The Need For A Renewed Softwood Lumber Agreement (2020)
The ongoing Softwood Lumber dispute between Canada and the United States continues to be a trade irritant. While attention and resources have been focused on securing and implementing a renewed NAFTA, the recently signed Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) – along with the removal of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum – allows for an opportunity […]
Revitalizing the Fraser River – Unlocking Its True Potential (2020)
The Fraser River is one of the most important water systems in British Columbia. It is currently being underutilized due to the lack of development of port cities along the banks of the Fraser River. There are many cities across Canada that have successfully revitalized their waterfront areas along major waterway systems such as Toronto[1] […]
Mobilizing Rural Investment Capital (2020)
Access to investment capital is crucial to business and economic development anywhere – but it is especially important in rural areas. However, research initiatives completed by the BC Rural Centre,[1] BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA), BC Community Impact Investment Coalition and Rural Development Institute (RDI) have noted that it is often difficult to access business […]
Access to Timber Supply for Secondary Wood Producers (2020)
There are two wood processing sectors in BC, tenured and non-tenured. The tenured sector has exclusive rights to non-competitive public timber where the price of fibre is determined administratively using a formula. This sector tends to be large, consolidated, publicly owned multinationals that have access to global markets that focus on producing commodity products. The […]
BC Chamber Statement on the Ongoing Rail & Infrastructure Blockades
Wider economic impacts now emerging (Updated on February 25, 2020 at 12:35 PM) The BC Chamber urges the Federal Government to take swift action to end supply-chain disruptions and restore normal services, as we head into a third weekend of potential blockades across BC and Canada. “If the country wakes up Monday morning with blockades […]
The BC Chamber calls on government and law enforcement to end blockades, rail disruptions
“Peaceful protest is a sacred Canadian right, but blockades are illegal” says BC Chamber Chief Executive *UPDATE: As of Feb 13 rail service has resumed. VANCOUVER, February 13, 2020 – As CN is forced to shut down significant parts of its national rail network, Canada’s reputation as a supply chair partner that delivers is being called into […]
BC Natural Resources Survey Finds Broad-Based Support for Increased Resource Investment
BC Natural Resources Survey Finds Broad-Based Support for Increased Resource Investment Promoting innovation, marketing BC’s “low carbon advantage,” and building new markets needed for the resource sector to compete globally. Vancouver, B.C. – January 23, 2020: British Columbians recognize the integral role natural resources play in driving the provincial economy and support increased investment in […]
Future of the Forest Industry and It’s Importance to British Columbia’s Economy (2019)
The forest industry continues to be an important contributor to the province’s economy: 2018, total economic output for the sector was $33 billion; total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the forestry sector was $12.9 billion; employed 140,000 British Columbians in 60,000 direct and 81,000 indirect jobs; generated 8.6 billion in wages to workers; consisted of […]
Supporting Canada’s Steelmaking Coal Industry (2019)
Canada’s steelmaking coal industry makes a significant contribution to the economy through employment, tax revenue and contribution to provincial GDP. There is a long history of environmental responsibility in the mining and transportation of steelmaking coal internationally. Canada’s port industry operates under strict environmental regulations that are among the highest in the world, ensuring no […]
Protecting Canada’s Social And Economic Values Associated To The Tidal Recreational Fishery On The West Coast Of British Columbia (2019)
BC’s recreational fishery generates over $1 billion in economic activity annually. The recreational fishery on British Columbia’s west coast tidal waters has been subject to significant area closures to protect populations of iconic Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW). BC’s many coastal communities have strong economic reliance upon the recreational fishery and tourism. These values are […]