Policy Search

The legal recreational cannabis market opened many aspects of the supply chain to the private sector to fill the need for the responsible production and sale of cannabis products in Canada. It is estimated that 2022 sales of cannabis is expected to reach or exceed $4.5 billion. Although not a primary consideration for the government, in order to achieve its stated policy objectives, the private...

The Province of British Columbia does not have a prompt payment legislation currently in place. This is creating challenges in the construction industry where contractors and vendors are often faced with prolonged payment terms in comparison to other provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. In many instances, this means non-payment beyond 180 days after completion of work.

The business case for ensuring gender diversity and ethnic and cultural diversity, among other diverse groups deserving of representation, on corporate boards is clear and their continued under-representation is costing businesses economically, thus it should be a priority to find ways of encouraging and supporting more diversity to sit on boards. The growing amount of research regarding this...

Cyclists are offered minimal protection in the BC Motor Vehicle Act and as a result, many residents are held back from adopting active transportation alternatives to single-passenger vehicles. This will result in the B.C. Government falling short of its Vision Zero and climate goals. There is also little investment in micromobility, which is the general term for fleets of small, low-speed vehicles...

Wage inequality is a serious issue that should be eliminated. Pay equity is a primary right for all workers in Canada. It is unacceptable for individuals to be paid differently based on their sex, race, religion, or physical abilities. Collecting and publishing pertinent data is a powerful tool to help evaluate the value of a job to a business. However, the protection of individuals’ confidential...

When it was created, the Employer Health Tax (EHT) was framed by the provincial government as a tool for funding the Medical Services Plan (MSP) -- the provincial healthcare system. If we accept this premise, then the tax should not apply to the portion of a business' payroll that is paid to seasonal workers, temporary foreign workers, or others who the government does not make eligible for...

B.C. is expected to have over a million (1,017,000) job openings between 2022 and 2032 and the government continues to recognize that this cannot be filled with local, domestic labour. Immigration is and will continue to be a major source of our workforce in B.C. However, we are selling our businesses, our newcomers, and our economy short if we continue to allow foreign credentials to be devalued...

B.C.’s competitive position as a trade and transportation-based economy must be actively protected, and continuously improved upon. While efforts to replace the George Massey crossing are underway, it is important that it is delivered expeditiously and that the principles of value for money, total capital cost, technical viability, difficulty, safety, and time to implement should be key...

Industry is adapting the way they do business, as Indigenous Nations need to be a part of decision making on future development in their territory. Recent agreements made with Indigenous Nations will bring more predictability for the province and provincial economy, while helping ensure that land management decisions are made in partnership with affected Indigenous nations. These agreements will...

Labour force issues which plague Canadian businesses are being addressed through pathways which include increased immigration and immigration-friendly legislation; increased trades and skills training; and affordable housing for increased workforce housing. Missing in the current conversation is incentivizing populations which are legally entitled to government payments from both Old Age Security...