BC Business
We assess how different people/things and, of course, businesses fared this week.
First, an apology. But—sorry to disappoint—not to anyone or anything that we’ve made fun of. That wouldn’t be very on-brand.
Instead, we’re sorry for missing last week. It was Canada Day weekend, after all, and like all good Canadians, we took took the Friday off to wear jean jackets and guzzle maple syrupflavoured beers. Can’t complain.
But we’re back now, and we know you’re relieved. Here’s what we thought made the grade this week (and what didn’t).
123Dentist
Grade: A
We hesitate to give a positive grade to anything even remotely related to the dentist, but the Coquitlam-based business moved the needle (yep, intended) too far for us to ignore.
The community dentist network received a $75-million investment from Toronto firm Peloton Capital Management, no small feat for a company that only expanded into Eastern Canada in 2017.
As long as 123Dentist is innovating in the field, can we request they make it so that fillings feel good? That would be great. Thanks so much, 123Dentist!
Transparency
Grade: A
There likely won’t be too many days on which “transparency” registers such a rosy mark, but the publishing of the Corporate Mapping Project (jointly led by UVic, the B.C. and Saskatchewan offices of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, and the Alberta-based Parkland Institute) was enough to turn the tide.
The initiative shows who influences and exploits the oil and gas market in Western Canada. It’s an intriguing read, if only to see some unexpected names among the top 50 players. (Oh hey, Canadian Pension Plan.)
Being in a crisis
Grade: C
We’ve heard a lot about the “housing crisis” in B.C. And let’s be honest, the subjectivity of that second word means that we’ll be hearing it for a lot longer.
Home sales in Metro Vancouver have more or less “stabilized”, but not so much that anyone earning a normal income can actually buy a detached home. The numbers will change and move as the years go by, and apartments and townhouses will become more popular and prevalent. But the term we all know and loathe isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Daylight saving time
Grade: D
Watches, radios and microwaves around the province were surely rejoicing at John Horgan’s comments around daylight saving time.
“For British Columbians that are tired of changing their clock, I think we are almost at the end of it,” said B.C.’s premier.
The rite of passage that was begrudgingly switching the two or three time-telling devices that aren’t connected to a world clock (or just letting them ride it out) is almost over in B.C.
And while getting an hour back in the fall had benefits, it’s probably time to call it.
Public inquiries
Grade: F
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney’s $2.5-million investigation into “foreign-funded special interests” backing what he calls the “anti-Alberta campaign” is, uh, tough news for public inquiries in general.
How can any of them be trusted after this absolute ghost chase? Might as well light $2.5 million on fire. Which, when you think about it, is something most people don’t get to do in their lifetimes. Hope Kenney and the Alberta government savour the experience.