BC Chamber of Commerce will shortly be making a presentation to this group regarding its perspective on the future of green energy in the province. For more information visit www.greenenergytaskforce.gov.bc.ca. BC Economy Expected to Stabilize in 2010The B.C. Economic Forecast Council has slightly improved its growth projections for British Columbia, now expecting B.C.’s economy to post 2.9 per cent growth in 2010, upgraded from the 2.5 per cent growth projected in the September Update this year. The council's average forecast for B.C.'s annual economic growth in the 2012-2014 period is 3.1 per cent. The September Update estimate for the 2011-2013 period was also 3.1 per cent. BC to Showcase Climate Action in CopenhagenPremier Gordon Campbell will join the Canadian delegation, other sub-national leaders and global heads of state to discuss the future of climate action at the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, Dec. 14-16. Vancouver 2010 Games: Getting where you need to goAs everyone in the Lower Mainland is by now aware, transportation during the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Games will require adaptation and cooperation from everyone in the area. If you are worried about transportation during the games, or have questions about if and how you will need to change your travel routines, visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for everything you need to know. VANOC’s Sponsor a Student ProgramOrganizations and municipalities across BC can give students the opportunity of a lifetime to work at the 2010 Games. Get involved and experience the spirit of the Games by sponsoring a student and providing them with a stipend for a 3 month work term at VANOC beginning in January 2010. These students will be part of the planning and production of one of the world’s most elite sporting events. Through your sponsorship you could be eligible for Friends of the Games status – providing you with an exclusive spot in the Olympic Torch Relay, and many other benefits. For more information about the program, contact Paula Bond: paula_bond@vancouver2010.com 67th Annual Truck Loggers Association Convention & Trade Show: The New Faces of ForestryThe Truck Loggers Association is hosting Premier Gordon Campbell at their annual Premier Luncheon as part of the 67th Annual Truck Loggers Association Convention & Trade Show in Victoria, January 20, 2010. The Premier will be addressing attendees on the topic of the New Faces of Forestry and what that will look like in BC’s future. For more information about the other events of the Convention and to reserve your place, visit www.tla.ca. Early bird pricing options are available until December 28th, 2009. Human Rights Toolkit for Small Business The BC Human Rights Coalition has introduced a new seminar series titled “Human Rights Toolkit for Small Business.” This one day seminar, being held in communities across the province, is intended to assist small businesses in recruiting and retaining employees from an increasingly diverse workforce while understanding and avoiding human rights complaints, which can be costly and time consuming. Participate in the 2010 BC Communities in Bloom ProgramEvery year the BC Communities in Bloom organization recognizes the best, most attractive and livable communities in the province. Participants involve their citizens, local service groups and government to create a team effort that visibly improves their neighbourhoods, park spaces and town centres. Good horticulture contributes to people’s well-being, reducing stress and creating healthier environments from clean air and proper landscape practices. The BC CIB program plays an important role in furthering the cause of sustainability in this province. Individuals, municipal staff or service organizations are welcome to find out more by emailing info@bccommunitiesinbloom.ca and to obtain 2010 BC Provincial Registration information. |
National News |
HST Legislation set to go through in OttawaThe legislation enabling the introduction of HST in BC and Ontario has passed in the House of Commons and is now before the Senate. Because Liberals have whipped their caucus into supporting the bill, the Senate is expected to support it as well. Chamber Applauds Approved Destination Status, Urges Open SkiesThe BC Chamber of Commerce congratulated the Federal Government earlier this month upon the announcement that Canada has been granted approved destination status by the Chinese government. Read the Chamber news release… Read the Government news release… First Nations Certainty of Land Title Act Earlier this month, the Government of Canada introduced the First Nations Certainty of Land Title Act that will enable First Nations across Canada to develop commercial real estate on reserve land. Helping All Sectors Invest in ComputersThrough Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government is helping businesses in all sectors of the economy by providing a temporary 100-percent capital cost allowance (CCA) rate on new computer hardware and systems software acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2011. This initiative will cost an estimated $340 million in 2009-2010 and $355 million in 2010-2011. |