Jock Finlayson
Balance tops business wish list for B.C. Budget 2019
As the BC NDP government prepares to table its 2019 budget, there is no reason to believe that Finance Minister Carole James is contemplating any major course corrections. The province’s finances...
Diversified industry dynamics to drive B.C.’s 2019 economic engine
As we enter 2019 and consider what lies ahead for the provincial economy, a review of industry dynamics provides comfort as well as a confirmation that the B.C. economy is now growing at a more...
Canada continuing to lose ground in global competitiveness
In 2018, the penny dropped on Canada’s diminished attractiveness for new business investment. The past year saw a chorus of voices across the business community urging governments to recognize...
LNG Canada atop list of stories affecting B.C.’s 2018 economy
In an environment of rapid economic and political change, further compounded by activist governments at both the federal and provincial levels, identifying 2018’s most significant stories affecting...
Natural gas lifts B.C. economy as housing’s contribution slows
The B.C. economy grew by a surprisingly robust 3.8% (after inflation) last year. This is surprising because not only does it follow a strong 3.2% expansion in 2016, but it also marks another year...
B.C.’s electoral reform referendum a seriously flawed initiative
There is nothing more fundamental to democracy than free elections and the rules by which our legislative representatives are chosen. Changing this system is a serious undertaking – one that demands...
Bull or Bear? Downturn not far off, warns B.C. expert
Q&A | Jock Finlayson, Business Council of BC executive vice-president and chief policy officer, says Canadian policies helping turn boom to bust
Growing tax burden hurts B.C. business competitiveness
In many sectors of our economy, the cost of operating a business has risen significantly over the past several years due to provincial government policy decisions. For a typical business, the most...
B.C. job creation stalls, but province’s job vacancy rate still high
After several years of torrid job growth and a steadily falling unemployment rate, B.C.’s labour market looks to have cooled off. In particular, job creation has come to a shuddering halt so far in...
Housing costs put brakes on migration to B.C. from other provinces
Over the second half of last year, a surprising development occurred – the net inflow of people moving to B.C. from other provinces fell sharply. The drop showed up in the third quarter and persisted...