As BC’s provincial government prepares to unveil the budget for the 2012/13 fiscal year, we're appealing to Premier Christy Clark to ensure that the needs and priorities of the critical small- and medium-sized business sector are not forgotten.

We at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business say, BC’s small business sector is the backbone of our provincial economy and has been hit hard by global economic turmoil and rising costs at home.

I was very excited to attend the red carpet premiere of CBC's new adventure-drama Arctic Air starring Adam Beach, Pascale Hutton, Kevin Mcnulty and Stepehen Lobo.

Arctic Air is a one-hour adventure series set in the booming Arctic, about a maverick airline and the unconventional family who runs it.

Here's another helpful hint for our small business owners there....

How many of you have heard of the Youth Skills BC Workplace Pilot Program?

The program is designed to provide participants (eligible youth between 15 and 29 years of age) with the skills that are required to be successful in the labour market. 

BC Employers will be able to hire up to three participants and potentially receive up to a maximum of $2,000 per participant as a hiring incentive. 

We have all witnessed or heard of violence being directed at women one time or another. We must remember that violence against women and girls takes many forms and is rampant throughout the world. In recent years, there has been a great deal of attention to the issue of women who have suffered violence.  It is now time to take action to support those women who live with violence to take steps to protect themselves and their children.

I have been inspired by the efforts of Surrey-Fleetwood MLA Jagrup Brar, who has taken up the challenge of living a month off of $610, the allotment set by the BC Liberal government for those who rely on welfare.

I cannot accept the cynical political commentary that associates Jagrup's acceptance of the Raise the Rates organizational challenge.  Mr. Brar, like the legendary Emory Barnes before him, is walking the walk and really experiencing the hardship brought about by the inadequate support offered by this government.

I have been inspired by the efforts of Surrey-Fleetwood MLA Jagrup Brar, who has taken up the challenge of living a month off of $610, the allotment set by the BC Liberal government for those who rely on welfare.

I cannot accept the cynical political commentary that associates Jagrup's acceptance of the Raise the Rates organizational challenge.  Mr. Brar, like the legendary Emory Barnes before him, is walking the walk and really experiencing the hardship brought about by the inadequate support offered by this government.

The employment market pendulum has swung drastically.  Professionals across Canada are feeling job volatility and have polished up their resumes.  Despite the cautious business climate, there are still great career opportunities with companies committed to elevating their talent in hopes of taking full advantage of an economy that will see the "cream" of every industry rise to the top.

In 2011, Christmas Day and New Years Day both fall on a Sunday. What this means is that if an employee is eligible (has worked for the company more than a month and worked 15 of the 30 days prior to the statutory) they are entitled to recompense.

If the staff member works on the Christmas Day or New Years Day they are entitled to time and a half and an extra days pay.

If the staff member doesn't work on the holiday then they are entitled to an average days pay (see BC Employment Standards Fact Sheet for more information).

Substituting one day for another:

For many companies the annual Christmas party is a tradition in Canada. However many new immigrants may not be familiar with Canadian Christmas party protocol. It's important to remember that unlike other social gatherings, the company party is attended by your work colleagues, your bosses, spouses and even your company's most important clients and business partners.

To ensure that you have a great time and perhaps even to give your career a boost here are 10 Key Points to Remember:

After leaving 8 years of Real Estate Sales in Surrey, Yvonne decided to follow
her dream of doing artwork and design—a career better suited to her talent and
benefit to the community. Yvonne Meyer achieved a 4-point grade average at
Kwantlen University College during 3 years of Fine Arts and Graphic and Visual
Design Diploma courses.
The usual time to complete these courses was 4 years.
Eleven years later Meyer Print Graphics was launched after several successful jobs