Principles and Core Policy Positions
The Business Council of B.C. is non-partisan and seeks public policy and economic outcomes that help to realize the full potential of the province, the country and its citizens. Our mission is to produce timely and exceptional public policy research and advice on issues relevant to B.C.’s and Canada’s competitiveness and prosperity.
- We are committed to convening the right people and organizations, inclusive of governments and Indigenous peoples, to address opportunities and challenges.
- We believe we are most effective when focusing on policy, not politics. BCBC’s reputation for quality, integrity and non-partisanship is its chief asset.
- Our members work closely with policy experts, elected officials and government decision-makers to tackle problems and develop solutions to effect positive change on public policy issues that support economic growth and foster opportunity for all British Columbians.
Download our detailed Values here.
History
The Business Council of British Columbia was formed in 1966 as the Commercial and Industrial Research Foundation with a mission to advance B.C.’s economic development and improve relations with communities and governments. The group changed its name to the Business Council in 1984 and began working on a broader range of issues, including environmental matters, energy, First Nations, technology and innovation.
The Business Council has grown from 43 member companies in its first year to about 220 today. The Business Council’s membership consists of B.C.’s top employers, including companies from all of B.C.’s major economic sectors. Collectively, they are responsible for roughly a quarter of all jobs in B.C. The Business Council has been a tireless advocate for competitive taxes, effective regulations, fiscally responsible government budgets and a well functioning set of government programs delivering education, health care and other services to citizens. Several landmark projects – including the 1998 and 2000/01 Business Summits; the Outlook 2020 series in the late 2000s and the Council’s B.C. Agenda for Shared Prosperity – demonstrate the Business Council’s ability to act as an effective and innovative voice for the business community in promoting a competitive economy that generates prosperity for all British Columbians.
Annual Reports
Download our latest Annual Reports: