Providing Certainty for Business Through the Timely Administration of Justice (2020)
A justice system that resolves disputes in a timely and cost-effective manner is a foundation upon which our civil society is based. When legal disputes are allowed to interrupt our lives and business longer than necessary, we all bear the cost. To thrive, business in British Columbia needs a justice system that delivers predictably expeditious […]
BC Chamber Applauds New Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
Legislation Signals Beginning of a Long-term Journey Toward Meaningful Reconciliation Victoria, BC – October 24, 2019: BC Chamber CEO Val Litwin was in Victoria today to witness Minister Scott Fraser introducing new legislation that will create a framework for reconciliation for the BC Government. The government issued a second “business focused” news release after the initial announcement this morning, explaining that […]
Progressive Housing Solutions to Address Workforce Challenges (2019)
The lack of diverse and affordable housing options in parts of British Columbia is having a significant impact on employers and employees. To ensure future economic sustainability, municipalities must “increase the supply and diversity of the housing stock through infill developments, more compact housing forms and increased density” without delay. Background The cost of housing […]
Improving Primary Care and Saving Healthcare Dollars With Physician Extenders/Physician Assistants (2019)
Physician Assistants/Physician Extenders make health care more accessible. There is clear evidence that availability of primary care has significant implications for British Columbia’s economy both in terms of overall population health and the impact of employee productivity and absences on business. Though our government has made expanding availability of primary care a key priority, British […]
9-1-1 in Remote and Rural Areas (2019)
9-1-1 services are an integral part of the province’s emergency communications system connecting the public to the correct emergency service dispatch agency. “There are currently ten 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) in British Columbia under local government authority, with a patchwork of different service providers”[1] that provide 9-1-1 services to most of the province. […]
Protecting Old Growth Rainforest to the Economic Benefit of Tourism-Based Communities (2019)
Old-growth forests in many parts of the province are important for supporting tourism, recreation, scenery, wildlife, clean water, and wild fisheries, and enhancing nearby property values. Large numbers of tourists from around the world visit the province’s old-growth forests every year. Perhaps the grandest stand of unprotected old-growth forest in the province is the 500-hectare […]
Addressing Labour Shortages Through the Integration of Newcomers via Better Language Training Supports (2019)
English is the language of business in BC, and to fully participate in our economy people need the ability to read, write and speak comfortably in English. However, newcomers to BC and Canada may not, understandably, be proficient in English and this may undercut their integration into the community and delay their success in the […]
Enhancing Support for Cycling as a Mode Of Workforce Transportation (2019)
Efficient transportation is key for building economic and environmental sustainability. Currently, transportation infrastructure and traffic congestion are major economic issues in BC’s large urban centres as they create barriers and delays for employees getting to work, adversely impacting employers business operations. There is a need for alternative transportation options to facilitate employees’ commutes. Cycling, including […]
The Cost of Prolific Offenders on the Local Economy (2019)
The economic development of any community relies upon its reputation as a safe, viable region in which to locate and do business with supporting infrastructure, community assets, and most importantly, customers willing to walk in the door. However, if customers feel unsafe, they won’t come. If the reputation of a region is suspect, businesses won’t […]
Emergency Management: Wildfire Interface and Prevention (2019)
Since the wildfires of 2017 & 2018, many BC communities have taken it upon themselves, without provincial assistance, to begin developing strategies for the prevention of wildfires and floods through landscape management programs, and wildfire interface initiatives. This process has included expensive feasibility studies* and stakeholder sessions** to gather facts and options for the communities […]