Policy Search

British Columbia has an established and thriving digital tech start-up ecosystem. However, many of BC’s tech companies are relatively small and still face challenges in scaling up. There is a risk that if companies are not able to scale up and fail to grow, the province will lose out on important opportunities for economic growth, such as the creation of well-paying resilient jobs and attracting...

Over the past two years, vineyards throughout British Columbia have experienced extreme cold weather events. The most recent event occurred between January 11th and 15th, 2024, causing an estimated 97-99% reduction in grape and wine production. Translated into economic terms, vineyards, wineries, and suppliers across the province will experience a $440-$445 million revenue loss in 2024.

In light of the recent housing legislation enacted by the Provincial Government, municipalities across BC are facing increased density and greater populations in many of their neighbourhoods. This comes as many municipalities are already challenged to handle the infrastructure needs of their growing communities amid a chronic infrastructure deficit. As a result, communities are struggling with a...

The new car industry in British Columbia is at a pivotal juncture, grappling with the dual challenges of evolving consumer demands and the swift transition towards zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The industry, a significant economic driver, faces hurdles including continued supply chain issues, navigating technological and consumer changes, and a luxury tax regime that inadvertently penalizes a...

Universities are large economic engines located throughout British Columbia. Some of the greatest impacts on the economy include direct and indirect spending, employment, research initiatives, and a knowledgeable workforce. For example, Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops is the fourth largest employer in the city. It contributes an estimated $355 million to the regional economy, adding...

Years go by, politicians’ barbs fly back and forth, provincial regulations ease and then again restrict trade across provincial borders in much of Canada. The policy title explains the issue: “Interprovincial Trade Barrier Reform” - it hasn’t happened yet. Federal MPs have supported more than one bill in the Commons with little change in legislation. In the first 60 days of 2024, Alberta again...

Invasive mussels, which have devastating effects on hydroelectric power, fishing, and tourism – have been detected in the Columbia River Basin in the U.S., an eleven-hour drive for a boat trailer from the Canada/U.S. border. This poses an imminent threat to fresh waters in British Columbia. The Provincial Government must take decisive action now to avoid irreversible damage to our water-based...

Across British Columbia and North America, urban planners are building our future through goals, policies, and land use designations that support complete communities. While offering many successful attributes, this approach inadequately addresses transportation demand management planning for industrial areas and business parks. This resolution calls upon the government to develop a comprehensive...

The trade tensions Canada experiences for four years during the presidency of Donald Trump will not go away overnight. On the contrary, President Joe Biden has made some policy decisions that have negatively impacted the Canadian economy, cost Canadian jobs, and undermined the already fragile trade relationship between Canada and the United States. Canada must utilize every tool in its...

Many biomass-fired power plants in the province face closures due to the shortage of economically viable fibre supply. The root cause of this predicament lies in the diminished forest activity, making it impossible for the power plants to provide the contracted power at a profitable margin, resulting in their closure. Biomass-fired power plants provide sustainable, low-GHG-emitting, reliable power...