News & Events - Express Newsletter
BC Chamber of Commerce Express Newsletter - January 2009 Issue
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BC Chamber in the HeadlinesPolicy SuccessesChamber News
Provincial News
National News
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BC Chamber in the Headlines |
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Policy Successes |
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Chamber News |
BC Chamber of Commerce meets with Prime Minister to outline priorities for Federal BudgetPrime Minister Harper was in Vancouver on the 12th of January to meet with an exclusive roundtable of business representatives. Selected as one of 9 members of the roundtable, John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, had the unique opportunity to outline the BC Chamber Network’s recommendations for the 2009 Federal Budget directly to the Prime Minister. Accompanied by BC Cabinet Ministers Stockwell Day, James Moore, and Gary Lunn, as well as BC Senators and other members of the Conservative Caucus, Prime Minister Harper was seeking innovative ideas that would form the plan for economic recovery in the 2009 Budget. Chamber recommendations regarding infrastructure planning, access to credit, and workplace training were well received. BC Chamber Federal Budget RecommendationsThe BC Chamber of Commerce has generated several recommendations for the 2009 Federal Budget based on input received from our membership. The recommendations will be available in full on the Chamber’s website by the end of this week (January 16, 2009) and include recommendations on the following issues:
If you have any questions regarding the Chamber's recommendations to government, please contact: Jon Garson Upcoming Events
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Provincial News |
BCUC undertakes inquiry to ensure BC’s electricity needs will be met long-termThe British Columbia Utilities Commission will be conducting an inquiry using new terms of reference to determine what BC’s electricity needs will be over the next 30 years, in terms of long-term transmission infrastructure needs. The BCUC’s inquiry will include an open public process with the opportunity for all stakeholders to participate. The BC Chamber of Commerce will be making recommendations to the BCUC as its inquiry moves forward. Learn more: http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2008EMPR0072-001904.htm Jon Garson Rural Economic Diversification Initiative of BCA join initiative between Western Economic Diversification – BC Region and Community Futures BC, the newly announced REDI-BC will provide $3 million in support of economic development projects in rural BC over the next 3 years. Could your project be eligible for funding? Find out more: http://www.communityfutures.ca/provincial/bc/programs/economic-development/redi-bc.php RuralBC launches new websiteThe Ministry of Community Development, through its RuralBC Secretariat, has launched a new website which features resources for rural communities to aid with community planning, attracting new workers, and diversifying their economies. Vist it here: http://www.ruralbc.gov.bc.ca/ Funding opportunity – Community Partnership DevelopmentThe Welcoming and Inclusive Communities and Workplaces Program (WICWP), is offering a third round of the Community Partnership Development funding opportunity. The Ministry 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. 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. More information and application details are be available on the WelcomeBC website at: http://www.welcomebc.ca/en/service_providers/wicwp.html The deadline for applications is Feb 16, 2009. The BC Safety Authority Freezes FeesThe BC Safety Authority is temporarily freezing all fees to the 2008 levels in an effort to support their clients during the current economic uncertainty. The fee increases originally approved to begin January, 2009, will not be implemented. The Authority will be setting up a process to manage any overpayments. If you have any questions, please contact the Safety Authority office or agent in your region, email them at info@safetyauthority.ca or call their toll-free number at 1-866-566-7233. The Authority’s fee schedule can be found here: http://www.safetyauthority.ca/?q=feesforms_feeschedules_2006 Bring Blooms to Your CommunityBC Communities in Bloom is now accepting registrations for the 2009 program. Join other Chambers of Commerce in bringing this community-inspiring program to your area. About the program: “British Columbia Communities in Bloom is a program that inspires communities to enhance the visual appeal of their neighbourhoods and public spaces, through the creative use of regionally appropriate plants and landscaping with an overall respect to environmental stewardship and preservation of heritage assets.” For more information and to register, visit: http://www.bccommunitiesinbloom.ca/BCCib_About.htm |
National News |
Canada Summer Jobs 2009 Program Now Accepting Employers’ ApplicationsThe federal government's new wage subsidy programs for summer 2009 are now "live" and open for applications from organizations across Canada. The Canada Summer Jobs 2009 program provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create work experiences for students between the ages of 15 and 30: http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/programs/scpp.shtml |