Conference Board of Canada Projects Promising Growth for BC in 2021 |
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In a recent report put out by the Conference Board of Canada, they have predicted a bit of a shining light at the end of a long tunnel for the province of BC. The Ottawa-based think tank projects GDP will fall in 2020, but will see a rise in 2021. The Board anticipates that this boost may come from construction, energy projects, and LNG; they also note that a strong return to travel and tourism could positively impact the province's bounce back.
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WTO Panel Unanimously Decides In Favour of Canadian Softwood Lumber Producers |
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On August 24, the Government of Canada welcomed the unanimous WTO (world Trade Organization) panel ruling in favour of the Canadian forestry sector on softwood lumber. The WTO panel declared that the US countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber exports were inconsistent, flawed, and wrong in saying that the regulated industry amounts to an unfair subsidy for Canadian producers. A positive chapter in a long-standing disagreement that hurts economies on both sides of the border.
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Swoop Releases Winter Flying Schedule, Includes YLW |
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Swoop has released their winter schedule, unveiling the new markets the ultra-low fare airline will serve as it begins operations from Toronto Pearson International Airport on October 25, 2020. Swoop’s winter schedule includes the restart of operations at Kelowna International Airport and the addition of non-stop service to popular sun destinations.
Swoop has implemented a robust set of measures to safeguard a safe and healthy travel and work environment for its travellers and crew. This includes stricter boarding processes allowing for shorter queue wait times, traveller screening measures, increased sanitization, and enforcing face masks be worn for the duration of the flight.
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Businesses & Nonprofits Can Apply for Electric Vehicle Rebates in BC |
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BC businesses and organizations wanting to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs can get rebates for electric vehicles through $2 million in additional funding for the CleanBC Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive (SUVI) program.
Eligible specialty-use vehicles include electric passenger buses, airport and port service vehicles, motorcycles, low-speed utility trucks, and heavy-duty transport trucks. Rebates range from $1,700 to $50,000 per vehicle and are available for businesses, local and regional governments, and non-profit organizations that are purchasing five or fewer vehicles.
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WorkBC Assistive Technology Services Welcome You to Webinar Information Session |
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WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, operated by Neil Squire Society, provides funding for supports such as assistive devices, equipment and technology, ergonomic and restorative supports, communication and hearing devices related to work, workplace access and modification, and vehicle modifications. Services are provided to employers, employees, and self-employed individuals in British Columbia, either in-person, via outreach, or virtually.
To learn more about the program, you are invited to join one of their weekly webinars, running each Wednesday from 12:30pm to 1:00pm. The Chamber will take a deeper dive into the issue at its October Speaker Series Event. Date will be announced shortly.
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Happiness at Work: What Scott Crabtree Can Teach You About Brain Science |
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The average North American spends over 90,000 hours at work, or more than 10 years over the course of their lifetime, which can be seen as either a blessing or a jail sentence, depending on your perspective.
Whether you love your job or dread it could be a matter of science - neuroscience that is.
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Janzen Garlic Acres Offers Fun, Education, and Aims to Bring Community Together |
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Recently, we spoke with new member Monde Janzen, Owner / Operator of Janzen Garlic Acres Inc., a family owned garlic farm, and children's themed farm in Kelowna, BC. Their gourmet garlic is grown with no pesticides using eco-friendly methods that have least impact on our environment.
How did Janzen Garlic Acres come to be?
Janzen Garlic Acres started as a family farm in 1973; the interest in garlic came in 2014 after my agricultural studies at University of the Fraser Valley (UFV). Local food security and poverty reduction by 2050 was our goal. When we moved to Kelowna we decided to include kids activities to create a safe natural outdoor space.
What is something people might not know about your business?
We have a multicultural family. I grew up in Zambia in Africa. My husband grew up in Abbotsford. We share 3 boys and 2 girls between the ages of 1 year to 10 years old. Raising the children has helped us see why community is important and this is one of the core values we incorporated into the business of the farm. We encourage more people, groups, schools, and daycare centres to come and enjoy a community centered experience on the farm. Even in recent times we still encourage community building by allowing groups of kids, family and friends to come learn and have fun in a safe, spacious natural environment.
What is something that was important to you as a core value when you started the business?
Our passion for community drives us to create a family theme farm because we know going forward as our family grows we can work together to pursue our passions. We are interested in tackling food scarcity especially at a local level. This is a great reason to set up a working farm in the city and to encourage young people to get involved in farming.
What is on the horizon for the future of Janzen Garlic Acres?
To increase farming education for people of all ages especially young people. We will be happy with our accomplishment if we see more young people engaged in agricultural activities and when we see each family has a garden, or chicken coop in their backyard.
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org |
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