Annual Report - Business Council of British Columbia

Transcription

Annual Report
Where Leaders Meet to
Unlock BC’s Full Potential
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR �� 1
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT �� 3
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW: POLICY AND ADVOCACY�� 7
POLICY PUBLICATIONS �� 14
ADVISORY GROUPS AND COMMITTEES�� 15
EVENTS�� 16
ANNUAL SPONSORS�� 17
MEMBERS �� 18
NEW MEMBERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2014 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE�� 24
2014 BOARD OF GOVERNORS�� 25
COUNCIL STAFF�� 28
Business Council of British Columbia 2014 ANNUAL REPORT
BUSINESS COUNCIL OF BRITISH COLUMBIA:
WHERE LEADERS MEET TO UNLOCK BRITISH COLUMBIA’S FULL POTENTIAL
2014 BC Business Summit opening keynote speakers the Honourable Jean Charest, former Premier
of Quebec (right) and Leo de Bever, retired CEO of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation
(centre) were joined by Globe and Mail Columnist Gary Mason (left) for a panel discussion.
OUR MISSION
Policy: We are the preeminent source for exceptional economic and public policy
development that creates the environment for investment, growth and a competitive
economy
Leadership: We are the non-partisan catalyst that convenes our members and all
government decision makers to collaboratively address problems and develop and
implement policy solutions that grow the economy sustainably
Advocates: With informed positions and the credibility of our membership, we
are proactive and persistent advocates on the need for a competitive, growing and
vibrant economy that attracts investment to meet our full potential
Membership: We are funded and informed by an engaged membership of leading
companies in every key sector of the economy that are committed to growing the
province
Business Council of British Columbia
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
On a daily basis,
the team of
sought after
policy and
economic experts
at the Council
produce timely
and exceptional
public-policy research and commentary on the
issues that will enhance BC’s competitiveness
and prosperity.
The Council has also become the convening place
that is the catalyst for the right people to meet
at the right time. This work positions the Council
to be a vehicle for members, policy experts,
elected officials and government decision
makers to address problems and form solutions
together in a collaborative, non-partisan manner
to the benefit of our economy and the business
communities we serve.
Over 2014, examples of the Council’s leadership
and collaborative approach to educate
stakeholders and provide solutions that will
enhance our economy include initiatives such as
HQ Vancouver, BC Connects, Resource Works,
Building BC for the 21st Century: A White
Paper on Infrastructure Policy and Financing,
assisting and convening the creation of a more
stable and efficient port trucking environment,
supporting education and economic literacy
in our classrooms, the BC Business Summit
and our work with the Aboriginal Business and
Investment Council which was highlighted in The
Vancouver Sun.
Business Council of British Columbia British Columbia’s economy is diversifying, and
so are the challenges being addressed by the
Business Council.
As I enter my second year as Chair, it becomes
apparent that as the economy continues
to innovate in new and exciting ways, the
Council must continue to provide leadership
in addressing the public policy implications
and competitiveness challenges these new
opportunities will present.
As members of the Business Council, each of you
and your organizations continue to play a vital
role in supporting and directing this work, which
contributes to a vibrant, diverse and sustainable
economy. Your insights into the priorities and
challenges your enterprises face as you look
at ways to grow your investments in British
Columbia are an essential component of your
membership in the Council. If you are looking at
new ways to engage, I would encourage you to
attend a Roundtable, participate on a committee
or offer your comments and expertise to be used
in their policy publications or commentaries.
Not only will your continued participation enrich
the work of the Council, but it will enhance the
overall value of your membership as you engage
with your peers among the province’s senior
business leadership to tackle, in a collaborative
manner, these complex public policy matters.
Next year, the Business Council will celebrate
our 50th year as the preeminent business
organization in the province advocating for public
policy that supports the conditions to attract
investment, and ultimately create economic
prosperity for British Columbians.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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This presents an opportunity for the Council to
lead a conversation with you, our members and
with the general public that will shape the future
of our economy. This work will reflect on our
collective strengths and competitive advantages
while carving a path towards the public policy
priorities important to the province’s long term
social and economic prosperity.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation
to our Executive Committee members and
our Board of Governors for their ongoing
commitment of time, ideas and resources to the
Business Council.
Your support is essential to the Council’s ability
to make a positive contribution to the business
and economic climate in our province.
I look forward to continuing to work with all of
you as we enter into the Business Council of
British Columbia’s 50th Anniversary year.
Thank you,
Jonathan Whitworth
Chair
Participants on the 2014 BC Connects Tour to Dawson Creek visit an Encana natural gas fracking site
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2014 ANNUAL REPORT
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
DIVERSITY-CHALLENGEOPPORTUNITY-URGENCY
British
Columbia
by
any measure is
a
diverse jurisdiction that
offers advantages and
complexities that we must
comprehend and act on with greater urgency and
clarity if our economy and business community
are to achieve their true potential.
While the province’s economy is built around the
natural resource and energy sectors, it continues
to expand and diversify through other sectors
including transportation, tourism, Agri-food,
manufacturing, technology, life sciences, apparel
design, education, professional and financial
services, construction and retail.
Continuing to diversify, innovate, facilitate trade
and attract capital and talent while ensuring a
locally educated and productive labour force
are keys to British Columbia’s future. These
necessities come in the face of significant
demographic shifts, currency weakness,
energy market disruption, changing values and
diminished confidence among our citizens in our
processes, transparency and institutions.
Against this backdrop, BC businesses and First
Nations are collaborating with the result being
economic reconciliation and greater inclusion in
the economy. However, this work is complex and
at times frustrating for all parties while taking
place in the face of global competition for capital.
Despite this progress there remains an urgent
and significant need for more capacity, clarity
and financial investment from our governments.
Business Council of British Columbia This leadership in fulfilling the Crown’s fiduciary
obligations to First Nations, as directed by the
courts, is required for our collective goal of better
understanding, reconciliation and greater clarity
and certainty on the land.
