When I get the chance to spend a week or two working back in the riding, as I currently am during Easter break, I like to touch base with companies that impact our local economy to see how they are doing.
Recently I sat down with Michael J and Katie from Big White, Pilar Portela CEO of Accelerate Okanagan, and Anne Denman Managing Director for Bardel Entertainment, one of the leading animation firms in North America.
Part of our discussion was about a newly completed study, which confirms what we have suspected for some time; our local tech sector is successfully competing with the best in the world.
The Economic Impact Report released by Accelerate Okanagan shows that in 2013, the Okanagan tech industry contributed over one billion dollars to our local economy.
The report also confirms that the tech industry is a major source of employment, attracting a younger, well paid workforce to the community, as well as providing high-skilled employment opportunities for many of our young graduates.
According to the report 558 local technology businesses collectively employ a workforce of 6551 employees, with one quarter of the workforce represented by women.
However, a shortage of skilled workers poses a real challenge to our tech sector, as employers compete with companies around the world to attract the best and brightest.
Accelerate Okanagan and companies like Bardel Entertainment believe Big White can play an important role because the top notch activities and amenities offered by Big White are an attractive incentive to employees looking not only for a great job, but also a good quality of life.
Creative, innovative thinking like this is what makes the Okanagan such a great place to do business. I want to thank talented and committed folks like Anne, Pilar, Michael J, Katie, and all the other unsung heroes who continue to look for ways to attract the best and brightest to the Okanagan, support our local economy, and showcase the Okanagan to the world.
Canada 150 Circulation Coin Design Contest
To celebrate Canada’s upcoming 150th anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint is inviting Canadians to design the 5-cent, 10-cent, 25-cent, one-dollar and two-dollar coins that will circulate in 2017.
The contest is open until April 30, 2015.
Designs should relate to one of five designs:
- Our Wonders (Canada’s beauty, from nature to monuments)
- Our Character (Values or principles which define Canadian identity)
- Our Achievements (Discoveries, exploration or victories)
- Our Passions (From culture to sports, to pastimes)
- Canada’s future (this category is reserved for Canadians 12-years of age and under for the 25-cent coin)
The winning design per category will be selected by Canadians in an online vote in September 2015. Each circulation coin denomination will feature one of the winning designs in 2017.
To enter a design and to obtain full contest rules and regulations, please visit www.mint.ca/canada150.
Good luck everyone!
On a final note, I hope you all have a great Easter break. I am in the riding until April 17th so please don’t hesitate to contact my office at [email protected] or by calling 250 470-5075 if you wish to meet.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.