Laura Jones PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
This morning, I stood alongside colleagues from across the B.C. business community as we publicly called on the province’s political leaders to deliver a clear plan that builds prosperity and fosters sustainable economic growth. By joining forces with organizations such as the GVBOT, BCC, CFIB, COFI, ICBA, MABC, and the business caucus, we sent a strong message: we are united and committed to working together to achieve real results for our members and all British Columbians.
To help voters make informed decisions on election day, we jointly sent each party leader a survey asking them to share their plans for addressing economic challenges in the province. The responses will be published in the Vancouver Sun on October 5, and we will share the answers directly with you via email.
Our joint press release, including the survey questions and BCBC’s economic backgrounder shared with the media during today’s press conference, are available online.
In other election-related news, our election series, hosted by KPMG in partnership with Stu McNish and Conversations Live, is just around the corner. We’re very excited to be hosting all three party leaders for in-depth conversations with our members.
In the coming weeks, our economists will be combing through all the party platform material to put together a list of relevant commitments our members.
We have also not forgotten about the upcoming US election. I’m thrilled to announce that BCBC will be hosting a virtual keynote presentation by David Frum on October 29th focusing on the presidential election and its implications for Canadians. We are excited to partner with a couple of sponsors for this, so please let us know if you are interested.
Wishing everyone a fantastic fall,
Laura
2024 ELECTION SERIES
As part of our 2024 Election Plan, we’re hosting a special event in partnership with Stuart McNish and his “Conversations Live” series.
Each session will feature one of three B.C. political party leaders for a members-only roundtable discussion, followed by a larger audience joining “Conversations Live”, streamed live by the Vancouver Sun.
Spots are limited, so be sure to register soon!
Schedule:
· September 16th: Sonia Furstenau, BC Green Party
· September 17th: John Rustad, Conservative Party of BC (In-person is full, but virtual spots are still available)
· September 19th: Premier David Eby (4:15 PM – 5:00 PM; Conversations Live Only – Event at capacity, but will be streamed via Vancouver Sun website)
WHAT DOES THE U.S. ELECTION MEAN FOR CANADA?
Join us for an exclusive online event featuring renowned social and political commentator David Frum.
Frum brings unique insights into the U.S. election, from foreign policy debates to the inner workings of the White House. As a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush and a writer for The Atlantic, his perspective makes this event a must-see. Those who attended our Chair’s Dinner in 2018, which featured Frum will attest to this!
Limited early-bird tickets are available below, as well as sponsorship opportunities.
Contact sydney.juzenas@bcbc.com for details.
UPCOMING EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP
Our fall events calendar is kicking off, and aside from our election plans, we’ve got lots in store so keep an eye on your emails!
· October 3:Executive Roundtable with economist Dr. G. Kent Fellows: In partnership with Resource Works, this event will dive into the economic impact of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion (TMX) and how it is set to reshape Western Canada’s economy. Register here.
· October 18: B.C. – Alberta Business Briefing: Laura Jones and BCBC’s policy team will be in Calgary to meet with our Alberta-based members for a lunch and pre-election policy update. Register here.
· October 24:Executive Roundtable with James Moore, Senior Business Advisor at Dentons: With his extensive career in government and as a former cabinet minister, James will join us to discuss federal politics and B.C.’s post-election landscape. Register here.
· November 13: Executive Roundtable with The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay: Drawing on her extensive experience as Minister of National Revenue and Associate Minister of National Defence, Kerry-Lynne will provide valuable insights into key issues at the federal level. Register here.
· January 20, 2025: B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering Welcome Reception. Always a highlight of our calendar year, we are delighted to once again co-host this Welcome Reception. This event brings together leaders from Indigenous communities, B.C. Cabinet ministers, and business leaders from across the province for an evening dedicated to reconciliation. Info to come.
We couldn’t offer high-quality events like these without the incredible support of our members. We have exciting sponsorship opportunities for our upcoming event with David Frum, our trip to Calgary, as well as for the B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders’ Gathering. Please email sydney.juzenas@bcbc.com to discuss available packages.