Within this complex and rapidly changing
environment we will continue to advocate
for the need to increase British Columbia’s
competitiveness and economic prosperity
through effective public policy.
How we
collectively manage the diverse set of
opportunities and perspectives before British
Columbia continues to be a significant focus of
our work at the Business Council.
OUR WORK
British Columbia’s diversity is reflected in the
range of issues we are engaged in on behalf of
our membership. As noted in this Annual Report,
we continue to drive informed policy advocacy
and research in a myriad of areas that support
a more competitive and growing economy and
prosperous society.
As a policy group, our research and advocacy
generated over 55 articles and papers on issues
that matter to BC and Canada’s prosperity and
business climate. This was supported by our blog
and social media activity to better leverage our
ideas and provide a broad common fact base
that resulted in hundreds of related print, radio
and TV stories. Combined, this communications
work sparked and informed debate, advancing
solutions on issues from water policy, to
the growth in Aboriginal business, to trade
agreements, charitable giving, tourism, Asia,
tax policy, housing, education, demographics,
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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technology,
immigration.
cross-border
shopping
and
•
HQ Vancouver, launched in February 2015,
is a private-public partnership between the
Business Council, the Provincial Government
and the Government of Canada. The initiative
seeks to leverage Canada’s and British
Columbia’s strategic location and assets as
the gateway to NAFTA and the Americas for
rapidly expanding Asian and South Asian
corporations seeking to establish their North
American head offices in the Americas.
Building on our strengths and broad Asian
centric population, Vancouver and BC have
the potential, in select industries, to build
sector clusters that increase wages, support
IP and SME development and enhance trade
and capital flows.
•
The Business Caucus is comprised of over
30 senior business associations from across
the economy. The Business Council initiated
and provides the secretariat services for this
leadership group that meets monthly. The
goals are to better coordinate and leverage
the voice of business; to understand common
interests and collaboratively advance policy
and issues; and to be an advocate for greater
economic and financial literacy particularly
As a convening centre for collaboration that
helps to enable economic literacy and support
economic growth, the Business Council has also
launched several initiatives that are of strategic
importance to the province’s economy:
•
•
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Resource Works, launched in April 2014,
brings British Columbians together for
a respectful, fact-based dialogue on
responsible resource development in the
province and the connected nature of our
urban and rural economies. As an initiative
spurred out of the BC Agenda for Shared
Prosperity (BCASP) project, Resource Works
seeks to highlight how natural resources
contribute to achieving the common
economic and social prosperity goals British
Columbians share. In one short year the
organization has gained national acclaim
as a respected and leading instigator of
information, dialogue and awareness
building among the broad population and
thought leaders alike.
BC Connects is another initiative born out
of the BCASP project aimed at increasing
economic literacy and awareness of
the economic activity taking place in
communities around British Columbia. The
initiative toured over 100 community and
thought leaders through Kitimat, Dawson
Creek and around Port Metro Vancouver
providing them with firsthand exposure to
some of our most important sectors, their
operations and their employees.
Chair of the NEXT Leaders Council, Kim Logan,
co-emcees the BC Business Summit 2014
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
through organizations that can impact the
K-12 system. This year the group successfully
supported the renewed funding of Junior
Achievement. This spring we will conclude an
education declaration supporting the need
for greater collaboration of business and the
education system with the goal of producing
students that have a comprehensive
understanding of the economy, sector
operations and practices, entrepreneurship,
and career options and associated skills and
education requirements.
Lastly, the BCBC calendar of events continues
to deliver a diverse set of speakers in both
large settings and intimate formats to provoke
ideas and opportunities. These events included
political leaders both past and present including
Premier Christy Clark, Minister James Moore and
the Honourable Jean Charest, economists and
financial experts such as Don Drummond and
Mark Wiseman and local and national business
leaders.
These platforms provide an opportunity for
our members to engage in a diverse set of
strategically significant conversations that impact
their business and the province’s social and
economic prosperity.
Our Membership and Our 50th Anniversary
The Business Council membership is growing and
is the largest it has ever been, with a diverse set
of committed members operating in every part
of the province and our economy. Your continued
support and participation provides the Council
with the strength and foundation with which
we continue to provide sound and relevant
policy recommendations that will advance a
competitive economy.
From our original 30 members to today’s 261
we are excited to be preparing for our 50th year
in 2016. As we anticipate this milestone the
Business Council will be engaging our members
to inform the question …
What constitutes BC’s full potential in 2035 and
what will be required to realize that future?
Just as the golden spike signified our connection
to Canada, opened trade and capital flows,
introduced new technology and attracted
immigrants and talent required to drive the
economy, what fundamentals need to be present
over the next 20 years to enable this same
opportunity for tomorrow’s prosperity?
How should we, as business, better collaborate
and utilize our diverse natural, cultural and
intellectual assets, while leveraging and reacting
to new technology? How will we reconcile values
and economic opportunity today and for the
next generation? What will British Columbia’s
contribution be to the federation?
In the coming 18 months - with our members,
with government, First Nations and others - BCBC
will be asking big questions and advancing new
ideas and policies which need to be considered
to achieve a prosperous future for business and
the people of BC.
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We look forward to your input into this discussion
that will help to shape the future work of the
Business Council and contribute to British
Columbia’s economic prosperity.
On behalf of the team at the Council, we would
like to thank our Chair, Jonathan Whitworth
for his time, leadership and dedication to the
Council. We would also like to express our thanks
and appreciation to our Executive Committee
members and our Board of Governors for their
continued guidance and contributions to the
Council.
I would also like to thank the team at the Business
Council who each day commit themselves to
identifying solutions and opportunities that
will drive economic prosperity for all British
Columbians. This committed group of talented
colleagues, through their ongoing dedication and
leadership, drives the success of our organization.
Herb Eibensteiner, Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer and Tiffany Gorder,
Administrative Assistant.
British Columbia is a beautiful and diverse
province poised to leverage future opportunities.
