PROVINCE AFFIRMS CONSTRUCTION OF SITE C DAM Board of Trade applauds announcement that project is moving ahead 3 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER VANCOUVER BOARD OF TRADE AND ITS MEMBERS | JANUARY 2018 | VOLUME 58 / ISSUE 1 | BOARDOFTRADE.COM GVBOT presents to the Fair Wages Commission ECONOMY | Board of Trade urges provincial government to move slowly towards $15-an-hour minimum wage he Greater Vancouver on total payroll) that will fall on Board of Trade presented small businesses who account Tto the Fair Wages Commis- for 6 in 10 jobs in B.C. Black said sion in November 2017, sharing that when the increase was pro- its perspective on the govern- posed two years ago, the Board ment’s proposal to raise B.C.’s of Trade was conditionally sup- minimum wage to $15-an-hour. portive of having the minimum In his remarks, Board of Trade wage tied to CPI, mainly because President and CEO Iain Black tying the minimum wage to CPI stressed that the organization ensures certainty and predict- has a proud, 130-year history as ability for businesses when it a strictly non-partisan institu- comes to government-imposed tion, and represents the views wage pressures. “This certainty of its Members from across the and predictability is crucial for region, who collectively em- our business community,” said ploy about one-third of B.C.’s Black. workforce. In 2016-17, GVBOT cautiously Black said the Board of Trade viewed government’s subse- is very concerned with the in- quent proposed increases as flationary impact that a $15-an- “reasonable,” though expressed hour minimum wage could have, employees currently making as and thus discourage additional to seven-year implementation a variety of concerns, including and the impact this government- much as $19-an-hour. In addi- investment in people by new and period would be appropriate. noting the tying of minimum imposed cost increase will have tion, there are also concerns the existing businesses,” said Black. He also urged the government wage to CPI is rendered useless on small businesses. wage increase could be used as a With that in mind, Black urged to consider the administrative if government continues to make There is also concern that negotiating position for those in the Commission that if the gov- impact and the downstream upward manual adjustments. SB the increase may cause up- the collective bargaining space. ernment is determined to go meaningful, full cumula- ward pressure on many more “These impacts will further en- down the path to $15-an-hour tive cost burden (for example, To read GVBOT’s full remarks to people than merely those mak- trench B.C.’s reputation as an minimum wage, it should do so WorkSafeBC costs and employee the Fair Wages Commission, visit ing minimum wage, including expensive place to do business, slowly. He recommended a five insurance costs that are based boardoftrade.com/news. A national opportunity UBC President Santa Ono Director spotlight Aeromexico increases discusses UBC’s new service to four Canadian Northwest Territories Premier strategic plan 2 Q&A with Craig Richmond, gateway cities 6 President and CEO of the Robert McLeod shares his Chair Anne Giardini on Photo highlights from northern vision with B.C. the Site C announcement Vancouver Airport Authority recent events and business leaders on Jan. 25 2 and civil society 4 and GVBOT Director 5 activities 7 MORE PEAK-TO-BASE. LESS SEA-TO-SKY. Enjoy Whistler even more: without the hassle of driving there. Our all-weather Augusta AW139 will get you to the mountain quickly, safely and in comfort with true twin- engine and de-icing capability, and spacious seating for up to 12 passengers. All only 27 minutes from YVR. 604-272-8123 · TOLL FREE: 1-877-399-8123 · FAX: 604-233-0202 · LONDONAIR.COM GREATER VANCOUVER BOARD OF TRADe | SOUNDING BOARd | jANUARY 2018 2 events and speaKers ECONOMY | A national opportunity EDUCATION | Shaping NWT Premier Robert McLeod shares his northern vision on Jan. 25 the next century he Greater Vancouver UBC President Santa Ono discusses Board of Trade is excit- new strategic plan on Feb. 8 Ted to announce that it will host a keynote address by Honourable Robert McLeod, BC President Santa Ono Premier of the Northwest Ter- will deliver his annual ritories and Minister of Execu- Uupdate to the region’s tive and Indigenous Affairs, on business community on Feb. 8 Jan. 25. at the Board of Trade. The Northwest Territories has In his address, Ono will discuss all the ingredients for strong UBC’s new strategic plan, which economic growth, including has been developed over the past abundant natural resources, and year, and what it means for the significant participation and university and the community. support for economic develop- Northwest Territories Premier Robert McLeod Building on the foundations of ment from Indigenous-owned the university’s previous strategic businesses and