We’re pleased to invite you to the NEXTGen Economic Briefing with David Williams, Vice President of Policy, ahead of the release of our B.C. Economic Review and Outlook. 2025 brought major policy changes and uncertainty for businesses across the province. David will break down what happened, what it means for B.C.’s economy, and what to expect in 2026. The session will wrap up with time for questions and discussion.

NEXTGen members are invited to stay following the discussion to enjoy our Winter Social.

We’re pleased to invite you to a virtual, members-only economic briefing with David Williams, Vice President of Policy, ahead of the release of our B.C. Economic Review and Outlook.

2025 brought major policy changes and uncertainty for businesses across the province. David will break down what happened, what it means for B.C.’s economy, and what to expect in 2026. The session will wrap up with time for questions and discussion.

Please contact jayne.evanoff@bcbc.com to register.

In partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart, Deloitte, and the St. Paul’s Foundation, the Business Council of British Columbia invites you to attend our upcoming Productivity in Focus session exploring how innovation and efficiency can deliver better patient outcomes in healthcare delivery.

As part of BCBC's Project Productivity initiative, this event will convene business leaders, policymakers, and healthcare innovators to discuss how technology, data, and new delivery models can improve outcomes and make smarter use of resources in one of B.C.’s most vital sectors.

Across the country, Shoppers Drug Mart’s Pharmacy Care Clinics have shown how reimagining primary care by using new settings and technologies can reduce pressure on the system while improving access for patients. We are thrilled to feature a keynote address by David Markwell, Interim President of Shoppers Drug Mart, followed by a panel discussion with key experts from across the healthcare ecosystem.

The event is complimentary for BCBC members and ticketed for non-members. We hope you can join us for this exciting conversation.

Registration is now closed. Please contact jayne.evanoff@bcbc.com for more information.

We invite you to join a roundtable with Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and Conservative Critic for Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation. A business leader and entrepreneur with deep experience in governance and public policy, Gavin will share his perspective on renewing and rebuilding B.C.’s economic potential.

The Business Council of British Columbia is excited to partner once again with the Province of B.C., B.C. Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, and the B.C. Federation of Labour to host a welcome reception for BCBC Members and delegates attending the B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders' Gathering on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM.

We'd like to invite you, or another senior representative from your organization, to join us for an evening focused on relationship building and reconciliation. You'll have the opportunity to connect with B.C. Cabinet Ministers, government officials, Chiefs and their guests from over 200 Indigenous communities across the province, as well as business and labour leaders.

Please note: Each BCBC member organization may bring up to two guests at no cost.

Registration: Email info@bcbc.com

Sponsorship for this event closes soon! Reach out to sydney.juzenas@bcbc.com if you're interested in partnering with us.

Please join us for a roundtable with Sharon Singh, Partner, Environment and Robin Junger, Counsel, Indigenous Law from McMillan LLP on September 24th to discuss the British Columbia Supreme Court long-awaited decision in Cowichan Tribes v. Canada (Attorney General), 2025 BCSC 1490, the longest trial in Canadian history and one of the most significant Aboriginal law rulings to date.

In partnership with Resource Works, Jerome Gessaroli, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and lead of the Sound Economic Policy Project at BCIT, will join us for a roundtable to present Reigniting Growth: Confronting Canada's Economic Drift.

Join us for an in-depth analysis of British Columbia's economic landscape, featuring insights on current trends, key challenges, and opportunities shaping the province’s growth. 

Members, please email us at info@bcbc.com to register.

Join leading voices and leaders for a powerful half-day event hosted at Deloitte Summit to discuss key issues holding back Canada’s long-term prosperity and productivity. Presented by the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy in collaboration with the Business Council of British Columbia, this session will include a panel and case studies presented by business and policy leaders to address issues with Canada’s seaports, railways, highways, energy pipelines, electricity transmission lines and other critical infrastructure.

About the Partners

Canada’s Productivity Initiative is a year-long undertaking by the School of Public Policy that explores multiple aspects of lagging productivity and economic growth in Canada and will provide practical recommendations to policymakers across the country. 

Building on successful events in Calgary, Ottawa and Halifax, the Vancouver session ensures British Columbian voices are heard in this vital national discussion. Future sessions will take place in, Montreal, Saskatoon, and Toronto and all will inform the recommendations report to be published by the end of 2025. 

