Key Issue: COVID-19

Today, the provincial government announced that it is introducing a Proof of Vaccination program for British Columbia. In response to the announcement, the BC Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Fiona Famulak, released the following statement: “Last week, we and other organizations representing businesses across the province called on the provincial government to introduce a […]

The air transportation industry has barely survived the pandemic. The impacts are evident in air cargo, commercial, and leisure transportation flights. The air transportation industry has received some support, however, there is need for a long-term strategy. Many nations in Europe are implementing rapid testing at airports and providing substantial information on the efficacy of […]

The tourism and hospitality sectors1 have undoubtedly been seriously devastated and impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Realization and awareness of the depth and long-lasting nature of these impacts on the province’s economy; for SMEs, jobs and the ability to restart is imperative. Despite some provincial and federal relief, the industry is at a critical juncture […]

The BC Provincial Health Order has mis-categorized cinemas and professional performing arts venues as ‘events’. This has led to a catastrophic effect on the arts and culture sectors during times of crisis. Due to the incorrect segmentation of this industry, both movie theatre and live performance venues are unfairly shuttered. Background In 2020, COVID-19 rapidly […]

COVID-19 has resulted in a new normal. More employees are working from home, and that has led many to the question: what expenses can be deducted? The CRA’s current calculation of work-at-home- expenses only allows for a very minor reimbursement, which is less than the current reality of working from home. You should be able […]

Canada must not only maintain our competitive advantages, but also actively leverage and enhance them in the recovery effort. As Canada emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential that policy makers and the public understand the critical role that natural resource industries will play in rebuilding the provincial and federal economy in the short- and […]

COVID-19 has led to many levels of government providing grants and bursaries to businesses to keep them afloat. This has resulted in massive debt levels. Additionally, once the BC Government invests to support small and growing business sector and they reach a certain level of profitability, they are then acquired by capital south of the […]

“The Community Charter provides the statutory framework for all municipalities in BC except the City of Vancouver…and sets out municipalities’ core areas of authority…”1 Within this framework, grants or financial support to business is expressly forbidden.2 This provision hampers municipalities who wish to support their business community during times of crisis. Background In 2020, COVID-19 […]

BC’s businesses continue to face financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local governments are feeling the same financial stressors, due to facility closures and the halting of other revenue streams. Raising municipal revenues through property taxes would only serve to increase costs to businesses. As a result, the pressure on local governments […]

Yesterday, Interior Health announced that due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in the central Okanagan, a regional mandatory mask order for all public indoor spaces will be effective Thursday July 29, 2021, at 12:00am. The order applies to individuals older than 12 years of age in the central Okanagan communities of Kelowna and Lake […]