governments. plans — “Trek 2000” introduced However, the government can’t the north through clear prior- raised in the predominantly by UBC President Martha Piper capitalize on these advantages ities and solid investments in Indigenous community of Fort in 1998 and “Place and Promise” Professor Santa Ono without a plan. new and existing sectors with Providence, NWT. introduced in 2009 by President While other Arctic nations significant potential for sustain- Before entering politics, Stephen Toope — the new stra- are proceeding with ambitious able growth. Premier McLeod had a dis- tegic plan allows the university Ono has worked at Harvard, Johns plans for social and economic In his remarks to B.C. business tinguished career as a public to revisit its goals and priorities Hopkins, University College Lon- development of their northern leaders, McLeod will discuss servant, including senior ap- to reflect our changing world, and don, and Emory universities. regions, there is no similar vi- how businesses across the coun- pointments with the Gov- to take an outstanding university As a university administrator, sion for Canada. More than try stand to benefit — and more ernment of Canada and the and make it even better. Ono is also known for his vision two years into its mandate, the importantly, why they need to be Northwest Territories. His previ- The new plan will serve as a beyond the laboratory. He was the federal government has yet to part of the conversation. ous portfolios have included In- road map, helping UBC focus first Asian-American president of establish a clear policy to guide McLeod is the first two-term dustry, Tourism and Investment, even more intently on its core ac- the University of Cincinnati when decision making and investment Premier of the Northwest Ter- the Public Utilities Board, New tivities of learning and research. he was appointed in 2012. Previ- in the north. ritories and has served on Cab- Energy Initiatives, and Lead Professor Santa Ono officially ously, he served as the University Premier McLeod has called for inet in all three of his terms as Minister for the Mackenzie Gas stepped into his role as Presi- Provost and Senior Vice President a national discussion on how all a Member of the Legislative As- Project. SB dent and Vice-Chancellor of the for Academic Affairs. SB Canadians can join with the ter- sembly, representing the con- University of British Columbia ritorial and federal governments stituency of Yellowknife South. Registration is now open at in August 2016. As a professor of Tickets are on sale now at to create a plan for developing He is a Métis person, born and boardoftrade.com/nwt. medicine and biology, Professor boardoftrade.com/ubc. UPCOMING EVENTS Is there a speaker you’d like to hear from or topic you’d like See our full events calendar at boardoftrade.com/events explored? Make a suggestion at boardoftrade.com/suggest THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2018 TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2018 THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018 Special Members’ Reception CEO Series Leaders of Tomorrow Shaping the Next Century: New Year, New Connections 2018 YVR lifts off Discovery Series: Building a strategic plan for the 12th Annual Speed Networking Night University of British Columbia 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. 4 – 7:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Anvil Centre Vancouver Convention Centre — EAST 777 Columbia Street 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver The Loft at Earls Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver New Westminster 1095 Mainland Street, Vancouver — Park Ballroom Craig Richmond 791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver Host Chamber: New West Chamber President and CEO, Platinum Program Partner: BCIT Business Sponsor: City of New Westminster Vancouver Airport Authority Gold Program Partners: London Drugs, SFU Beedie Santa Ono School of Business, Langara School of Management President and Vice-Chancellor Presenting Sponsors: Stantec, CIBC University of British Columbia Supporting Sponsors: Graham, Ledcor 29th Annual Community Sponsor: Boyden Community Sponsors: Air Canada, Hatch, AeroMexico FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 Preferred Media Partner: Business in Vancouver Economic Preferred Media Partner: Business in Vancouver Just Announced Perspective From Space THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018 How human space exploration Outlook Forum spurs innovation, improves life Presented by National Bank Northern Vision, National on Earth, and can renew our Opportunity: Planning for the appreciation of our home planet Friday, January 19, 2018 sustainable development of Canada’s North 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. David Saint-Jacques — Grand Ballroom Astronaut Governors’ Banquet