With the support of the Business Council
membership and through focus and collaboration,
we can harness our diverse collection of assets to
build a globally competitive province which will
continue to provide the economic prosperity that
is the foundation for all British Columbians, and
one that creates a stronger society and a more
successful country.
Thank You,
Greg D’Avignon
President and CEO
I would also like to acknowledge the important
contributions from our former colleagues, Tom
Syer, Vice President Policy and Communications,
Premier Clark takes questions at the annual sold out Member Forum with the Premier in September
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2014 ANNUAL REPORT
2014 YEAR IN REVIEW:
POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Economic and Fiscal Policy
Last year the provincial economy grew by 2.6 per
cent (after-inflation). While this can be described
as an average rate of growth, relative to many
other jurisdictions BC enjoyed solid economic
growth in 2014, coming in second among the
ten provinces. In line with the steep drop in
oil prices, the Canadian dollar began a sharp
descent over the second half of 2014 and into
early 2015, which helped to boost BC’s exports
(up by around 7% in 2014). Retail spending also
posted a healthy gain, pointing to improved
consumer confidence. Somewhat puzzling is the
soft labour market that prevailed throughout
most of last year and into 2015. Fiscal restraint
at both the federal and provincial government
levels may have been a factor, but job growth was
still weaker than expected in light of reasonably
healthy macroeconomic conditions.
The Business Council expects a broadly similar
economic performance for BC in 2015, followed
by a slightly stronger expansion in 2016. BC’s
key export-oriented sectors – forestry, energy,
mining, manufacturing, tourism, and other
tradable services – are all benefitting as the US
moves to a firmer growth path, although this is
partly offset by slower growth in China and some
other emerging economies. Non-residential
construction activity should also contribute to
overall GDP growth over the next couple of years.
In 2014 we also saw the benefits of BC’s diverse
economy. Diversity in both trading partners/
foreign markets as well as industrial structure
is something we have long maintained is an
important characteristic of BC’s increasingly
resilient economy. The province has become
Business Council of British Columbia less susceptible to the “boom/bust” cycles that
were common in the past. A strong policy focus
on the full range of economic development
opportunities available in BC – not just in
natural-resource based sectors – is particularly
appropriate at a time when global commodity
markets remain sluggish.
The Business Council addressed a number of
significant economic and fiscal policy files over
the course of 2014 and into 2015. We continued
to support the provincial government’s return to
balanced budgets following an unavoidable move
into deficits during and immediately following the
2008-2009 financial crisis. Against a backdrop
of a modestly expanding economy, BC stands
out within Canada for its careful stewardship of
public finances and top-ranked credit rating. The
provincial government is committed to running
small operating surpluses over the period
covered by its fiscal plan as recently updated in
the February 2015 budget.
Our 2015 pre-budget submission, published last
fall, noted that the Business Council remains
concerned about the province’s competitive
position. We urged the province to explore
options to mitigate the impact of returning to
the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in April 2013 - a
step that has raised investment, production
and tax compliance costs for many industries,
including many of BC’s leading export sectors.
As an initial step, we proposed broadening the
sales tax exemption on business inputs beyond
capital equipment used in the manufacturing and
resource sectors. In 2015-16, we will be exploring
longer-term options for sales tax reform in British
Columbia.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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The Business Council has generally been
comfortable with the federal government’s fiscal
strategy to eliminate the deficit by 2015, provided
the economy continues to record at least modest
growth in the vicinity of 2%. Slumping oil and gas
prices represent a major challenge for Canada,
inasmuch as energy accounted for one-quarter of
the country’s merchandise exports and for 37%
of non-residential capital spending in 2013. If the
Canadian economy weakens further, we believe
the federal government should stand ready to
deploy its unmatched fiscal resources to provide
some support to aggregate demand.
In 2014 the Business Council published a
paper titled: Building BC for the 21st Century:
A White Paper on Infrastructure Policy and
Financing. Its purpose was to examine the state
of infrastructure in the province and explore
options to strengthen future infrastructure
financing and development.
Modern and
efficient infrastructure is an essential component
of a globally competitive economy and is also
essential to maintaining a high quality of life. Our
paper contained recommendations organized
under five broad themes and emphasized that
record low interest rates make this an ideal time
to borrow to invest in upgrading and building
new infrastructure. Innovative approaches to
infrastructure development and financing was
the main theme of the Business Council’s 2014
Business Summit in November.
The Business Council’s Task Force on Innovation
and Productivity met twice in 2014 to help direct
work on the elements of a provincial strategy for
the 21st century. We expect to complete a ‘white
paper’ on innovation and productivity by the end
of 2015.
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Labour, Employment and
Human Capital
The Business Council remains engaged with labour
relations, employment policies, and human capital
issues of interest to the membership. We strive
to understand and influence government policy
and regulatory decisions as they apply to the
human resource challenges facing BC employers.
Last year, the federal government restricted the
number of temporary foreign workers permitted
to enter the country. This created difficulties
for many businesses, particularly in smaller
communities. The restrictions resulted in some
organizations turning to the Provincial Nominee
Program (PNP) as a different means to source
BCBC Chief Economist Ken Peacock speaks with
Global BC reporter to discuss infrastrucuture
policy and financing
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
non-resident workers (including many at lower
skill levels). The PNP program was primarily
intended to streamline immigration for higher
skilled individuals, and in our view this should be
the focus of the program going forward.
In 2015 the province announced a modest,
staged increase in the minimum wage, along
with a commitment to adjust the minimum wage
every September in step with the rate of inflation.
Indexing the minimum wage to track inflation is
something the Business Council has advocated
for a decade.
Our Employee Relations Committee continues
to meet every second month to discuss labour
relations and collective bargaining developments,
skills training, legal matters, WorkSafeBC policies
and decisions, immigration, and other relevant
human resource issues. These meetings usually
feature a guest speaker and also provide a forum
to review current issues. The Business Council’s
Collective Bargaining Database and website
were updated throughout 2014. This database
provides information on collective bargaining
outcomes and trends in British Columbia
and covers virtually all collective agreements
spanning the private and public sectors.
