Burnaby NOW • Wednesday, November 21, 2012 • A21
burnaby board of trade
november 2012
Voice of Burnaby official newsletter of the most progressive business association in burnaby
www.bbot.ca
upcoming events business over breakfast November 30 @ Riverway Clubhouse high tea dim sum December 5 @ Fortune House Seafood Restaurant christmas luncheon December 7 @ SFU Diamond Alumni Centre city council reception January 17 @ Delta Burnaby Hotel
2
for more info visit
bbot.ca/events
Platinum Annual Board Partner
photo: tiffany brown cooper
lunar new year banquet February 5 @ Fortune House Seafood Restaurant
Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney at BBOT reception
minister talks immigration at bbot reception Gold Annual Board Partners
Silver Annual Board Partners
michael keller michael@bbot.ca Speaking to an audience of roughly 120 Burnaby Board of Trade members and guests, Federal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney stressed a key message: Canada needs to have jobs available for immigrants coming to this country. The Minister’s talk was the highlight of a reception on November 9th presented by the Board of Trade in partnership with the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC). The BBOT regularly presents high profile elected officials as part of its Distinguished Speakers Series.
During his speech Kenney acknowledged Canada’s relatively well performing economy despite continued global struggles. He noted that Canada has the highest level of immigration in the developed world (tied with New Zealand), but that many new Canadians are underemployed or stuck in “survival jobs.” He commented that traditionally Canadians have been too polite to say no to anyone, and that has created problems in the system. He added that backlogs are very dysfunctional. Kenney cited expansion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) as part of the government’s efforts to connect new
immigrants with employers, noting that the program also helps with better geographical distribution. He also spoke about Canadian Experience Class for international students and degree assessments for foreign workers as a way to validate qualifications and ensure credentials meet Canadian standards. English / French language proficiency was another speaking point for the Minister, as was an online matching system, which will be designed to let employers view applications and offer jobs in a more efficient manner. For more upcoming Burnaby Board of Trade events, visit bbot.ca. !
Driving business since 1957.
Scan to get 15% off your service visit! » Custom Commercial Lease Packages from 3-60 Months » Custom Outfitting Available in all Lease Packages » Long Term & Project Rentals » Pre-owned Truck & Vehicle Sales » Full Maintenance & Repair Services » Courtesy Loaner Vehicles
www.zeemac.com » 604 259 0566