News & Events - Express Newsletter
BC Chamber of Commerce Express Newsletter - November 2009 Issue
Contents |
BC Chamber in the HeadlinesPolicy Success Feature: Registration, Licensing and Management of Motorized Recreational Off-Road VehiclesChamber NewsProvincial News
National News
|
BC Chamber in the Headlines |
|
Policy Success Feature: Registration, Licensing and Management of Motorized Recreational Off-Road Vehicles |
The Provincial Government has introduced a new framework for the management of Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs). The framework will see new rules introduced over a 2 year period that will include mandatory vehicle registration on all ORVs, measures to improve safety and protect the environment, and initiatives to connect communities. Related Links: |
Chamber News |
Upcoming Event: Cabinet Ministers Breakfast Series with the Honourable Kevin Falcon, Minister of Health ServicesNovember 23, 2009 Join the BC Chamber of Commerce and Minister of Health Services, Kevin Falcon, for a networking breakfast. Hear Minister Falcon speak about his vision for BC’s health system. |
Provincial News |
Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services Releases Report on Budget ConsultationsThe Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services has released its “Report on the 2010 Budget Consultations.” The Report outlines almost 50 recommendations for the 2010 provincial budget based on province-wide consultations in which the BC Chamber of Commerce as well as several other Chambers participated. The resulting recommendations have been the cause of some concern for the BC Chamber however. The Chamber sees a marked lack of focus on the economy, which the Chamber believes should remain the priority as the province works to counteract the effects of recession. The Chamber also has specific concerns about a recommendation regarding property tax (refer to #47 in the report). Although Property Classes 4 and 5 are in need of review, Class 6 should not be overlooked. It is the Chamber’s opinion that property tax levels need to be reviewed without exceptions. The Report also includes a number of recommendations regarding the mitigation of introducing HST in certain sectors. The Chamber’s Board of Directors will be reviewing recommendations from impacted sectors to determine whether the chamber will support these sectors' mitigation strategies. You can access the full report here. Workplace Training for Innovation Program – Funding opportunity and Chamber member supplier directoryAbout the Program: The Workplace Training for Innovation Pilot program is open for applications from small businesses (less than 50 employees) and not-for-profit employers in British Columbia. Available to employers in every community across the province, the Pilot offers up to $1,500 per employee – to a maximum of $5,000 per employer – to support employee training. Eligible costs include training purchase costs, books and study materials. The program is designed to provide eligible employers with funding for employee training in order to:
Applications will be accepted until Jan. 31, 2011. They will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be subject to available funding. Training Supplier Directory: Does your business provide training/education opportunities which fall under the 4 categories outlined above? Are you a member of the BC Chamber of Commerce or your local Chamber? The BC Chamber of Commerce is putting together an online directory of businesses who supply training opportunities. Contact ahoy@bcchamber.org for more information. Evergreen Line Public Design ConsultationThe public is invited to provide feedback about the Evergreen Line Rapid Transit Project’s preliminary design as part of the public consultation period taking place until Nov. 13, 2009. Click here for the open house schedule. Report on Translink and BC Ferries ReleasedThe Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has released the report from the Comptroller General on Translink and BC Ferries. The review, launched in July, has resulted in a number of recommendations for each transportation authority. The full report is available here (PDF) Shanghai building code opens up market for Canadian wood productsShanghai has recently approved a new wood-frame building code which represents a major step forward in the growing demand for Canadian wood products in China. The Canada Wood Group (an industry marketing agency supported by the federal and B.C. governments), FPInnovations (a Canadian forest products research organization) were instrumental in updating the code in cooperation with their Shanghai counterparts. Read more 25 projects and $12.4 million promise improved employment in industry sectorsAn investment of more than $12.4 million in 25 projects through the Community Adjustment Fund and the Job Opportunities Program will help organizations and groups throughout the province of British Columbia to create immediate employment in all industry sectors and communities impacted by the economic downturn. Read more New law restricts use of cell phones while drivingChanges to the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) upon legislative approval are to take effect on Jan. 1, 2010. At that point, only hands-free cellphones and devices that require one touch to activate will be permitted. Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) will not be permitted to use hands-free phones in addition to other prohibited activity. Read more BC Small business reports confirm strong sectorThe Small Business Profile 2009 and the Small Business Roundtable’s Annual Report provide significant indicators of the economic health of small business in British Columbia. Both reports confirm that B.C.’s small business sector is strong and vibrant. Read the news release & backgrounder BC’s international exports to grow in 2010British Columbia's international exports are forecast to grow by 5 per cent in 2010 on the heels of a 29 per cent decline in 2009, according to a provincial export outlook by Export Development Canada (EDC). Read more Conference Board of Canada expects BC to lead national growth in 2010 British Columbia will be the fastest-growing province in Canada in 2010, spurred on in part by hosting the Olympic Games, the Conference Board of Canada said in a report released Tuesday. Read the Vancouver Sun article BE DiFFERENT or be dead Virtual Book TourRoy Osing, author of BE DiFFERENT or be dead is offering a virtual book tour, in the form of a 60 minute webinar, Wednesday December 2nd at 11:00am PST. The webinar is FREE to all participants. Find out more by clicking here. Recycling old cell phones – now easier with recyclemycell.caRecycle My Cell is a free new online program which directs people to locations where they can drop off their old cells for recycling. Bonus: a donation to participating charities is made for each device returned through the program.Visit www.recyclemycell.ca for details. |
National News |
Byelection Results for New Westminster-CoquitlamThe federal NDP retained the riding of New Westminster-Coquitlam with Fin Donnelly, a Coquitlam councillor, winning 52 per cent of the vote with half the polls reporting. Donnelly beat Conservative Diana Dilworth, a Port Moody councillor, who finished second, Ken Beck Lee of the Liberals, who was third, and Rebecca Helps of the Green Party. New citizenship study guide to provides insight into CanadaCitizenship and Immigration Canada has released a new, more comprehensive study guide for Canadian citizenship. Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship includes information on common values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and the equality of men and women. Read more Canada funds expansion of market opportunities for Canadian woodThe Government of Canada is investing $17.8 million of Economic Action Plan funding in new commercial opportunities for Canada’s forest sector. Read more Prime Minister Announces Inquiry into Decline of Salmon in the Fraser RiverStephen Harper has commissioned an inquiry into the declining population of sockeye salmon in the Fraser River. The report is expected to outline the reasons for the decline, and make recommendations for improving the sustainability of salmon fishery in the river. The report resulting from the inquiry will be submitted to the Government on or before May 1, 2011. Read more |