The Industrial Relations Bulletin was published
bi-monthly over the past year. Populated with
data from the Collective Bargaining Database,
this publication is the most comprehensive
source of information on collective bargaining
settlements in BC. We also continued to publish
our Human Capital Law and Policy newsletter last
year, with articles covering topical issues ranging
from developments in employment law to skill
shortages and trends in interprovincial migration.
Business Council of British Columbia Environment
A healthy environment is the foundation for a
robust modern economy. British Columbia makes
up 10% of Canada’s land mass with enormous
contrasts and variations in a topography
filled with natural assets that are a significant
advantage, if they are managed well. The
Business Council advocates for environmental
policies, laws and standards that are sciencebased and aligned with the imperative for British
Columbia to strengthen its competitiveness and
diversify markets.
Richard Dunn, Vice President of Encana,
discusses their North East BC operations with BC
Connects participants
Year-over-year the Environment Committee
continues to be the most active member
grouping within the Business Council. It is a
forum to exchange ideas, keep current on issues,
and oversee more substantive work on a number
of inter-related policy and regulatory initiatives
advanced by governments. The Committee
meets monthly except for July and August and
holds special meetings or workshops, as required,
in response to the continuously evolving nature
of issues, policy and regulation in this domain.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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To support learning and discussion, staff produce
monthly issue updates that scan and summarize
a wide range of local, regional, national and
global environment-related topics, as well as a
review of selected academic papers and think
tanks reports. Increasingly, guest speakers
participate in the Committee meetings in order
to provide first-hand updates on issues – current
and emerging.
In 2014, five issues of the Business Council’s
Environment and Energy Bulletin newsletter
were published, covering the following topics:
•
A Look at Some Environmental Indicators
•
The LNG Opportunity in BC: Separating
Rhetoric from Reality, Part 1
•
The LNG Opportunity in BC: Separating
Rhetoric from Reality, Part 2
•
Compliance and Enforcement
•
Getting a Handle on the Environmental
Goods and Services Industry
Active outreach to members, other associations,
representatives
of
environmental
nongovernmental groups, and all levels of
government continues to be an important part of
gathering insight and improving understanding;
it also assists developing positions on policy and
regulatory changes. In 2014, the first in a series of
interactive sessions with several Environmental
NGOs was held, aimed at making connections
and building greater understanding. A follow up
session is planned for 2015.
Climate change remains a significant issue for
the Business Council and many of our members.
Over the past year, the BC government continued
to work on refining its climate policies and
regulations; in early 2015, it committed to develop
a new “Climate Action Plan 2.0” and appointed
a Climate Leadership Team to provide advice on
updating the province’s greenhouse gas emission
reduction targets as well as other fiscal, policy
and regulatory measures required to assist BC in
meeting its stated goals in this area. The Business
Council will be closely involved in this effort as part
We also completed formal submissions to the
provincial government on:
•
Administrative Penalties,
•
Spill Preparedness, and,
•
Water Pricing
Staff represent Business Council interests on
government advisory committees, undertake
public speaking and presentations at external
events, and provide input on initiatives proposed
Jock Finlayson moderates a discussion with
by government.
Canadian economist Don Drummond at the April
2014 Putting BC to Work Forum
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2014 ANNUAL REPORT
of a small group of “Special Advisers” appointed
to provide input to the Climate Leadership Team.
In addition, two Business Council members are
directly represented on the Leadership Team.
Energy
Energy is the “oxygen” of both modern and
emerging economies. It is little exaggeration
to say that we have built our civilization by
harnessing energy. For British Columbia, energy
has been a dominant private and public sector
issue for generations. Our diverse and abundant
energy resources are important inputs to the
industrial and commercial sectors and are also
a significant driver of economic activity (and
exports) in their own right.
The main focus of the Business Council’s Energy
Committee in 2014 was to seek to shape the
fiscal, regulatory and environmental frameworks
governing the nascent Liquefied Natural Gas
sector in British Columbia. We facilitated and
supported the formation, last fall, of the BC
LNG Alliance, a non-profit industry association
that will act as the voice of the LNG industry.
Their mission is to “foster the growth of a
safe, environmentally responsible and globally
competitive LNG industry.”
decision to proceed with the Site C project
•
International trends in energy production,
trade and use
•
Environmental NGO engagement (jointly
with the Environment Committee)
The Energy Committee hosted dialogue sessions
in 2014 with Ministers and Deputy Ministers
responsible for energy policy development
as well as other leaders who have insight and
perspective on this ever changing landscape.
With the price of oil beginning its decline in mid2014, the topic of energy and its intersection
with the economy and environment has elevated
its profile once again.
The Energy Committee will continue to provide
a forum for presentations, dialogue and effective
energy policy advocacy on behalf of our broad
business membership.
Other items of interest addressed by the Energy
Committee in 2014 included:
•
Market access for Western Canadian
energy resources
•
Enhancing energy literacy (in collaboration
with Resource Works)
•
Electricity policy and the BC government’s
Business Council of British Columbia Energy Economist Peter Tertzakian speaks at
the 2014 Business Summit
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
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First Nations
The Aboriginal Affairs Committee continued
to work closely with the Ministry of Aboriginal
Relations and Reconciliation and other BC natural
resource Ministries on issues concerning the
delegated consultation framework. More broadly,
the Business Council remains committed to
collaborating with government and First Nations
on ways to improve the economic benefits of
new industrial activity for aboriginal people
and to facilitate resource and infrastructure
development while respecting First Nations’
interests. Last year we conducted the first-ever
Business Council member survey on the state of
Industry-First Nation relations in BC. The results
of the survey pointed to a number of positive
trends in business-First Nations engagement,
but also highlighted ongoing challenges and
issues that require sustained attention in order
to support new investment and job creation in
land-based industry sectors. The survey is being
conducted again in 2015.