BUILDING PROSPERITY CAMPAIGN
We’ve had our boots on the ground this summer visiting member companies across the province as part of our Building Prosperity campaign. This campaign highlights the incredible work that companies in B.C. are doing every day to drive prosperity. It’s been a pleasure to meet the teams and see their day-to-day operations firsthand.
So far, we’ve visited Seaspan, Velocity Truck Centres, the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Vitalus, BC Greenhouse Growers’ Association, and Transmountain. We can’t wait to share their unique stories in the coming months.
Have a sneak peek of our visits below, check out our Seaspan feature, and follow along on social media with #BuildingProsperityBC!
STICKER SHOCK- THE RISING COSTS OF EVERYTHING
In case you missed it, we recently released our Sticker Shock series produced by David Williams which dives into the cost of living in B.C.
According to the analysis, since 2019, the average cost of living has jumped by 21% with essentials like food and shelter seeing sharp increases of 27% and 29% respectively.
As British Columbians prepare for the October provincial election, where inflation is a concern, this series provides valuable insights into how these rising costs affect daily life as well as the solutions needed to address the problem.
POLICY MATTERS
Advice to Federal Government on Regulation Emphasizes Need for Mindset Shift
Canadians are facing rising costs of living and low productivity. The External Advisory Committee on Regulatory Competitiveness (EACRC), chaired by BCBC’s President and CEO, Laura Jones, is tasked with advising the federal government on how smarter regulations can help tackle both issues.
By reducing unnecessary red tape, governments can improve productivity, save time, and boost wages, leading to better living standards for all.
Simple changes, like reducing paperwork for doctors or speeding up housing permits, show how this is possible.
Read Laura’s recent blog to learn more about her work in this area and a new advice letter published by the EARC.
WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS
Since the start of 2024, we have welcomed 18 new members to BCBC from across the province. Please join us in welcoming:
· Amgen British Columbia
· Andersen LLP
· BC Association of Institutes and Universities
· CGI Inc.
· CityAge
· Conwest Developments
· DP World Canada
· Elk Valley Resources
· FramePoint
· Headwater Strategy Group
· HeliCat
· META
· MSNB Holdings
· Pace Group
· Peak Products
· PFM Search
· Richberry Group
· Taseko Mines Limited.
We look forward to working with you all and bringing you into the BCBC fold.
BCBC IN THE MEDIA
What do you think is the most important issue in the upcoming B.C. election?
Castanet Kamloops: September 6, 2024
BCBC media releasequoted
High cost of living in B.C. to be election issue: BCBC
Business in Vancouver: September 5, 2024
Sticker Shock series review
B.C. reduces emissions despite economic growth
Troy Media: September 4, 2024
Denise Mullen Op-Ed
Low-wage temporary foreign worker fiasco brings migration debate to B.C election.
The Province: August 30, 2024
David Williams interviewed
Opinion: A bigger B.C. government has not birthed a healthier B.C. economy
Vancouver is Awesome: August 23, 2024
Ken Peacock and Jock Finlayson Op-Ed
B.C. ‘stands alone’ on slumping private sector employment, business group warns
Global News: August 22, 2024
Ken Peacock interviewed
Looming rail strike impacts would be ‘significant’
Global News: August 19, 2024
Ken Peacock interviewed
Newcomers helping to cushion Metro Vancouver from slowing economy, possible recession
The Vancouver Sun: August 17, 2024
BCBC research quoted
BCBC LABOUR MARKET UPDATE: A NOTABLE DETERIORATION IN B.C.’S JOB MARKET IN JULY
Business Examiner: August 14, 2024
BCBC reports quoted
B.C. United launches Hail Mary pass; Promises large income-tax break
Vancouver Sun: August 14, 2024
Ken Peacock interviewed
Economic Impact of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour
CKNW: August 10, 2024
Laura Jones interviewed
Tackling Canada’s Economic Productivity Challenges
Wilson Center: August 1, 2024
BCBC research quoted
Conversations That Matter: B.C. rates poorly on prosperity
Vancouver Sun: July 19, 2024
David Williams interviewed
Opinion: B.C.’s economy is increasingly reliant on resource products
Business in Vancouver: July 16, 2024
Ken Peacock and Jock Finlayson Op-Ed