Biv Today

  38th Annual BC Export Awards. Blurb: In a virtual celebration BIV honoured four companies among 12 finalists with BC Export Awards in the categories of Advanced Technology, Emerging Exporter, Manufactured Products and Professional Services. One of those winners was also deemed Exporter of the Year. They discussed their challenges in the year and the program featured interviews with two B.C. cabinet ministers: George Chow, the minister of state for trade, and Ravi Kahlon, the minister of jobs, economic recovery and innovation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

B.C. Minister of Labour Harry Bains joins host Hayley Woodin to discuss his ministry's priorities in the year and term ahead. The conversation spans worker health and safety during COVID, protections for gig economy workers and addressing gaps in paid sick leave. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deloitte Canada and the OEC Group have brought together major B.C. transportation firms to secure one million masks to mitigate the risk of coronavirus infection and are distributing them to those in need over the next month through the United Way. Deloitte’s B.C. vice-chair Etienne Bruson and United Way Lower Mainland president Michael McKnight talk about the initiative with BIV publisher and editor-in-chief Kirk LaPointe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megan Williams is the CEO and co-founder of Vancouver-based The Self Publishing Agency. She joins BIV Today to talk about how authors are navigating the pandemic by self-publishing their works. Growth at her company appears to indicate it’s been a successful strategy for writers. Reporter Tyler Orton hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachel Thexton, principal at Thexton PR sits down with BIV’s publisher and editor-in-chief Kirk LaPointe to discuss the frustrations her industry is having communicating with the media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GrantMe founder Madison Guy joins BIV Today to discuss the financial challenges facing students during the pandemic and how her company is assisting young people with embarking on post-secondary education. Reporter Tyler Orton hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

West Coast Seeds has helped raise $150,000 for Food Banks Canada thanks to the Dr. Bonnie Henry Pollinator Blend. Company president Aaron Saks tells host Hayley Woodin about the project, and about the business's expansion due to COVID-19 demand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After B.C.’s film and TV sector went into lockdown mode at the outset of the pandemic, it’s proven to be one of the economy’s biggest success stories since reopening. Pete Mitchell, president and chief operating officer of Vancouver Film Studios, joins BIV Today to discuss sustainability within the industry, his company’s latest milestone and the state of the film and TV sector. Reporter Tyler Orton hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitchell Demeter, president of Vancouver-based Netcoins, joins the show to talk about the evolution of Bitcoin, and the broader acceptance of crypto-currencies. Hayley Woodin hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Hepburn is the CEO and scientific director of Mitacs, a non-profit dedicated to solving business challenges across Canada. He joins BIV Today to discuss a new initiative pairing up business students with companies hit hard by the pandemic. Reporter Tyler Orton hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mona Fortier, the federal associate minister of finance, launched consultations Tuesday with Lower Mainland businesses for the coming budget. She talks about expectations and priorities for the Trudeau government in the pandemic with Kirk LaPointe, BIV’s publisher and editor-in-chief. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paulina Cameron is CEO of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs. She joins BIV Today to discuss the challenges facing women as COVID-19 continues to take its toll on the economy. Reporter Tyler Orton hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mental health in the workplace is a complex issue that requires a responsive strategy. Dr. Bill Howatt, president of Howatt HR, is the lead researcher on a new report from the Conference Board of Canada and Workplace Safety and Prevention Services. He discusses the new mental health roadmap, and how employers can shift from addressing mental health to preventing mental harm. Hayley Woodin hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christine Bergeron, the newly appointed CEO and president of Vancity, discusses the financial institution’s approach as a powerful credit union in the Canadian economy. She is in conversation with BIV publisher and editor-in-chief Kirk LaPointe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip Steenkamp, president of Royal Roads University, discusses remote learning, the impact of the pandemic, and how COVID-19 will shape the delivery of education. Hayley Woodin hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lighthouse Labs CEO Jeremy Shaki joins BIV Today to discuss the increased pressure some workers are facing to up their skills amid changes to the workplace brought on by the pandemic. Reporter Tyler Orton hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The classroom is adapting to the pandemic with new techniques to teach and learn and new ways to ensure the experience of education is optimal and innovative in the circumstances. Andrew Gemino, dean pro tem of the Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University, outlines the changing environment for students and faculty. He is in conversation with BIV publisher and editor-in-chief Kirk LaPointe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the pandemic takes its toll on some of Vancouver’s most culturally significant businesses — galleries, theatres and even restaurants — many are left wondering how government can play a role in preserving these locations. Jeremy Stone, director of community economic development, Simon Fraser University join BIV Today to discuss. Reporter Tyler Orton hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlo Dade, director of the Canada West Foundation's Trade and Investment Centre, discusses what Canada can expect from the Biden administration on matters of Canada-U.S. trade and relations. The conversation spans from Keystone XL, to Canada's need to balance its relationships with China and the U.S. Hayley Woodin hosts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Research Co. president Mario Canseco joins Hayley Woodin to discuss President Biden's inauguration, what it represents for Canadians and what his term might mean for Canada. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.