Key Issue: COVID-19 & Economic Recovery

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, both the provincial and federal governments have seen, in real time, the importance of domestic bio-manufacturing capacity to produce tests, vaccines and therapeutics to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and pandemics of the future. However, before a test, vaccine or treatment can ever be manufactured, the constituent parts and ingredients must be […]

Aviation and aerospace are highly integrated industries, both with strong roots in the Central Okanagan region. Rapidly recovering from the negative impacts pandemic, these sectors are rebounding, due to the re-emergence of the growing global demand for commercial aircraft[1]. Leveraging regional strengths in these sectors will go a long way to create additional economic activity, […]

Resource industries are vital to Canada’s provincial and national economies. After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian economy is recovering. Governments have established strong climate action goals, and resource industries are taking significant measures to reduce emissions. Lack of clarity about how governments plan to balance recovery and climate goals is […]

British Columbians Urged to Support Local Businesses this Holiday Season and into 2022 Today, the BC Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the federal government, is pleased to announce that 88 applications have been received, seeking over $5 million in asks to support Shop Local initiatives across the province, encouraging British Columbians to “Shop Local” […]

Opinion: I urge you to support your local businesses not only during Small Business Week, but also through the fall and upcoming festive season. Shop local. Dine at your favourite restaurant or try a new one. Instead of ordering something online, buy it locally. Travel again and spend a weekend at a small hotel in […]

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 […]