BC Business
Foreign investment? Depends where it’s from Canadians have a range of opinions concerning foreign investment, revealed a new poll by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. In most cases, we’re quite warm to it (with 77 to 78 per cent approval for American and Japanese money), while in other instances—well, in one particular instance—not so much (only 42 per cent of those polled viewed Chinese investment positively). “Only in the case of China are opinions mixed,” the report said. Another interesting fact: those polled tended to believe that 25 per cent of all direct foreign investment into Canada came from China. The actual figure? About 3 per cent as of 2013.
Everything is awesome Another day, another report telling us B.C. is leading Canada in economic growth. This latest one comes from Central 1 Credit Union and, what’s more, says B.C. will lead Canada in economic growth for the next three years. High-fives all around. “B.C.’s economy is showing few ill effects from the recent tumble in oil prices,” said Bryan Yu, Senior Economist at Central 1, in a press release. “Consumers and businesses are benefitting from lower energy prices and interest rate cuts. Meanwhile, the weaker Canadian dollar is boosting tourism, TV and film production, and export demand.”
Game of Pipelines The aboriginal-led Eagle Spirit Energy Project announced Tuesday that it has the support of roughly 200 representatives from over 30 First Nations and 50 traditional houses for its pipeline proposal. Financially backed by the Vancouver Canucks-owning Aquilini Group, the pipeline would run from Fort McMurray, Alberta, to B.C.’s coast. Among its supporters are members from Lax Kw’alaams, the First Nation that declined Pacific Northwest LNG’s $1-billion bid for consent. Eagle Spirit hasn’t won over every First Nation, however, including many on the coast.