August 12, 2013 BC Chamber Public Affairs Update

The review of B.C.’s liquor laws began this week with a request for feedback from key industry groups and stakeholders from the Parliamentary Secretary for Liquor Reform John Yap.

This first phase of the review is asking key industry stakeholders for written feedback and ideas for change. Over the next few weeks, letters will also be sent to over 100,000 liquor licensees and liquor agency stores. Following this feedback, Yap will meet with groups from industry, local governments, First Nations, police, and health and social policy associations throughout September and October.

Phase two will seek to engage the broader public in the consultation process. A Liquor Policy Review website will be launched in September where British Columbians can provide their input to the review.

Following these two consultation phases, Mr. Yap’s report will be submitted to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice by Nov. 25, 2013. 

B.C.’s overall unemployment rate increased throughout the province in July by 0.4 percentage points, from 6.3 per cent to 6.7 per cent, experiencing a net jobs decline of 11,700. Part-time employment decreased by 17,800 positions, which was partially offset by a gain in full-time employment of 6,100 positions.

Gains were recorded in the goods-producing sector, which saw an increase in employment of 2,200 jobs, driven by increases of 9,500 jobs in construction and 1,700 jobs in the agriculture industry.

The biggest job losses were in the trade sector, which lost 15,300 positions; the public administration sector, which lost 5,700 jobs; and education services, which lost 4,900 jobs.

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Shirley Bond stated that despite the job losses, the province is still better off than it was a year ago.

This weekly report produced for the BC Chamber of Commerce by Fleishman-Hillard.  While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information included in this publication as of the date of issue, events and government policies are subject to frequent change.  Therefore, the BC Chamber of Commerce and Fleishman-Hillard cannot assume any responsibility for actions taken solely or principally on the basis on the information contained herein.