Economy
As trusted economists and policy advisors to business and government leaders, the Council relies on sound, evidence-based analysis to inform its policy recommendations. Through diligent tracking of B.C.’s economic performance, we help identify the opportunities and challenges the province must navigate in order to reach its full potential.
Energy & Infrastructure
Natural resources are, and will continue to be, a crucial component of the economic well-being of British Columbians. To advance B.C.'s prosperity, we must responsibly develop new forms of energy resources and build the necessary infrastructure to connect them with global markets. The Council’s work supports the efforts of businesses and governments to develop resource projects, energy systems and transportation networks in a way that minimizes the environmental impacts and maximizes economic benefits for communities and B.C.’s job creators.
Environment
One of the greatest challenges facing government and business leaders today is ensuring that our economic development is environmentally sustainable. There is a strong demand for public policies on a host of issues, such as water use, air quality, carbon emissions, environmental assessments, bio-diversity and at-risk species. The Council is committed to providing decision makers with responsible, evidence-based advice on how to promote economic development that meets the needs of environmental stewardship.
Federal Government
Canada’s federal government is responsible for many policies that matter for B.C.’s business community, including taxation, immigration, innovation programs and employment insurance. The Council provides regular recommendations to the federal government to ensure that the nation’s top decision makers consider B.C.’s unique economic priorities.
Fiscal & Tax Policy
As a small, open trading region, B.C. depends on investment and trade to support ongoing economic development and public services. A competitive tax regime and balanced government finances are key advantages in attracting investments to B.C. The Council plays an important role in analyzing B.C.’s fiscal policies relative to other jurisdictions and advocating for reforms that boost our competitiveness.
Indigenous
The responsibility to consult with First Nations is an important part of doing business in B.C. The Council is committed to working with businesses, governments and First Nations to bring greater clarity to the consultation processes on the land base, improve the capacity and understanding of partners to reach productive agreements and to enhance the shared economic opportunities for Aboriginal and non Aboriginal communities with B.C. businesses.
Labour and Employment Policy
B.C.’s changing demographics and shifting employment opportunities present key challenges for employers, such as how to find enough skilled workers, how to adjust to a more diverse and aging workforce and how to comply with workplace regulations. The Council encourages rigorous analysis and proactive policies to address labour issues in advance of marketplace challenges. The Council also promotes effective relationships between employers and employees by providing information to its members on important labour issues and advising government on policies that affect the workplace.
Local Government
The Council has become more engaged in local government matters as a response to the growing role of regions and municipalities in economic development. The Council’s work addresses a number of local issues that affect the B.C. business community, including property taxation, regional land-use planning, infrastructure matters, local fiscal accountability and cross-regional co-operation.
Provincial Government
B.C.’s provincial government has a key role to play in shaping the province’s economy. Taxation, access to natural resources, transportation, education and skills development, environmental regulation, labour rules and many other social programs all fall under the provincial government’s jurisdiction. The Council conducts research and analysis on all these topics and regularly contributes to public-policy development at the provincial level.
Skills, Training & Education
Human capital is one of the most comprehensive files on the Council’s agenda. Primary education, industry training, the university system, immigrant integration and other human-capital issues are all crucial to B.C.’s economic development. As B.C.’s economy becomes increasingly dominated by skill-demanding industries, governments and businesses have a growing responsibility to help enhance the talents of British Columbians.
Trade, Productivity & Innovation
B.C.’s ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world economy will depend on how well we can find new ways of doing business, adopt new ideas and practices, and connect with new trading partners. The Council encourages public policies that support research and innovation, business practices that increase productivity, connections that open new trading opportunities, and processes to commercialize B.C.’s best research.
