NEWS!
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August 2011
Business Council Expands its Efforts to Unlock BC's Full Potential: Staff Changes Announced
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July 12, 2011
Proposed Office of Muncipal Auditor General
Business Council letter to Deputy Minister Don Fast offering input on the proposed office of Municipal Auditor General.
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May 2011
HST or PST? The Real Truth or Consequences
SFU economist and prominent Canadian tax policy scholar Jon Kesselman dismantles the arguments advanced by the "Fight HST"
coalition in this paper prepared for the Business Council and the Smart Tax Alliance.
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May 25, 2011
Business Council Recognizes Prudent Tax Re-Balancing and Fiscal Discipline as Part of HST Reform
The Business Council of British Columbia today voiced support
for the broad package of changes to the HST announced by Finance Minister Kevin Falcon. (more...)
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HST
The Business Council is a founding member of the Smart Tax Alliance – a coalition of industry organizations established to advocate in support of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Visit the STA web site at www.hstjobs.ca
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August 4, 2010
After a month of HST, the sky hasn't fallen
Article by Jock Finlayson appearing in the August 4, 2010 edition of The Vancouver Sun.
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July 30, 2010
Mid-Year Economic Update
The updated economic forecast for 2010-2011 sees the province's economy continuing to expand into 2011, but at a somewhat slower pace than during the first half of this year.
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May 27, 2010
Innovation Next - A West Coast Perspective
Background notes for presentation by Jock Finlayson to the Public Policy Forum conference on Innovation Next in Toronto.
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May 1, 2010
HST Will Help B.C. Become More Competitive
in Many Ways
Article by Jock Finlayson appearing in the May 1, 2010 edition of The Vancouver Sun.
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April 26, 2010
One Death At Work is One Death Too Many
Article by Doug Alley appearing in the April 26, 2010 edition of The Vancouver Sun.
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March 16, 2010
Virginia Greene Receives Community Achievement Award
Forty-five Biritish Columbians were today named the receipients of the seventh annual BC Community Achievement Awards by Premier Gordon Campbell and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation...( full BC Gov't news release)
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February 10, 2010
Virginia Greene - Torch Relay
View a slideshow of Virginia's Greene's Torch Relay (30 MB, Windows Media format)
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September 28, 2009
Prelminary Advice on the 2010 Provincial Budget
Submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services
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September 2, 2009
September Budget Update Signals Challenging Economic Times
Business Council commentary on the September provincial budget update.
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September 1, 2009
Updated Budget Signals Challenging Economic Times
Today's revised provincial budget underscores the damage that has been done to British Columbia's economy and public finances by the global recession that began last autumn and continued through the first half of 2009... (full press release)
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July 28, 2009
BC Government Opts for Harmonized Sales Tax
Business Council commentary on the proposed HST.
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July 23, 2009
Business Council Applauds Plan to
Harmonize Sales Tax
The Business Council of British Columbia today welcomed the Provincial Government's announcement that it intends to harmonize BC's sales tax with the federal Goods and Services Tax, effective July 1, 2010.
Full News Release
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June 16, 2009
British Columbia's Global Linkages: A Snapshot
Paper prepared for the Business Council's Outlook 2020 Chpt 1 Summit
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April 20, 2009
Business Alert
Review of Liberal and NDP Election Platforms
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April 8, 2009
2008 Annual Report
The Business Council held its Annual General Meeting on April 8, 2009
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January 16, 2009
Business Council Recommendations for the Upcoming Federal Budget
Letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper
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December 18, 2008
BC Outlook
With the global and North American economies falling into recession, British Columbia will experience much weaker growth in 2009 as export-oriented industries struggle and some of the engines of domestic demand lose momentum. Take a look at the Business Council's latest (December 2008) economic forecast.
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December 4, 2008
A Crisis is a Terrible Thing to Waste
Speech by Virginia Green, President and Chief Executive Officer, to the Salvation Army's Hope in the City Breakfast.
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November 3, 2008
Business Council Highlights Key Business Issues of the Upcoming Municipal Election
With province-wide municipal elections coming up on November 15, 2008, the Business Council of BC (BCBC) is calling on British Columbians to make their voices heard on key issues such as property taxation, models of municipal financing, local government approaches to regulation, and the need for greater cooperation among municipalities in organizing and providing services...