An important development on the legal front in
2014 was the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision
in the William case, involving a number of BC First
Nations that had made claims of aboriginal title
in the Cariboo. In a landmark ruling, the Court
affirmed the existence of aboriginal title over a
small portion of the traditional territories of the
First Nations plaintiffs and outlined the tests that
must be met in connection with the pursuit of
title claims by other aboriginal groups.
We remain involved with the Aboriginal
Investment Business Council (ABIC), which has
a mandate to support and stimulate investment
and economic development in First Nations
communities through activities in areas such
as regional engagement, capacity building, and
the promotion of successful investment models
between Aboriginals and the private sector.
Haisla Nation Chief
Counselor Ellis Ross
thanks Premier Christy
Clark for her remarks
at the 2014 BC
Business Summit
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2014 ANNUAL REPORT
P O L I C Y A N D A D V O C A C Y:
PRIORITIES FOR 2015
In 2015, the policy team will complete the
Business Council “white paper” on innovation
and productivity in British Columbia; advance
our thinking around business tax policy and
tax reform options in the provincial context;
undertake additional work on labour market
trends and the nature and extent of skill and talent
shortfalls in BC; take a closer look at electricity
policy, including the implications of rising power
costs and the possible need for an updated tenyear electricity plan; offer input to the review
of the Canada Transportation Act launched by
the federal government last year; continue to
provide support for Canada’s participation in the
Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations involving
the US, Japan and other Pacific Rim nations; and
do further work on First Nations engagement
and economic development and provincial policy
and regulatory requirements touching on First
Nations. We will also be active on a number of
environmental files in the coming months, notably
the provincial government’s Climate Policy 2.0
process; the finalization of regulations under
the Water Sustainability Act; policy and practice
in respect of cumulative impact assessment;
and the work that is currently underway in the
province and nationally to develop updated air
quality standards. More broadly, we will continue
to advocate for regulatory reform and enhanced
efficiency in provincial Ministries and agencies
responsible for all aspects of natural resource
and infrastructure development.
2014 Chair’s Dinner Guest Speaker and author Kishore Mahbubani speaks with Jas Johal on the
reemergence of the Asian economies and what it means for Canada
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P O L I C Y P U B L I C AT I O N S
BCBC produces a variety of publications to inform public dialgue and to provide our members with
insights into current public policy and economic issues impacting their business in British Columbia.
PUBLICATIONS
• BC Economy and Job
Market to Gain Momentum
over 2014-2015 (BC
Economic Review and
Outlook - January)
• Jobs, Income and PostSecondary Education
(Human Capital Law and
Policy - January)
• Federal Budget 2014:
Following through - No
Suprises Federal Budget
Moves to Surplus (Business
Alert - February)
• BC Budget 2014: Balanced
and Uneventful (Business
Alert - February)
• A Look at Some
Environmental Indicators
(Environment and Energy
Bulletin - March)
• BC’s High Technology
Exports: A Solid Base
to Grow From (Policy
Perspectives - March)
• Should we “Green”
Gross Domestic Product?
Bulletin - April)
• Alberta’s Demand for
Workers is Affecting the
Labour Market in BC
(Human Capital Law and
Policy - May)
• A Note on Business Tax
Competitiveness in BC
(Policy Perspectives - June)
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The LNG Opportunity in
BC: Separating Rhetoric
from Reality Part I & II
Bulletin - June, July)
Waiting for Better Days
(BC Economic Review and
Outlook - July)
Debate Over the Minimum
Wage Heats Up (Human
Capital Law and Policy July)
BC’s Tourism Industry:
Positioned for Growth
(Policy Perspectives August)
Compliance and
Enforcement (Environment
and Energy Bulletin September)
Pre-Budget Submission
to the Province’s Select
Standing Committee on
Finance (October)
‘Talentism,’ Mobility and
Migration: Implications for
BC’s Labour Market (Human
Capital Law and Policy October)
The Underground Economy
(Policy Perspectives October)
Getting a Handle on the
Environmental Goods
and Services Industry
Bulletin - December)
•
•
•
Critical Success Factors and
Talent Risks for BC (Human
Capital Law and Policy December)
An Updated Look at BC’s
Inventory of Major Capital
Projects (Policy Perspectives
- December)
The members only
Industrial Relations Bulletin
was produced 6 times in
2014
SPECIAL REPORTS
• Mustel Group Poll: City of
Vancouver Residents’ Views
of Port and Exports (March)
• The State of Industry First Nations Relations
in BC Part I and Part
II - Recommendations
(September, October)
• Building BC for the 21st
Century: A White Paper on
Infrastructure Policy and
Financing
• Second Annual BCBC Study
by MNP on Corporate
Community Contributions
(December)
BLOGS AND MEDIA
In 2014, the leadership and
policy team published over
50 blogs, appeared in over 90
media articles and issued over
30 opinion pieces and news
releases. Visit www.bcbc.com
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
ADVISORY GROUPS AND
COMMITTEES
ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
The Committee oversees the Business Council’s work on aboriginal policy issues and meets regularly
with senior government officials (federal and provincial) responsible for aboriginal affairs to advance
certainty, transparency and processes that provide clarity of expectations for all parties with regard to
consultation, strength of claim, capacity building and commercial agreements.
ENERGY COMMITTEE
The Energy Committee leads the Business Council’s work on energy issues, including electricity policy
and the development of the upstream oil and gas industry in the province. We are also working with
LNG proponents to advance the opportunity to develop an LNG industry in British Columbia.
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
This Committee guides the Business Council’s work across a wide range of environmental policy and
regulatory issues, including all aspects of climate change policy, environmental assessment, facility
permitting, contaminated sites, the management of air quality, hazardous waste issues, the
development of provincial water sustainability legislation, the federal Species at Risk Act, and
associated regulations and the Fisheries Act. It also provides a regular forum for Business Council
members to meet with Ministers and senior officials and to exchange views and information on
environmental matters of interest to industry.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS COMMITTEE
The Committee meets bi-monthly to discuss issues pertinent to the human capital needs of our member
organizations. Issues include skills shortages, demographic changes, productivity concerns, health and
safety, benefits, pensions, immigration, training and learning, collective bargaining/negotiations, and
legislative and regulatory developments.
