Joel McKay
B.C. needs to prioritize the province’s trade corridor projects now
Now would be the time for a forward-thinking infrastructure and trade corridor planning exercise in B.C. Global supply chain woes, port delays, rail car shortages and extreme weather events continue...
Rural British Columbia faces economic transformation challenges
In January we published our State of the North economic report, an annual exercise that makes this journalist turned public-sector CEO’s palms sweat because I’m never quite sure what the political...
Serious recommitment to B.C.’s rural development needed now
News of mill closures and curtailments across the north this year was shocking to anyone but northerners, but no less painful for the families that call our part of the province home. What was...
Grappling with the workforce attraction conundrum in B.C.’s north
Another smoky August made for miserable northerners as many were forced to temporarily move, ditch their summer plans or retreat indoors from the oppressive smog last month. Not the best conditions...
Wrestling with the north’s rural economic development riddle
One of northern B.C.’s most challenging questions is how best to support rural economic development. You’d think we’d have this nailed by now given that the “rural picture” has remained largely the...
Tech, tourism offer diversified growth opportunities in B.C.’s north Northern Initiative
Twice last month I was quizzed by media whether the current downturn in the resource sector spells the end for northern B.C.’s economy – the implication being the north is destined for the dole if it...
Savings essential for building a diversified northern economy
It was was easy politics for opposition MLAs and pundits to take shots at the province’s new $100 million prosperity fund last month. After all, the fund was supposed to be seeded with liquefied...
U.S. energy-sector sprint leaves Canada sucking wind
Another week, another dozen stories about the crisis in global energy markets and job losses in Canada. Let’s consider the role of the United States in this saga. The Obama administration has...
Prince Rupert’s mayor eyes global cargo trade
A year into his four-year mandate, Prince Rupert’s 29-year-old mayor, Lee Brain, has a bold vision for the north coast city: global transportation hub. Here’s his pitch: Prince Rupert (population...
Northern B.C. economy hitting severe global market headwinds
While most Vancouverites will barely notice the current global market slump, the northern half of the province is facing headwinds apparent in nearly every community. Northern B.C.’s continued...