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Note – This site will be updated regularly as development of the Shop Local BC program progresses. If you have questions, please contact [email protected] Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered through provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, the Shop Local initiative provides grants for programs and campaigns that encourage Canadians to shop local […]

Today, the provincial government announced that it is introducing a Proof of Vaccination program for British Columbia. In response to the announcement, the BC Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Fiona Famulak, released the following statement: “Last week, we and other organizations representing businesses across the province called on the provincial government to introduce a […]

This week, the provincial government announced that it is proceeding with a replacement of the George Massey Tunnel. In response to the announcement, the BC Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Fiona Famulak, released the following statement: “The BC Chamber of Commerce welcomes this week’s announcement that the Government of B.C. will replace the aging […]

The air transportation industry has barely survived the pandemic. The impacts are evident in air cargo, commercial, and leisure transportation flights. The air transportation industry has received some support, however, there is need for a long-term strategy. Many nations in Europe are implementing rapid testing at airports and providing substantial information on the efficacy of […]

The tourism and hospitality sectors1 have undoubtedly been seriously devastated and impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Realization and awareness of the depth and long-lasting nature of these impacts on the province’s economy; for SMEs, jobs and the ability to restart is imperative. Despite some provincial and federal relief, the industry is at a critical juncture […]

BC’s trucking industry is subject to an antiquated, time consuming and overly complex permitting system. The current system causes significant delays, costs and uncertainty for the trucking industry, is harmful to BC’s competitiveness as a Gateway economy, results in greater GHG emissions, provokes non-compliance and related safety concerns, and diverts revenue from local businesses at […]

The BC Provincial Health Order has mis-categorized cinemas and professional performing arts venues as ‘events’. This has led to a catastrophic effect on the arts and culture sectors during times of crisis. Due to the incorrect segmentation of this industry, both movie theatre and live performance venues are unfairly shuttered. Background In 2020, COVID-19 rapidly […]

COVID-19 has resulted in a new normal. More employees are working from home, and that has led many to the question: what expenses can be deducted? The CRA’s current calculation of work-at-home- expenses only allows for a very minor reimbursement, which is less than the current reality of working from home. You should be able […]

In the race to create a COVID-19 vaccine by collaborating across industries and pharmaceutical companies have exposed more cybersecurity risks than existed before the pandemic. In research and development, clinical trials, manufacturing and distribution, there’s a proliferation of new potential threats where cyber attackers are targeting, as evidenced by threat analysis reports from the U.S. […]

Cross-border shopping in the United States was an estimated $4.7 billion in 2006. Since then, annual increases have taken the total to $8.0 billion in 2012, 72% higher than 2006.1 The impact on BC retailers, particularly in border towns, is costing the economy billions of dollars which could be minimized if duties were enforced at […]

Canada’s military men and women are known around the world for their leadership skills, teamwork and dedication. They are highly skilled in areas such as planning, communication, management, and the trades. Without question, they would be an asset to any workforce; it is not always appreciated by the business community how big an asset someone […]

Based on current Canadian demographics, Canada’s baby boomers are retiring at a significant pace putting extra pressure on both the Old Age Pension Plan (OAS) as well as the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). At this point, both these plans are funded from business owners and employees through general tax revenues. Because of the population shift, […]

Regional districts and their comprising jurisdictions across BC are going through the process of updating their regional growth strategies1. The urban planning concepts of developing goals, land use designations, and policies which support “complete communities” where “higher density trip-generating development” is being directed to Urban Centres and Frequent Transit Development Areas where “most trips can […]

Although the Kootenay region has a much smaller population base than many regions, there is a need to emphasize the importance of all transportation links throughout the region including airports, inland ferries as well as the safety of highways through the mountain passes. With a view towards regional economic development and community building, improved health […]