BC Business
BCBusiness gives you an update on some of the stories turning heads across the province.
Like BC Ferries’ continued foray into the future, here’s what else surprised us this week.
BC Ferries continues to shock in its push to enter the 21st century. First there was the introduction of debit machines onboard. Now—alcohol? (Granted, it’ll only be allowed in the buffet and will be restricted to two servings per customer, but hey, it’s a start.)
For those who can still remember the plush carpets that lined the halls of the Queen of Surrey and her royal companions, it’s something of a trip. What’s next, WiFi that actually works?
The federal government moved its own deadline to bring down a final decision on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. (Spoiler alert: it will once again proceed with the project.)
But it was nice to see Alberta premier-designate Jason Kenney and outgoing premier Rachel Notley both mostly express approval of the move, as it’ll be the last time they agree on anything for, um, the rest of their lives.
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade announced Thursday that president and CEO Iain Black plans to leave the organization. After seven-and-a-half years at the helm, Black has reportedly accepted a chief executive role in the technology and new economies sector.
Board chair Lori Mathison will lead a CEO search committee in the coming months.
Minister of Democratic Institutions Karina Gould announcing $1,059,357 in federal funding over four years toward United Way of the Lower Mainland’s new Social Purpose Institute (SPI)
Finally, the feds are investing more than $1 million in United Way of the Lower Mainland‘s Social Purpose Institute, which aims to help companies integrate a social purpose into their business models.
“Gone are the days where corporate social responsibility is relegated to a business department,” said Minister of Democratic Institutions Karina Gould. “I hope this is an initiative that catches fire, that spreads to other United Ways and businesses across the province, across the country and across the world.”
According to the organization, more local businesses will now be able to access its enhanced resources and coaching.
Gould knows something about responsibility, having been made Justin Trudeau’s scapegoat after the prime minister abandoned his electoral reform promise. Jokes aside, it seems like a worthy initiative.