News Release
Full Report
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October 24, 2008
Business Council of BC Supports Province's 10-Point Economic Plan
The Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC), the organization that represents one of every four people employed in BC is commending the Provincial Government and Premier Gordon Campbell for the 10-point economic plan announced Wednesday, which it says strikes a balance between providing stimulus while avoiding tipping the budget towards a certain deficit. (cont'd)
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June 10, 2008
Wanted: Good Corporate Citizens,
Others Need Not Apply
Business Council Survey Says Times, Attitudes Changing
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March 25, 2008
New Website Improves Access to Labour Data
Visitors to www.bcbargaining.ca can find information on the status of labour negotiations throughout the province and the latest data on settlements, expiring agreements, work stoppates and wages. (Full Press Release)
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November 9, 2007
Business Council of British Columbia Appoints Virginia Greene as President and Chief Executive Officer
Vancouver, British Columbia -- Larry Berg, Chair of the Business Council of British Columbia, today announced the appointment of Virginia Greene as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Business Council.
Full Press Release
Photo of Virginia Greene
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Economic
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October 17, 2011
The New World Economy:
Some Implications for Canada and BC
Presentation by Jock Finlayson to a recent CEO Forum
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March 23, 2011
Budget 2011: A Gradual Shift From Stimulus to Restraint
Business Council's preliminary review of the 2011 Federal Budget.
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February 18, 2011
Business Council Submission to the HST Review Panel
Business Council submission to the independent panel established to review the HST Initiative Vote Options.
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February 16, 2011
Consumer Impacts of BC's Harmonized Sales Tax
A independent study prepared for the Business Council by Jonathan Kesselman, Professor, School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University.
Executive Summary (pdf)
Full Report (pdf)
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January 31, 2011
Business Council Comments and Recommendations for the Upcoming Federal Budget
Letter to Honourable James Flaherty, Minister of Finance
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October 15, 2010
Prelminary Advice on the 2011 Provincial Budget
Submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services
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October 5, 2010
HST Misconceptions
A short brief addressing the economic consequences of the Harmonized Sales Tax.
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July 30, 2010
Mid-Year Economic Update
The updated economic forecast for 2010-2011 sees the province's economy continuing to expand into 2011, but at a somewhat slower pace than during the first half of this year.
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March 5, 2010
Federal Budget Signals Restraint...But Later
The Business Council's initial review of the March 4th Federal Budget, which marks the transition from a period of large recession-fighting deficits to a renewed era of fiscal restraint.
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March 3, 2010
A Cautious Budget for Uncertain Times
The Business Council's initial review of the March 2nd Provincial Budget, which re-affirms the government's intention to bring the budget back into balance by the end of its mandate.
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February 5, 2010
Submission on the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy
Business Council Comments on the Nov 2009 draft of Metro Vancouver's Regional Growth Strategy.
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February 3, 2010
Business Council Recommendations for the Upcoming Federal Budget
Letter to Finance Minister James Flaherty
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January 21, 2010
The HST: Smart Tax Policy for British Columbia
Presentation by Jock Finlayson to "Towards a Harmonized Sales Tax" HST Symposium.
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September 29, 2009
Some Thoughts On Industrial Property Taxation in British Columbia
Presentation by Jock Finlayson to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities 2009 Convention.
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September 28, 2009
Prelminary Advice on the 2010 Provincial Budget
Submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services
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July 2009
Half-Way There: BC Economic Update
Near-Term Outlook for British Columbia
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January 16, 2009
Business Council Recommendations for the Upcoming Federal Budget
Letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper
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October 24, 2008
A Creative and Balanced Economic Plan
The Business Council's analysis of Premier Gordon Campbell 10 point stimulus plan for BC.
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September 29, 2008
Submission in advance of the 2009 Provincial Budget
Submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services
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July, 2008
PNWER Economic Review and Outlook
Economic review and overview of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) prepared for the PNWER 18th Annual Summit in Vancouver July 20-24
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February 27, 2008
Federal Budget 2008: Economic Highlights
Presentation by Jock Finlayson to KPMG's Federal Budget Breakfast
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February 11, 2008
Submission in Advance of the 2008 Federal Budget
Submitted to the Honourable James Flaherty.
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January 15, 2008
Choosing a Sustainable Future
Preliminary Submission on Metro Vancouver's Growth Strategy
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December 14, 2007
Pine Beetle Epidemic Will Significantly Affect Both The Interior and The Provincial Economies
The mountain pine beetle infestation in the Interior represents an unprecedented challenge for British Columbia, according to a paper jointly released today by the Business Council of British Columbia and the Council of Forest Industries. The paper, entitled Responding to the Challenge of the Mountain Pine Beetle, was written by former Deputy Minister of Forests Don Wright.
Press Release
Full Paper
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November 30, 2007
Submission on the Federal Review of Tax Incentives for Scientific Research and Experimental Development
Submission to Finance Canada on the federal SR&ED Consultation Paper
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October 11, 2007
Business Council Provincial Pre-Budget Submission
Submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services in Advance of the 2008 Provincial Budget.
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March 20, 2007
Spending the Fiscal Dividend:
Comments on the 2007 Federal Budget
The Business Council's comments on the 2007 Federal Budget.
