News & Events - Express Newsletter
BC Chamber of Commerce Express Newsletter - July 2009 Issue
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BC Chamber in the Headlines |
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Policy Successes |
Government of Canada Expands AMTRAK Service for 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Gamesthe Government of Canada is extending border clearance service to a second daily AMTRAK train between Seattle and Vancouver, as a pilot project from August until after the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.. Read more Minister Shea Announces New Investment to Support Innovative Aquaculture Projects in B.C.Entrepreneurs involved in British Columbia's aquaculture sector are receiving additional federal funding to help them innovate their operations, boost their productivity and improve their economic performance. Today Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea announced that six B.C. businesses will receive more than $930,000 in federal funding to help them strengthen their businesses. Read more Click here to read the related BC Chamber of Commerce policy: “FIN-FISH FARMING IN BRITISH COLUMBA (2005)” |
Chamber News |
Pre-Budget Consultations: Fall 2009When Parliament returns in the fall, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance will begin its pre-budget consultations for 2009, with hearings in Ottawa the weeks of September 14, October 26 and November 2, in Vancouver, September 28, and in other selected communities across Canada. Click here for the Committee’s news release. The BC Chamber of Commerce will be providing comment to the members regarding what the Chamber, in conjunction with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, will be presenting to the committee based on our policy platform. The Chamber would like to stress that this consultation is a critical time for the Chamber Network to be heard – this budget will require a fine balance between bringing Canada out of the current recession and ensuring the country’s future fiscal health. For more information contact Jon Garson at jgarson@bcchamber.org or 604.638.8113 Pre-paid Legal ServicesIn May of this year, the Chamber introduced a new benefit program with PPL Legal Care of Canada Corporation (PPL Legal Care). PPL Legal Care offers Legal Service Plans which give business owners, and any employees, access to legal services for personal or small business matters. This could include access to a lawyer for letter or last will and testament writing. In addition to PPL Legal Care offers an Identity Theft Shield program. For more information, contact: Patti Ross |
Provincial News |
Province warning of bigger deficit for 2009-2010Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced last week that British Columbia ended the 2008-09 fiscal year with a $78 million surplus for 2008-2009. He went on to say however that the government’s target of a $495 million deficit for 2009-2010 may no longer be possible. Hansen would not provide a new figure but indicated the deficit may increase significantly. While the cause of this increase is clearly the external forces of worsening recession, the province is nonetheless responsible to deal with it in a manner that will minimize its effects on residents. The concern is that, having already committed to significant spending constraints in the 2009 Budget, the province may be in a very difficult position. Are further cuts to spending possible without endangering important public services? Conversely, should the government enter into even further deficit spending to protect its programs? Whatever the outcome, tax increases will not be an acceptable component of any solution. Reminder: 2010 Commerce CentreHave you registered your business with the 2010 Commerce Centre’s “2010 Business Network”? This is a great opportunity to showcase your business and connect with Games-related buyers. Find out more here. British Columbia’s Training Tax Credit IncreasedIn order to provide British Columbia employers with new incentives to hire and train apprentices, the Province has doubled the B.C. Training Tax Credit as of July 1, 2009. Read the news release... British Columbia Paraplegic Association Speakers’ BureauLooking for an inspiring and engaging speaker for your next event? Consider contacting the BCPA Speakers’ Bureau. The bureau calls on volunteer speakers who have experienced firsthand the impact of a spinal cord injury, and speak passionately about their journey to leading a fulfilling life after their injury. For more information contact speakers@bcpara.org or 604.324.3611 |