Members, please email us at info@bcbc.com to register.

Non-members registration link: https://productivity-initiative.eventbrite.ca

Event Agenda

1:00 p.m. Event Registration 

1:15 p.m. Welcome Remarks 

Martha Hall Findlay, Director and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary

Laura Jones, President & CEO, Business Council of British Columbia 

1:25 p.m. Canada’s Productivity Overview

Trevor Tombe, Professor and Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary 

1:35 p.m. Keynote: TMX and the Power of Trade-Enabling Infrastructure

Ian Anderson, former CEO, Trans Mountain 

2:05 pm. Networking Break

2:15 pm. Government Reflections

The Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit, Government of British Columbia

2:30 p.m. Power Panel: Frontline Perspectives on Canada’s Infrastructure and Q&A

Moderator

Andrew Pau, Partner, National Public Sector Transportation Leader, Deloitte 

Speakers

Peter Xotta, President & CEO, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO, Vancouver International Airport

David Earle, President & CEO, BC Trucking Association

Rob Booker, CEO, Trigon Pacific Terminals Ltd.

Deanne Carson, VP Corporate Communications, Government and External Affairs, Trans Mountain Corporation

3:50 p.m. Presentation of Policy Solutions/Closing Remarks

Martha Hall Findlay, Director and James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary

Laura Jones, President & CEO, Business Council of British Columbia 

4:00 p.m. Networking Reception

Join us for a members-only roundtable discussion with The Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, on British Columbia's energy future and climate action initiatives. 

Members, please email us at info@bcbc.com to register.

Join us for a discussion with Brenda Locke, Mayor of Surrey, on the city’s economic priorities, infrastructure plans, and the challenges and opportunities facing one of B.C.’s fastest-growing urban centres. This members-only roundtable is a chance to engage with Mayor Locke on issues that matter to the business community, followed by a moderated Q&A.

Members, please email us at info@bcbc.com to register.

See our highlight video from last year’s event

BCBC is please to host the Honourable Brenda Bailey, B.C.’s Minister of Finance.

Minister Bailey was appointed Minister of Finance in November 2024, following her tenure as Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. With a strong background in the tech sector and business leadership, Minister Bailey brings valuable insight into the government’s fiscal priorities and economic strategy.

This roundtable will provide a unique opportunity for a candid conversation about B.C.’s financial outlook, the 2025 budget, and the government’s approach to supporting economic growth.

Join us for the Business Council of British Columbia’s 59th Annual General Meeting, where we will convene our members to reflect on the past year’s achievements and discuss the opportunities ahead.

This year, we are pleased to welcome Greg Lyle, President and Founder of Innovative Research Group, as our featured speaker. A leading expert in public opinion research and political analysis, Greg will provide timely insights into the current political and economic landscape, including what’s ahead for Canada as we reflect on the results of the next federal election.

The AGM is an opportunity to connect with senior business leaders, engage in meaningful discussions, and gain valuable perspectives on the key issues shaping B.C.’s economic future.

BCBC is pleased to host the Honourable Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.

This session will be an opportunity for an open and candid discussion with Minister Gibson about B.C.’s economic development priorities and her mandate.

Minister Gibson was appointed to cabinet in November 2024 and brings a unique perspective as an award-winning community leader, entrepreneur, and former Executive Director of the Greater Victoria Community Social Planning Council. She is also a co-founder of several businesses, including Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned consulting firm.

This intimate gathering offers senior business leaders a unique opportunity to engage directly with the Mayor on key issues shaping the future of Vancouver. Don’t miss this chance to discuss priorities, share insights, and explore collaborative opportunities to drive the city’s economic and social prosperity.

Deputy Minister Jennings brings a wealth of experience in economic development, innovation policy, and public sector leadership. Having recently taken on his role in November 2024, he will share insights on Canada-US relations, Canada’s innovation agenda, and opportunities for collaboration between government and industry.

This roundtable will provide a unique opportunity for an open and candid discussion on key issues shaping Canada’s economic future. We hope you will be able to join us for this important conversation

This session will provide a unique opportunity to engage directly with senior Treasury Board leadership on key fiscal and policy priorities, government spending, and regulatory matters impacting businesses. It will be an interactive discussion, offering valuable insights and the chance to share your perspectives.

