Policy Search

Life-long learning has never been more important, as new technologies and emerging sectors require employees to have up-to-date knowledge and skills. As the economy continues to evolve, many British Columbians will seek opportunities to upskill and retrain to stay competitive. Microcredentials (short-duration, high-value, competency-based credentials) are great options for many mid-career...

In context of the threat of US tariffs and their potential impact on the BC economy, the provincial government has a role to play in helping small and medium businesses (SMEs) to diversify their markets beyond the US, developing go-to-market strategies for not only international but inter-provincial trade as well, and tackling obstacles to export growth through new dedicated provincial programming...

British Columbia’s steelmaking coal industry makes a significant contribution to the provincial economy through employment, tax revenue and contribution to provincial GDP. Industry opponents have consistently made misleading and false claims about coal transportation in BC and have lobbied municipal governments to take action. This has resulted in some municipalities considering or taking policy...

The Federal Government of Canada is investing heavily in critical minerals that include uranium extraction for the purposes of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors. BC currently has unexplored uranium and thorium deposits that can be exported to other provinces and countries, which will create economic prosperity in the province.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a small percentage of global aviation fuel production. Canada currently produces very little SAF. Only a few refiners in the U.S., Europe, and Singapore are currently producing or planning to produce SAF at significant volumes. However, British Columbia has set targets for SAF mix for airlines flying to and from B.C. airports that begin in 2028. Without...

British Columbia’s natural gas sector is a key driver of the province’s economy, creating tens of thousands of high-quality, well-paying jobs, and supporting communities across the province. To become a globally competitive energy hub, the province must establish a stable and predictable regulatory framework, advance responsible resource development, and avoid policies that restrict economic...

For years, the highway infrastructure of BC has lagged behind population growth. Up and down the interior’s north-south corridors, especially, this population growth is causing municipalities and districts to wrestle with the downstream effects (Prince George, Quesnel). Safety is an issue; adequate roadways and maintenance are issues; capacity is an issue; and accessible emergency response and...

The BC WorkSafe Board of Directors has set a target funding level of assets over liabilities at no less than 130%. However, the current policy lacks an upper limit, leading to a significant surplus over the years. As of December 31, 2023, WorkSafeBC’s funding ratio was approximately 147% (down from 161% in 2020), with an unappropriated surplus of $1.95 billion and reserves of $5.1 billion. A...

The recently passed Bill 35 (October 26, 2023) of the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act in British Columbia marks a significant shift aimed at freeing up accommodation to mitigate the housing crisis in BC. The legislation goes into effect May 1, 2024. Switching housing stock from short-term rental to long-term rental and/or purchase by prospective homebuyers to use as a permanent residence is...

Inflation has been relatively sticky for the last year. As a result, the Bank of Canada has elected to raise interest rates. Interest rate increases have impacted many people and will continue to do so. Interest rate increases have resulted in unaffordable mortgages for businesses and homeowners. These high rates also put pressure on the economy, resulting in business closures. The Federal...