NOTES & NEWS
CPABC Economic Roundtables
T
his June, CPABC hosted its first-ever Regional Check-Up economic roundtables. The events, held in Kelowna (June 4) and
Victoria (June 11), coincided with the release of the Regional
Check-Up reports and enhanced the economic analysis therein by
enabling participants living and working in these regions to discuss
the results of the reports, provide their thoughts on local economic
advantages and challenges, and suggest how the government could
better support business growth.
Both roundtable events were attended by local business leaders and
prominent CPA members across key industries. The Kelowna discussion, held at Quail’s Gate Winery, was moderated by Karen Christiansen,
FCPA, FCA, a partner at MNP LLP and CPABC’s media representative
for the Thompson-Okanagan Regional Check-Up. One of the major
challenges identified during the engaging two-hour discussion in
Kelowna was that of recruiting and retaining skilled labour. Another
major talking point was the proper leveraging of the technology
industry to support other industries in the region, as this was seen as
a potential driver for growth.
These thoughts were echoed at the Victoria event, where participants
discussed the challenges of recruiting skilled labour in a region with a
relatively high cost of living and comparatively low wages. Regulatory
barriers at the municipal level were another hot topic, as participants
described how these barriers were hindering business success in the
region. The Victoria event was held at the Union Club and moderated
by Chuck Chandler, FCPA, FCA, a partner at Hayes Stewart Little &
Company and CPABC’s m YXH