TASK FORCE ON INNOVATION AND PRODUCTIVITY
The Task Force on Innovation and Productivity oversees, updates and helps to shape the Business
Council’s policy positions with respect to innovation and productivity issues in the British Columbia
context.
Members interested in participating on the Business Council’s committees or advisory groups should
contact Vicki Champ (vicki.champ@bcbc.com)
15
EVENTS
The Business Council holds a number of roundtable meetings, member forums, conferences, and
other events which allow our members to keep informed about current developments, and stay
connected with business leaders and government.
2014 Senior Executive Roundtables
•
Dr. Penny Ballam, Vancouver City Manager
•
Hon. Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation
and Infrastructure
•
•
•
Relations and Reconciliation
•
International Trade
•
Hon. Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines
Jacynthe Côté, Chief Executive Officer, Rio Tinto
•
John Knubley, Federal Deputy Minister of
Industry Canada
Tom Vincent, Vice President, Public Sector
•
Employers’ Council Secretariat & Dr. Bruce
Kennedy, Executive Director for the College,
•
•
•
Mark Wiseman, CEO, Canada Pension Plan
Investment Board
Simon Kennedy, Federal Deputy Minister of
Alcan
•
Hon. John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal
Honourable Chris Alexander, Minister of
Citizenship and Immigration
•
Dave Collyer, retiring President & CEO and Tim
Teachers’ and Public Sector Pension Plans
McMillan, incoming President & CEO, Canadian
Carol Mason, CAO, Metro Vancouver Regional
Association of Petroleum Producers
District
•
Justin Trudeau, Leader, Liberal Party of Canada
Bruce Heyman, United States Ambassador to
•
The Right Honourable Paul Martin
Canada
•
California State Environment Delegation
Meeting
Hon. Greg Rickford, Federal Minister of Natural
Resources
2014 Special Events and Conferences
•
Post Budget Briefing Member Forum with Hon.
•
Michael de Jong, Minister of Finance
•
•
Premier of British Columbia
Putting BC to Work Member Forum hosted
•
Public Affairs Panel Member Forum
in partnership with CKNW AM 980 featuring
•
Conference: “BC Business Summit 2014:
Canadian Economist Don Drummond
Building BC for the 21st Century”, featuring
Second Annual Chair’s Dinner featuring
Former Premier of Quebec, Jean Charest;
Professor Kishore Mahbubani, Dean and
Leo de Bever, CEO, Alberta Investment
Professor, Public Policy at the Lee Kuan Yew
Management Corporation; Peter Tertzakian,
School of Public Policy, National University of
Chief Energy Economist, Arc Financial
Singapore
•
•
Aboriginal Business and Investment Council
Annual General Meeting featuring guest
– Business Council of British Columbia Joint
speaker the Honourable James Moore, Minister
Meeting
of Industry
16
Member Forum featuring Hon. Christy Clark,
•
Environmental NGO Engagement Workshop
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
The support of our sponsors ensures we deliver meaningful and successful events.
•
Agricultural Bank of China
•
Pacifc Northern Gas Ltd.
•
Air Canada
•
Pfizer
•
BCIT
•
Port Metro Vancouver
•
BC Marine Terminal Operators Association
•
Progressive Waste Solutions
•
BC Maritime Employers Association
•
PwC
•
Blackcomb Aviation
•
RBC
•
BNSF Railway
•
Rio Tinto
•
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
•
Rogers
•
Canadian Energy Pipeline Association
•
Seaspan
•
Chartered Professional Accountants
•
Spectra Energy
•
Chevron
•
Stantec
•
CIBC
•
The Research Universities’ Council of British
•
CN
•
Coast Capital Savings
•
Translink
•
Deloitte
•
Trans Mountain
•
Devon
•
Vancity
•
Emily Carr University of Art and Design
•
Vancouver Airport Authority
•
Encana
•
West Fraser
•
Encana and Mitsubishi’s Cutbank Ridge
•
Woodfibre LNG
Columbia
Partnership
•
Fengate Capital Management Ltd.
•
Fortis BC
•
Genome British Columbia
•
HSBC Bank Canada
•
Innergex
•
Korn/Ferry International
•
KPMG LLP
•
Lawson Lundell LLP
•
LNG Canada
•
MEG Energy
•
Merck
•
MNP
•
Mountain Equipment Co-op
•
Nexen
Business Council of British Columbia Andy Smith, President of the BC Maritime Emloyers
Association, the 2014 BC Business Summit title
sponsor, introduces Premier Christy Clark
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
17
MEMBERS
2014/15 Members
18
Bombardier Transportation
Air Canada
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP
Boyden
Alterra Power Corporation
Britco Structures
AMEC Inc.
British Columbia Chamber of Commerce
Anthem Properties Group Ltd.
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc.
Apache Canada Ltd.
British Columbia Hotel Association
Arc’teryx Equipment Inc.
British Columbia Innovation Council
Armtec
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Arrow Transportation Systems
British Columbia Maritime Employers Association
Ashcroft Terminals
British Columbia Salmon Farmers Association
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
British Columbia Technology Industries Association
Association for Mineral Exploration British
Columbia
British Columbia Trucking Association
AstraZeneca Canada Inc.
British Columbia Marine Terminal Operators
Association
Ausenco Sandwell
Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
Avcorp Industries Inc.
Bull, Housser & Tupper LLP
Avison Young
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
Bank of Canada
Canaccord Genuity Group Inc.
