Capital investment in industrial, commercial, and institutional infrastructure lays the foundation for business productivity and economic growth, and ignites long-term employment. While Southwest B.C. enjoyed many economic benefits from major project construction over the past few years, our region’s inventory of capital investment has been on a declining trend. Between the fourth quarter of 2016 (Q4 2016) and the fourth quarter of 2017 (Q4 2017), the total value of Southwest B.C.’s major projects dipped by 3 per cent to $69.7 billion.  

Although the Cariboo experienced some economic challenges in 2017, our region had a generally favourable year compared to the past few years. NAFTA renegotiations, the summer wildfires, and layoffs at Site-C impacted jobs in the forestry, tourism, and construction sectors. However, the mining industry posted a solid year as prices for copper and gold stimulated economic activity, which helped to offset those losses.

Summer has arrived and like many vacationers, you might cross the US/Canada border when embarking on your adventures. And while work may not be top of mind, if you deal with sensitive client information you should always be conscious of the data you carry. You may not have physical paperwork, but if you have access to client files through your phone or other electronic devices, this information may be accessed by border security at any time.