News Impacting Business In British Columbia
Joint Statement on the Introduction of Bill 10 and Union Certification
BRITISH COLUMBIA – The following associations are surprised by the introduction of amendments to Bill 10 by the B.C. government, which proposes substantive change to the Labour Relations Code without any meaningful consultation with employers, and at a time when many businesses are still reeling from the pandemic.
The right to choose union representation is guaranteed through legislation. The method of how workers choose to decide who should represent them is critical. Fundamentally, Bill 10 significantly weakens the democratic right for workers to exercise choice through a secret ballot. These changes also follow significant changes to the Labour Relations Code in 2019.
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George Hanson to Retire From VIEA
VANCOUVER ISLAND – Call for application opens as Economic Alliance seeks new leader.
George Hanson has announced his decision to retire in 2022 as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA).
During George’s 11-year tenure, he was responsible for several notable achievements for VIEA, the only regional, non-government, non-profit, economic development organization of its kind in British Columbia.
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Mass Timber Action Plan Launched, Four New Projects Announced
VICTORIA – The Province is launching the Mass Timber Action Plan and announcing funding for four new mass-timber housing and infrastructure projects as a key step in the StrongerBC Economic Plan.
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, along with several cabinet ministers, announced the action plan and $1.2 million in funding on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at the University of Victoria, where a 783-bed mass-timber student housing and dining project is set to open in September.
“Mass timber is a triple-word score. It allows us to reduce our carbon footprint from construction, it adds value to our forestry sector, and it provides new opportunities for jobs, growth and innovation in every corner of the province,” said Kahlon. “Positioning B.C. to be a global leader in mass-timber research, engineering innovation and production is a key action in the StrongerBC Economic Plan.”
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Tim Pley Returns to Port Alberni CAO Role
PORT ALBERNI – The City of Port Alberni is pleased to announce the return of Tim Pley to the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) beginning next week. Pley had previously served as the City’s CAO from January 2016 until his retirement in December 2021.
In December 2021 the City enlisted the services of Leaders International , a professional executive search firm, to assist in finding a new CAO. While a number of applicants were considered, the search did not result in a preferred candidate being hired. Council for the City of Port Alberni intends to repost the CAO employment opportunity following the municipal election scheduled to take place in October 2022.
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