Join us on January 27 for an executive roundtable in partnership with Global Public Affairs featuring Dr. Christopher Sands, Director of the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute and author of Canada and the United States: Differences That Count.

As both the U.S. and Canada prepare for new leadership, and with challenges like the continued tariff threats looming, Dr. Sands will explore how this partnership has weathered political storms in the past and offer insights into what to expect in the year ahead.

The Business Council of British Columbia is pleased to once again join with the Province of B.C., B.C. Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit, Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, and the B.C. Federation of Labour, to co-host a welcome reception for BCBC Members and delegates attending the B.C. Cabinet and First Nations Leaders' Gathering.

Join us on Tuesday, December 3rd, for an exclusive, members-only webinar with BCBC’s Chief Economist, Ken Peacock, and VP of Policy, David Williams on the B.C. Economic Review and Outlook report before it is released to the public.

In this interactive session, Ken and David will offer an in-depth analysis of British Columbia’s economic landscape, highlighting key trends, emerging challenges, and upcoming opportunities for growth. They’ll answer your questions and provide guidance to help business leaders navigate the evolving financial climate and make strategic decisions in the months ahead.

Join us on Friday, November 29th for a roundtable with the UK’s Minister of State for Business and Trade, Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP. This marks the first visit to B.C. from a minister in Keir Starmer's newly elected UK Labour government.

We’ll explore the UK’s “Invest 2035” strategy, designed to drive growth in key sectors such as creative industries, financial services, and life sciences.

With shared challenges like productivity, shifting geopolitics, and emerging technologies, this is a chance to explore opportunities for collaboration between B.C. and the UK.

The security landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with issue-oriented activism targeting a wider range of businesses, from educational institutions to energy companies. The Business Council of British Columbia is proud to present an insightful roundtable discussion titled “Emerging Trends in Activism and What They Mean for Business Security.” This event will delve into the emerging trends and challenges facing various sectors across the province. Featured speakers include a presentation from Scott Raesler and Amelia Dangerfield from 3Si, followed by a panel discussion with Paul Dangerfield, Capilano University and Ian Anderson, formerly of Trans Mountain, on their experiences in this arena.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of critical themes such as:

• Security and Asset Protection: Understand the latest strategies to safeguard your business assets against a range of potential threats.

• Reputation Management: Learn how to effectively manage and mitigate reputational risks in an era of heightened scrutiny.

• Combatting Disinformation: Gain insights into combating misinformation and its impact on your organization’s credibility.

• Executive Protection: Discover best practices for ensuring the safety and security of senior executives in today’s dynamic environment.

Managing mental health in the workplace can be challenging, but it's essential for creating a supportive environment. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on how to navigate common concerns around mental health, including how to balance performance management with sensitivity to employee well-being. We’ll explore real-life scenarios like managing anxiety-triggering meetings, understanding new terms like "time blindness," and addressing psychological safety concerns. Along with legal insights into BC’s human rights and occupational health and safety laws, we'll provide practical tools for fostering a compassionate workplace that respects mental health accommodations.

Join us for an engaging roundtable with The Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Member of Parliament for South Surrey—White Rock and British Columbia’s representative on the Conservative Leadership Team. As the first woman appointed Chief Opposition Whip in the modern Conservative Party's history, Minister Findlay brings a wealth of experience from her distinguished career in both public service and law. This discussion will provide an opportunity to explore her insights on leadership, public policy, and her vision for British Columbia and Canada’s future.

BCBC is excited to be hosting a post-election research presentation with Navigator, who will be presenting new insights from their research conducted in key areas across B.C. following the election. This will be a unique opportunity to get a first look at voter sentiment and understand the election's key takeaways before anyone else.

We are excited to invite you to the NEXT Leaders Economic Update and Outlook, featuring Ken Peacock and David Williams from the Business Council of British Columbia. This annual event is designed for you to gain key insights into the economic landscape and future trends shaping our region. With the provincial election behind us, we’ll also explore the implications of the winning party’s economic platform and its potential impact on businesses and future growth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to:

• Learn about economic trends and the election’s impact on B.C.

• Get expert perspectives on growth, risks, and opportunities.

• Engage in a discussion about the new government’s economic policies.

• Network with fellow emerging leaders and peers.