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February 21, 2007
2007 BC Budget: New Intiatives and Unfinished Business
The Business Council's comments on the 2007 Provincial Budget.
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February 6, 2007
BC 2007 Economic Forecast: Another Year of Solid Growth
The Business Council's BC economic outlook and forecast for 2007.
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January 22, 2007
Submission in Advance of the 2007 Federal Budget
Submission to the Honourable James Flaherty.
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December 4, 2006
Corporate Headquarters and Head Office Employment in British Columbia: 2006 Update
by Jock Finlayson, Executive Vice President - Policy and Karen Graham, Senior Policy Analyst
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October 17, 2006
Business Council Provincial Pre-Budget Submission
Submission to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services in Advance of the 2007 Provincial Budget.
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July 13, 2006
Submission to Vancouver City Council Standing Committe on Planning and Environment
Business Council comments on the City of Vancouver's recently published Guiding Principles: Economic Development in the City of Vancouver.
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June 26, 2006
Business Council Welcomes Competition Council Report
The Business Council of British Columbia welcomed the release today of the
BC Competition Council report and its main recommendations...
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April 19, 2006
Business Council Federal Pre-Budget Submission
Submission to the Honourable James Flaherty.
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February 14, 2006
Submission to the BC Competition Council
Our submission focuses on cross-cutting factors affecting British Columbia''s overall competitiveness.
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Labour and Employment
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April 26, 2010
One Death At Work is One Death Too Many
Article by Doug Alley appearing in the April 26, 2010 edition of The Vancouver Sun.
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July 31, 2008
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act - Budget Bill C-50
Letter to the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration regarding amendments to the Immigration and Protection Act contained in Budget Bill C-50
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June 6, 2007
Redefining Immigrant Settlement Services in British Columbia
Presentation given by Ed Wong, Vice President - Education Partnerships, at the Opening Plenary Session of the 2007 BC Settlement and Adaption Program Conference on May 28, 2007.
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April 13, 2007
Labour market needs, Immigration programs, Foreign credential recognition and Employment - LIFE in Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Canada
Skills shortage is a global phenomenon. Employers are actively seeking skilled immigrants to meet workplace needs. In this connection, the Business Council has completed a comparative analysis of major competing, immigrant-receiving countries, examining relevant skilled migrant worker policies, programs and practices for further consideration in BC and Canada. The report, prepared by Ed Wong, Vice President - Education Partnerships and Karen Graham, Senior Policy Analyst, reflects on Best Practices and makes 16 Recommendations to help inform public policy discussion with the view to improve the overall system in Canada.
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February 27, 2007
Bill C-257 letter to BC Liberal MPs
Text of a letter sent to BC Liberal MPs.
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January 30, 2007
Bill C-257 an Act to Amend the Canada Labour Code (Replacement Workers)
The Business Council Submission opposing Bill C-257, a Private Member's bill that would dramatically change the Canada Labour Code, was presented by Jerry Lampert, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Doug Alley, Vice President - Human Resources to the House of Commons Standing Committee in Ottawa on January 30, 2007.
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December 4, 2006
Bill C-257 an Act to Amend the Canada Labour Code (Replacement Workers)
Business Council Submission to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development, and the Status of Persons with Disabilties on Bill C-257 an Act to Amend the Canada Labour Code (Replacement Workers).
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November 29, 2006
Proposed Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
Business Council Submission to WorkSafeBC on the Proposed Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
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June 27, 2006
Aging and Employment in BC: Trends and Policy Directions
Presentation by Jock Finlayson to the Premier's Council on Aging and Seniors' Issues.
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February 2, 2006
Foreign Credential Recognition for Skilled Immigrants to British Columbia:
Looking Beneath, Above and Beyond
Seven key sectors of the British Columbia economy that have significant interaction with immigrants as a labour source are reviewed, and some policy implications are drawn. Foreign credential recognition is one among many common barriers to employment, including Canadian workplace and cultural familiarity, occupational English-language skills, and the state of the labour market in a sector.
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June 1, 2004
Making Better Connections: Integration of Skilled Immigrants in the BC Labour Market
This Business Council report provides pertinent views, perspectives, attitudes and practices of major companies that positively affect or could affect employing more immigrants in the workplace including recommendations to enhance the labour market attachment efforts and related public policy.
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Infrastructure
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May 23, 2006
Submission on Translink Governance Review
Business Council Submission to the Translink Governance Review Panel established by the Minister of Transportation.
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October 1, 2005
Presentation to Ministerial Consultation Session on the Asia Pacific Gateway
Speech by Jerry Lampert.
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Education & Skills
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September 2008
2008 Biennial Skills and Attributes Survey Report
The Business Council's 2008 report highlights the skills and attributes that major BC employers are looking for in new hires.
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February 13, 2008
Reality Check: The Third Option still Rocks!
