Survey Shows Business Support Remains Critical for Economic Recovery in 2021
BC Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Pulse Check survey reveals nearly three quarters of respondents continue to experience decreased sales volumes. VANCOUVER, BC, JANUARY 27, 2021 – A recent survey conducted by the BC Chamber of Commerce revealed that while British Columbia recently began the vaccination campaign in health recovery efforts, businesses are still struggling amid heightened COVID-19 […]
BC Chamber of Commerce and ACE-WIL Launch Student Talent Program to Support BC Businesses in Recovery and Future Growth
Talent Forward brings businesses and students together to solve short-term labour issues while building a skilled workforce for BC’s future. [January 14, 2021] Vancouver, BC – Today, the BC Chamber of Commerce and Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon (ACE-WIL) launched Talent Forward, a program that connects businesses with skilled post-secondary students looking for work experience to fulfil requirements for their academic program. Bringing a student into the workplace benefits businesses with temporary, cost-effective labour support that addresses business needs while equipping students with skills for the future. “By listening […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Announces Search for New CEO
Dan Baxter, Director of Policy and Government Relations named Interim CEO The BC Chamber of Commerce has commenced its search for their next President and CEO. Led by national executive search firm Leaders International, the selected candidate will be a visionary leader who will help shape and support a prosperous future for businesses in BC. […]
BC Chamber Network Launches Building Resilience to Thrive Program
Developed in partnership with UVIC’s Gustavson School of Business, the 6-week program will help SME’s stay viable and adapt to compete in the future Today, the Building Resilience to Thrive program, powered by the BC Chamber of Commerce network and UVIC’s Gustavson School of Business, launched to businesses across the province. Offered as a COVID-19 recovery certificate, the 6-week program, delivered by award-winning professors Dr. Mark Colgate and Prof. […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Supports First Steps in Province’s Economic Recovery Plan
“We appreciate that government sees this as the next step, not the final step, in the road to recovery.” says Dan Baxter, Director of Policy and Government Relations. Today, the provincial government shared details of its Economic Recovery Plan, Stronger BC. In addition to broad consultation and recommendations, the Stronger BC Plan took into consideration the BC Chamber of […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Publicly Releases its Economic Recovery Submission
“Plan will require big thinking around small business,” says Aleece Laird, Board Chair. Today, the BC Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) publicly released its Economic Recovery Submission (submitted to Government July 21st, 2020), made up of 54 policy recommendations focusing on competitiveness, innovation, and inclusivity respectively. The plan is a pan-provincial in scope and aims to guide the Province on stimulating BC’s economy through measures that support small and medium enterprises […]
Slow and fragile recovery requires a bold plan
While British Columbia has entered phase three of its Restart Plan, two-thirds (65%) of businesses surveyed are using some form of government support. Businesses expect a substantial “second wave” of negative impacts should these programs expire too quickly. Only about three-in-ten businesses (28%) on government support expect to return to normal once the programs end. […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Statement on Our Commitment to Stand Against Racism
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic we saw a wave of anti-Asian sentiment, driven by ignorance and intolerance, spread across many parts of the province. In early May, the BC Chamber of Commerce stood publicly with Premier John Horgan and business associations across the province to state categorically that there can be “no […]
BC Businesses Call on Labour Minister to Act to Avoid Employee Terminations and Small Business Bankruptcies
Business organizations representing almost all of British Columbia’s 500,000 businesses are frustrated by Labour Minister Harry Bains refusal to appreciate the severity of current business challenges. At issue specifically is the potential for bankruptcy and insolvency for thousands of small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profits as they are forced to payout severance costs due to […]
Critical Policies Pass at BC Chamber AGM
Sixty-seven chambers and boards of trade from across B.C. gathered online on May 22-23, to discuss and debate key policy issues at the BC Chamber of Commerce 68th Annual General Meeting & Conference. “Our grassroots policy development process drives our advocacy efforts each year. Like previous years, our network will prioritize advocacy in the year ahead […]