BC Canada
Canada’s National Brewers
BC Greenhouse Growers’ Association
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
BC Human Resources Management Association
Canadian Energy Pipeline Association
BC Hydro & Power Authority
Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
BC Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association
Canadian Fuels Association
Belkorp Industries
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Bell Canada
Canadian National Railway Company
Bennett Jones LLP
Canadian Natural Resources Limited
BFI Canada
Canadian Pacific Railway
BG Group
Canexus Chemicals Canada LP
Blackcomb Aviation
Canfor Pulp Ltd.
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Canpotex Terminals Ltd
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Canucks Sports & Entertainment
Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines Inc.
Capilano University
Encana Corporation
Capital Power Corporation
EOG Resources Canada Inc.
Catalyst Paper Corporation
EY LLP
Cement Association of Canada
Export Development Canada
Central 1 Credit Union
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (BC Region)
Central Heat Distribution Ltd.
Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP
Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Chevron Canada Limited
Ferus Inc.
City of Surrey - Economic Development
Commission
Finning International Inc.
Clark Wilson LLP
First West Credit Union
FortisBC
Clean Energy BC
Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP
Coast Forest Products Association
Gateway Casinos
Concert Properties Ltd.
Conoco Phillips Canada
Construction Labour Relations Association of BC
Corix
Council of Forest Industries
Crew Energy
Crew Property Ventures Ltd.
Crown Corporation Employers’ Association
Curis Resources Ltd.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Devon Canada Corp
Discovery Parks Trust
Douglas College
Earnscliffe Strategy
EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc.
Emily Carr University of Art and Design
19
VA N C O U V E R
COMMUNIT Y
C O L L E G E
BC Connects participants meet with Council Members of the Haisla First Nation in Kitimaat Village
GE Canada
Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants
General Fusion Inc.
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
International Forest Products
Geoscience BC
InTransit BC
GlaxoSmithKline
JDS Energy and Mining INc.
Global Public Affairs
Justice Institute of British Columbia
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
Keystone Environmental Ltd.
Greater Vancouver Gateway Council
Kinder Morgan Canada Inc.
Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association
Kirmac Collision
Harris & Company LLP
HD Mining International
KPMG LLP
Hemmera
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Lafarge Canada Inc.
HSBC Bank Canada
Langara College
Imperial Metals Corporation
Lawson Lundell LLP
Imperial Oil Limited
Ledcor
Independent Contractors and Business Association
Lehigh Northwest Cement Limited
Industrial Alliance Pacific Insurance and Financial
Services Inc.
Leith Wheeler Investment Management
Initiatives Prince George
Innergex Renewable Energy Inc.
20
London Drugs Ltd.
MacKay CEO Forums
Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
EY Canada Managing Partner and BCBC Executive Committee Member Fiona MacFarlane (left)
speaks at the Putting BC to Work forum with moderator Sean Leslie (centre) and fellow panelist
Brian Carter, President, Seaspan Shipyards (right).
Marine Harvest Canada
Pacific Blue Cross
Marsh Canada Limited
Pacific Newspaper Group Inc.
McCarthy Tetrault LLP
Pacific Northern Gas Ltd.
McMillan LLP
Pacific NorthWest LNG Ltd.
MEG Energy
Partnerships British Columbia
Mercer International Inc.
Penn West Energy Trust
Merck Frosst Canada Ltd.
Persis Holdings Ltd.
Metro Vancouver Labour Relations Department
Petroleum Services Association of Canada
Meyers Norris Penny LLP
Pfizer Canada
Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
Polygon Homes Ltd.
Mining Association of British Columbia
Mitacs Inc.
Prince Rupert Port Authority
Mitsubishi Canada
Progress Energy Resources Corp.
Molson Coors Canada
Provincial Health Services Authority
Motion Picture Production Industry Association
Public Policy Forum
Mountain Equipment Co-op
PwC LLP
National Public Relations
Quicksilver Resources Canada Inc.
Nexen Inc.
Raymond James Ltd.
Northern Development Initiative Trust
RBC Royal Bank
21
RELabs Research Inc
The Conference Board of Canada
Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.
The Fraser Institute
Rogers Communications Group
The Pace Group
Rogers Sugar Ltd.
The Vancouver Board of Trade
Roper Greyell LLP
TimberWest Forest Corporation
Rothmans Benson & Hedges Inc.
Tolko Industries Ltd.
Royal Roads University
Tourism Vancouver
Rx&D Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical
Companies
TransAlta
sanofi-aventis
Schneider Electric Solar
Seaspan ULC
SECOR Consulting
Shell Canada Energy
Simon Fraser University
SNC-Lavalin Inc
Spectra Energy Corporation
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Steelhead LNG
Stern Partners Inc.
Stikeman Elliott LLP
Suncor Energy
Talisman Energy Inc.
Taseko Mines Limited
TD Bank Financial Group
Teck Resources Limited
TELUS Corporation
Tervita Corporation
The Beedie Group
The Caldwell Partners International Inc.
22
TransCanada Pipelines
Translink
Transportation Investment Corporation
Turner Lane Develpment Corporation
University of British Columbia
University of Northern British Columbia
University of Victoria
Urban Development Institute
Valard Construction
Vancity Credit Union
Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Community College
Vancouver Economic Development Commission
Vancouver Island University
Veresen Inc.
Weatherhaven
Western Stevedoring
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.
Westport Innovations Inc.
Westshore Terminals Limited Partnership
Woodfibre Natural Gas Limited
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
NEW MEMBERS 2014/2015
Gary Ley
Public
Affairs
23
EXECUTIVE COMMIT TEE 2014
CHAIR
Jonathan Whitworth
Chief Executive Officer
Seaspan ULC
VICE CHAIRS
Ian Anderson
Eric Harris
Robin Silvester
President
Chair
President and Chief Executive
Kinder Morgan Canada
Officer
Josh Blair
Mike Kennedy
Executive Vice President and
(former) Vice President and
Marcia Smith
Chief Corporate Officer
Regional Leader, Vancouver
Senior Vice President,
TELUS Corporation
Stantec
Sustainability and External Affairs
Paul Cassidy
Kim Logan
Partner
Director, Government Relations
Susan Yurkovich
TELUS Corporation
Executive Vice-President, Site C
Chair, Next Leaders Council
Ray Castelli
Fiona MacFarlane
Weatherhaven
Managing Partner,
John DeLucchi
Managing Partner, BC Region
PwC LLP
Richard Dunn
Vice President,
Regulatory and Government
Relations
Western Canada and
Chief Inclusiveness Officer
EY LLP
IMMEDIATE PAST
CHAIR
Hank Ketcham
Executive Chairman
Richard Prokopanko
Westfraser
Director, Corporate Affairs
and Sustainability
Encana Corporation
24
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
2014 BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Ian Anderson
President
Kinder Morgan Canada Inc.
