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West at a Glance - September 2017 Issue

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Inside this issue


Provincial Government Developments

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

News and Opinion Highlights

Key Economic Indicators

 
British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Canada
Last Update
Gross Domestic Product
Real GDPFootnote 1  (2007 $billions, forecast) $225 $301 $60 $58 $1,726 2017
% ch. from year earlier 2.7% 4.3% 2.7% 2.8% 2.9%  
             
Labour Market
Employment (SA, thousands) 2,480 2,287 568 649 18,444 Aug-17
Change from previous month -1.2 2.3 0.1 0.3 22.2  
% ch. from previous month 0.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.1%  
% ch. from year earlier 3.9% 1.5% -0.2% 2.5% 2.1%  
             
Unemployment Rate (SA,%) 5.1% 8.1% 6.4% 4.9% 6.2% Aug-17
percentage points from previous month -0.2 0.3 -0.2 -0.1 -0.1  
percentage points from year earlier -0.4 -0.4 -0.1 -1.1 -0.8  
             
Regular EI beneficiaries (SA) 49,740 69,740 18,470 14,830 517,200 Jun-17
Change from previous month -950 -2,410 -160 -140 -7,010  
% ch. from previous month -1.9% -3.3% -0.9% -0.9% -1.3%  
% ch. from previous year -4.6% -14.9% 7.8% -2.0% -6.8%  
             
Average weekly earnings $944.56 $1,131.87 $1,001.53 $897.79 $973.52 Jun-17
Change from previous year $16.96 $14.10 $11.79 $6.09 $17.04  
             
Prices
CPI (y/y) 1.9% 1.0% 0.8% 0.9% 1.2% Jul-17
CPI (y/y) previous month 1.7% 0.4% 0.5% 0.2% 1.0% Jun-17
             
Consumers and Business
Retail Sales (SA, $millions) $7,156 $6,866 $1,641 $1,617 $48,992 Jun-17
% ch. from previous month 1.9% 1.0% -0.1% -3.4% 0.1%  
% ch. from previous year 12.4% 10.5% 1.0% 1.6% 7.3%  
             
Manufacturing Sales (SA, $millions) $4,195 $5,946 $1,288 $1,578 $53,938 Jun-17
% ch. from previous month 0.9% -2.0% -1.9% 6.0% -1.8%  
% ch. from previous year 12.0% 12.9% 10.7% 11.9% 6.2%  
             
Building Permits (SA, $millions) $1,409 $1,028 $147 $238 $7,922 Jul-17
% ch. from previous month 4.8% -6.5% -27.3% -26.4% -3.5%  
% ch. from previous year 35.5% -9.0% -13.9% 3.2% 12.4%  
             
Housing Starts (SAAR, thousands) 38 26 7 7 223 Aug-17
% ch. from previous month -20.5% -21.6% 30.7% 45.7% 0.6%  
% ch. from previous year 4.9% 32.9% 9.6% 52.0% 21.5%  
             
International Trade
Merchandise Exports($millions) $3,412 $7,648 $2,117 $1,045 $37,223 Jul-17
% ch. from previous month -8.0% -6.5% -2.9% -14.2% -15.0%  
% ch. from previous year -0.7% 23.8% 5.6% 0.6% 3.9%  
             
Merchandise Imports ($millions) $4,493 $2,203 $946 $1,608 $44,146 Jul-17
% ch. from previous month -2.0% -14.7% -12.6% -16.0% -14.2%  
% ch. from previous year 6.5% 17.0% 24.3% 9.0% 4.8%  
             
Demographics
Population (estimate) 4,789,221 4,291,980 1,161,365 1,332,629 36,591,241 Q2 2017
% ch. from previous year 1.3% 1.4% 1.4% 1.6% 1.2%  
Largest Cities (CMAs) Vancouver
(2,548,740)
Calgary
(1,469,341)
Saskatoon
(315,150)
Winnipeg*
(811,874)
  2016
  Victoria*
(370,899)
Edmonton*
(1,392,594)
Regina*
(247,224)
     

 