Keynote presentation given by Ed Wong, Vice President - Education Partnerships to the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District - Career Information Evening at A.L. Fortune Secondary School in Enderby for parents, students and teachers from across the district.
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December 21, 2006
Submission to Campus 2020: Thinking Ahead
Campus 2020 is a review of B.C.'s post secondary education system conducted by Geoff Plant, Special Advisor to the government in this matter. The Business Council submission focusses on employer interests and concerns.
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September 12, 2006
Provincial Training Tax Credits
Business Council comments on the provincial government's proposed training tax credit program.
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Environment
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September 21, 2010
Ambient Air Quality Objectives
Business Council comments on Proposed Provincial Framework for the Development of Ambient Air Quality Objectives.
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April 30, 2010
Comments on Water Act Modernization Discussion Paper
Business Council's submission to the Ministry of Environment regarding the proposed Water Act Modernization.
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February 12, 2010
Comments on the Cosmetic Use of Pesticides in B.C.
Business Council's submission to the provincial government as part of the public consultation on cosmetic use of pesticides.
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January 26, 2010
Submission to the Cabinet Committee on Climate Action and Clean Energy
Business Council comments and recommendations on a number of the issues considered by the Green Energy Advisory Task Force.
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August 12, 2009
Canada's Offset System for Greenhouse Gases
Business Council comments on the federal government's recently gazetted Offset System for Greenhouse Gases, comprised of the documents Program Rules and Guidance for Project Proponents and Program Rules for Verification and Guidance for Verification Bodies
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February 6, 2009
Western Climate Initiative (WCI) Reporting Essential Requirements
Business Council comments on the WCI's proposed Essential Requirements for Mandatory Reporting.
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November 28, 2008
Business Council Comments on GHG Reporting Policy Intentions Paper
Business Council response to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Regulation Policy Intentions Paper for Consultation issued by the BC Ministry of Environment.
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August 29, 2008
Emissions Offsets Regulations Policy Intentions Paper
Business Council response to the BC Ministry of Environment's Emissions Offsets Regulations Policy Intentions Paper
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August 13, 2008
Draft Design of the WCI Regional Cap and Trade Program
Business Council response to the final Draft Design of the Western Climate Initiative cap and trade program.
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May 27, 2008
Comments on Proposed Amendments to Air Quality Management Bylaw
Business Council Submission on Metro Vancouver's Proposed Amendments to Air Quality Management Bylaw 937
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February 29, 2008
Provincial Ambient Air Quality for PM2.5
Comments on Ministry Intentions Paper
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March 22, 2007
When It Comes to Climate Change,
BC Should Recognize That Emissions Standards
Are Better Set Nationally
Vancouver Sun Article by Jock Finlayson
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August 2006
BC Business Groups Call For Reform of the Federal Fisheries Act
Several of British Columbia's leading business associations have released a Joint Industry Position Paper calling for the modernization and streamlining of the federal Fisheries Act and significant changes in the regulatory and approval processes that flow from it.
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Aboriginal
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July 27, 2007
Business Council Applauds Historical Treaty Vote
The Business Council of British Columbia congratulates the Tsawwassen First Nation for ratifying the first modern day treaty negotiated under the British Columbia treaty process.
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January 19, 2007
First Nations Consultation and Accommodation:
A Business Perspective
Submission to The New Relationship Management Committee.
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October 29, 2006
Final Agreement Initialling Creates Economic Certainty
The Business Council of British Columbia applauds the provincial and federal governments and the Lheidli T'enneh Band for initialling the first Final Agreement under the BC Treaty process...
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May 2004
British Columbia Treaty Process: A Road Map For Further Progress
Business Council of British Columbia recommendations for BC Treaty Process.
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Other
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August 4, 2010
Ineffective Planning in Metro Vancouver
Article by Jock Finlayson appearing in the August 2010 edition of BC Business.
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October 21, 2008
It was a sell out event!
On October 17th, hundreds of business and community leaders attended the Business Council of British Columbia's one-day conference Investing Today for Tomorrow: Corporate Responsibility in British Columbia. Former President Bill Clinton and Frank Giustra were the keynote luncheon speakers. Click below for the transcript of their luncheon discussion with Business Council President Virginia Greene and other media reports:
Transcripts/Video/Media Coverage
Also available:
Report on Corporate Responsibility in British Columbia: A Business Council of BC Member Survey
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November 3, 2008
Business Council Highlights Key Business Issues of the Upcoming Municipal Election
With province-wide municipal elections coming up on November 15, 2008, the Business Council of BC (BCBC) is calling on British Columbians to make their voices heard on key issues such as property taxation, models of municipal financing, local government approaches to regulation, and the need for greater cooperation among municipalities in organizing and providing services...
News Release
Full Report
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Print Version