Reid Carter
Managing Partner
Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
Michael Audain
Chairman
Polygon Homes Ltd.
Paul Cassidy
Partner
Phil Barnes
Regional Vice President, Pacific Northwest (BC
Region), Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and
General Manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim
Ray Castelli
Weatherhaven
Mark Betteridge
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Discovery Parks Trust
Don Bird
Managing Partner
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Josh Blair
Executive Vice President and
Chief Corporate Officer
TELUS Corporation
Doug Bloom
President, Spectra Energy Transmission West
Spectra Energy Transmission
Mark Blucher
President and Chief Executive Officer
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
Peter Brown
Partner
Deans Knight Capital Management Ltd.
Kathy Butler
Managing Director and Head,
BC Investment Banking
CIBC World Markets
Eric Carlson
Anthem Properties Group Ltd.
Business Council of British Columbia Mike Corrigan
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc.
Don Coulter
Greg D’Avignon
Alan Davis
President
Kwantlen University
Bob Dawson
Director, Western Canada
Pfizer Canada Inc.
John Delucchi
Managing Partner for the BC Region
PwC LLP
Richard Dunn
Vice President, Regulatory and
Government Relations
Encana Corporation
Brian Frank
(retired) Chief Executive Officer
TimberWest Forest Corporation
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
25
Andy Fraser
President
Finning Canada
Don Krusel
Prince Rupert Port Authority
Rick Gateman
President, Coastal GasLink Project
TransCanada Pipelines Limited
Pierre Lebel
Chairman and Director
Imperial Metals Corporation
Jan Grude
Pacific Blue Cross
Peter Leitch
Chair
Motion Picture Production Industry Association
Arvind Gupta
President and Vice Chancellor
University of British Columbia
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia
Crew Property Ventures Ltd.
Eric Harris
Chair
Kim Logan
Director, Government Relations, BC
TELUS Corporation
Chair, Next Leaders Council
Philip Hochstein
President
Independent Contractors and
Businesses Association of BC
Fiona MacFarlane
Managing Partner, Western Canada and
Chief Inclusiveness Officer
EY LLP
Jonathan Kallner
Managing Partner, Greater Vancouver Area
KPMG LLP
Michael Kennedy
(former) Vice President and Regional Leader, BC
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Hank Ketcham
Executive Chairman
West Fraser Timber Co.
Kathy Kinloch
President
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Greg Kist
(former) President, Pacific Northwest LNG
Progress Energy Canada Ltd.
26
Graham MacLachlan
Regional President, BC
RBC Royal Bank
Paulo Maia
(former) President and Chief Executive Officer
HSBC Bank Canada
Valerie Mann
Managing Partner
Lawson Lundell LLP
Kevin McBurney
Senior Client Partner
Stephen Murphy
Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking
TD Bank Group
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Gordon Nelson
Vice President & General Manager – BC
Rogers Communications Group
Andy Smith
BC Maritime Employers Association
Janine North
Northern Development Initiative Trust
Marcia Smith
Senior Vice President,
Sustainability and External Affairs
Sue Paish
Lifelabs
Andrew Petter
President and Vice Chancellor
Simon Fraser University
Susannah Pierce
GM Social Performance & External Engagement
Shell Canada Ltd
David Podmore
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Concert Properties Ltd.
Richard Prokopanko
Director, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability
Tom Roper
Chair
Roper Greyell LLP
Bob Stanlake
(retired) President, Mining and Metals
Amec Foster Wheller Inc.
Paul Tatay
Senior Vice President
Industrial Alliance Pacific Insurance and Financial
Services Inc.
Mark van Rooij
Avcorp Industries Inc.
Tamara Vrooman
Vancity Credit Union
John Walker
(former) President and Chief Executive Officer
FortisBC
Jonathan Whitworth
Seaspan ULC
Jason Scharfe
Managing Director
Marsh Canada Ltd.
Alan Winter
Hao Shi
Chief Representative
Robin Silvester
Susan Yurkovich
Executive Vice President, Site C
Duncan Sinclair
Managing Partner
Deloitte & Touche LLP
27
C O U N C I L S TA F F
PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE OFFICE
POLICY
Greg D’Avignon
Jock Finlayson
Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer
greg.davignon@bcbc.com
jock.finlayson@bcbc.com
Nikki Roussanidis
Ken Peacock
Executive Assistant to the President
Vice President and Chief Economist
nikki.roussanidis@bcbc.com
ken.peacock@bcbc.com
MEMBERSHIP AND OPERATIONS
Cheryl Maitland Muir
Denise Mullen
Director, Environment and Sustainability
denise.mullen@bcbc.com
Vice President, Communications
Vicki Champ
cheryl.muir@bcbc.com
Executive Assistant
Markian Beley
vicki.champ@bcbc.com
Controller
Valerie Foster
markian.beley@bcbc.com
HR Research Analyst
Tara Zwaan
valerie.foster@bcbc.com
Manager, Communications and Events
tara.zwaan@bcbc.com
Jayne Murdock
Administrative and Projects Coordinator
jayne.murdock@bcbc.com
Past and present Business Council staff gathered to
celebrate Barbara McNicholl’s retirement in April 2014
28
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Annual Report 2014
Prepared June 2015

Annual Report - Business Council of British Columbia

Transcription

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