An increasingly important sector in today's business environment is the so called "green economy". Differentiating from the old "black economy" this segment focuses on the opportunities in renewable energy, pollution reduction and fossil fuel substitution. British Columbia has been involved with this "green economy" for a quite a while and is progressive in this field. An article on Renewable Energy World Online discusses how this sector will only grow in the future and will create more "green jobs" in British Columbia.
Vancouver, BC - The green economy in British Columbia could be worth over $27 billion by 2020, according to an independent study by the GLOBE Foundation of Canada. The Vancouver-based GLOBE Foundation report, released today, assesses the economic and employment impacts associated with the transformation of the provincial economy towards lower-carbon energy generation and usage, as well as business practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Showing posts with label bc investment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bc investment. Show all posts
Friday, July 16, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
HST - Preparing for July 1, 2010
Preparation is key to reaping rewards and avoiding pitfalls as the implementation of the harmonized sales tax (HST) in Ontario and British Columbia looms, according to a veteran tax expert.
"Worries are not non-extistent, but they are small compared to the relative benefits," said Peter Budreski, chartered accountant and consultant to small and mid-sized firms.
He said preparing for the transition will greatly reduce the pain of the change and position small and mid-sized firms to reap the rewards of HST.
For instance, businesses must make sure their tax software tools have been patched or updated to accommodate the HST, said Budreski. In Ontario for instance, the government has earmarked $400 million for accounting software replacement assistance to SMBs, he noted.
On July 1, 2010, the goods and services tax (GST) and the provincial sales tax (PST) will be merged into the HST in Ontario and BC.
The Ontario government claims the move will save businesses $500 million annually in compliance costs. When fully implemented, the HST will save $4.5 billion annually.
Budreski, who also helps owners of small and mid-sized companies set up their QuickBooks accounting software, said the transition will generally mean less cost and complication for many of these firms, although many consumers might cry foul.
"There will probably be a backlash from consumers who will feel they are going to be charged more taxes over a wider range of products," he said
Source: Article from http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=56777
"Worries are not non-extistent, but they are small compared to the relative benefits," said Peter Budreski, chartered accountant and consultant to small and mid-sized firms.
He said preparing for the transition will greatly reduce the pain of the change and position small and mid-sized firms to reap the rewards of HST.
For instance, businesses must make sure their tax software tools have been patched or updated to accommodate the HST, said Budreski. In Ontario for instance, the government has earmarked $400 million for accounting software replacement assistance to SMBs, he noted.
On July 1, 2010, the goods and services tax (GST) and the provincial sales tax (PST) will be merged into the HST in Ontario and BC.
The Ontario government claims the move will save businesses $500 million annually in compliance costs. When fully implemented, the HST will save $4.5 billion annually.
Budreski, who also helps owners of small and mid-sized companies set up their QuickBooks accounting software, said the transition will generally mean less cost and complication for many of these firms, although many consumers might cry foul.
"There will probably be a backlash from consumers who will feel they are going to be charged more taxes over a wider range of products," he said
Source: Article from http://www.itbusiness.ca/it/client/en/home/News.asp?id=56777
Thursday, April 22, 2010
BC's Economy is Looking Up
On April the 12th the government of British Columbia released a report revealing a number of interesting economic indicators. Overall the economic climate seems to be improving, below a list with some positive economic indicators can be found:
- Major construction project in B.C. hold strong
- Building permits on the rise
- 2010 first quarter housing starts doubles 2009 figure
- B.C. forecast to lead Canada in new home starts
- Conference board forecasts B.C. to lead Canada in growth in 2010
- B.C. to lead nation in job creation
- Vancouver's economic growth expected to lead Canadian cities
- Consumer confidence in B.C. up yet again
- Business confidence remains strong
- Vancouver a top city for international competitiveness
- B.C. continues to record strong population growth
- B.C.'s housing sales continue positive rebound
- B.C. remains a box office leader in film and TV production
- China grants Canada approved destination status
Source: BC Government Website, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
BC's Self Employment Boom
The Globe and Mail featured an article about how entrepreneurship is flourishing in British Columbia. The article states that more and more people find self employment the way to go.
After a decade repairing helicopters in places from the Arctic to Mexico, Marc Bonin grew weary of the turbulence in B.C.'s economically sensitive aviation industry. He wanted stability, and a chance to spend more time with his young son.
After a decade repairing helicopters in places from the Arctic to Mexico, Marc Bonin grew weary of the turbulence in B.C.'s economically sensitive aviation industry. He wanted stability, and a chance to spend more time with his young son.
So last June he threw open his doors as the Car Butler – a service geared toward busy Vancouver-area doctors, lawyers and executives, which picks up and oversees repairs of their cars. It was a decision forged by choice, one that he said gives him more flexible work hours, potential for higher earnings, less need to travel and a chance to start something from scratch. Mr. Bonin, 38, plans to franchise his business in the next three years.
“I see it as my own creation. Many people relate it to babies, how they grow, and I can totally see it that way,” he said.
Many others across the country can relate. More than 115,000 Canadians became self-employed in a recent one-year period, a study released Monday showed.
“I see it as my own creation. Many people relate it to babies, how they grow, and I can totally see it that way,” he said.
Many others across the country can relate. More than 115,000 Canadians became self-employed in a recent one-year period, a study released Monday showed.
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