Upcoming Events

Event Description Location Date
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Business Excellence Series: FinTech A conference organized by Business in Vancouver (BIV) to help SMEs make informed decisions in the FinTech landscape. Vancouver, BC September 12, 2017 : B.C.
Export Essentials: The New Canadian Free Trade Agreement - How to Trade with Other Provinces Small Business BC will host a seminar to help businesses understand how they can leverage the Canada Free Trade Agreement to export their products and services to new markets across Canada. Vancouver, BC September 14, 2017 : B.C.
Shaping the Future of Canada-U.S. Trade: Optimizing Canada's Advantage The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will host a talk featuring Gervais Jacques, Managing Director, Atlantic Operations, Rio Tinto, on supply chain benefits for BC businesses. He will then be joined by CEO of the Canadian-American Business Council and political media personality, Scotty Greenwood, to discuss expectations on NAFTA negotiations. Vancouver, BC September 18, 2017 : B.C.
Inclusive Business Forum: Leveraging Opportunities to Innovate Human Capital The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will host its inaugural Inclusive Business Forum to assist local companies identify talent management strategies. Vancouver, BC September 21, 2017 : B.C.
Canadian Mining in a Changing World The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is hosting Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada, to discuss opportunities for the growth of sustainable mining in BC and across Canada. Vancouver, BC September 29, 2017 : B.C.
Vancouver Island Economic Summit 2017 The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance will host a forum for businesses and stakeholders in Nanaimo on how to champion Vancouver Island in the Global Marketplace. Nanaimo, BC September 29, 2017 : Nanaimo, B.C.
2017 Fastest Growing Companies Reception Business in Vancouver will host a networking reception to highlight the achievements of companies across BC who have shown remarkable growth over the past five years. Vancouver, BC October 11, 2017 : B.C.
4th Annual Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Show The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Show offers networking opportunities for businesses and individuals, including speeches from industry leaders. Vancouver, BC October 24, 2017 : B.C.
Trade Forum 2017: Opportunities in an Uncertain Global Economy The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade will host a half day conference to bring together trade policy experts, business thought-leaders, senior government officials, and media to discuss the future of NAFTA, trade in the Pacific Rim, European trade, and the Pacific Gateway. Vancouver, BC October 27, 2017 : B.C.
BC Business Summit 2017: Scaling Up British Columbia The Business Council of British Columbia will host business, First Nations, academia and community leaders, and decision makers from across the province to explore strategies for scaling up the size, talent, competitiveness, and influence of businesses in British Columbia. Vancouver, BC November 1, 2017 : B.C.
ALBERTA
National Gathering of Elders 2017 The first national gathering of elders from all Indigenous groups of Canada. A chance for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to find common ground promoting environmental responsibility and cultural preservation. Edmonton, AB September 11-14, 2017 : Alberta
Opportunities North An Edmonton North Partnership event focused on creating and expanding economic opportunities and partnerships between northern and southern businesses and organizations. Topics will cover business, agriculture, education, tourism, transportation, and healthcare. Edmonton, AB September 12-14, 2017 : Alberta
EconoUS2017 - Innovation For Shared Prosperity A workshop event organized by the Canadian CED Network (CCED) to connect and inspire social innovators from across Canada who share a passion for creating inclusive community economic development. Calgary, AB September 13-15, 2017 : Alberta
Health And Life Sciences Showcase An event featuring educational seminars, pitch presentations, roundtables, vendors, and BioAlberta's annual awards gala. Edmonton, AB September 20, 2017 : Alberta
Banff Venture Forum A showcase of hi-tech companies from across North America offering insight into key issues within the industry. A premium networking opportunity and a chance to learn from world-class professionals in the investment community. Banff, AB September 21-22, 2017 : Alberta
Aboriginal Business Match (ABM) ABM allows business connections to be made by eliminating geographic barriers, condensing time requirements, and reducing costs. Enoch, AB September 25-27, 2017 : Alberta
2017 Alberta Climate Summit: Seizing Innovation And Opportunity In A Low-Carbon Economy The event, hosted by the Pembina Institute, will bring together 500+ thought leaders from industry, government, environmental NGOs, and community stakeholders to learn from success stories, identify opportunities and challenges, and explore solutions related to Alberta's clean energy future. Calgary, AB September 28, 2017 : Alberta
Rural Alberta Innovation and Learning (RAIL) Commons The RAIL commons conference is focused on rural economic and community development. It is attended by councilors, mayors, CAOs, EDOs, community development professionals, and students from across the province. Olds, AB September 29 - October 1, 2017 : Alberta
2017 Canadian Inland Ports Conference The event will investigate the economic and societal importance of existing inland ports and demonstrate the potential economic impact of these inland ports within their region and Canada. Calgary, AB October 4-5, 2017 : Alberta
2017 Calgary Energy Roundtable The event brings together industry and government leaders to discuss Canada's energy future. Calgary, AB October 11, 2017 : Alberta
Second Richard Marceau Energy Symposium Hosted by the Bowman Centre for Sustainable Energy and Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC) to move forward on nation-building sustainable energy projects. Calgary, AB October 11-12, 2017 : Alberta
CERI 2017 Electricity Conference The conference will discuss the opportunities and challenges of greening the Canadian electricity system. Calgary, AB October 16-17, 2017 : Alberta
2017 International Aboriginal Tourism Conference A community-led, industry-driven, international tourism conference which brings together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal tourism entrepreneurs & community leaders. Calgary, AB November 6-8, 2017 : Alberta
Spark 2017 Hosted by Emissions Reduction Alberta and Alberta Innovates, the conference connects researchers, innovators, investors, experts, and innovation advisors to advance clean technology and bioindustrial solutions toward commercialization. Edmonton, AB November 6-8, 2017 : Edmonton, Alberta
National Summit on Indigenous Youth and Natural Resource Development Hosted by the Conference Board of Canada the event will bring the perspectives, needs, and aspirations of Indigenous youth to the forefront of Canada's discourse on sustainable natural resource development. Calgary, AB November 21-22, 2017 : Alberta
2017 Alberta Export Awards The Alberta Export Awards recognize the innovative approaches and unique contributions of Alberta-registered export companies across all regions of the province. Calgary, AB November 23, 2017 : Alberta
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan Indigenous Business Forum The forum seeks to bring together Indigenous youth from across the province and industry leaders for a day of networking and education with a focus on Indigenous youth, entrepreneurship, and economic diversity. Fort Qu'Appelle, SK September 11, 2017 : Saskatchewan
EDCE Entrepreneurial Development Conference and Expo The event offers insights and opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It includes over 20 sessions, workshops, and presentations from top industry experts, an interactive small business expo, and 3 one-on-one networking events. Saskatoon, SK September 15-16, 2017 : Saskatchewan
Economic Update with Senior Vice President & Chief Economist of TD Bank Group The Regina Chamber of Commerce is hosting Beata Caranci, Senior Vice President & Chief Economist of the TD Bank Group for an Economic Update. Regina, SK September 15, 2017 : Saskatchewan
Lunch with Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada The Saskatoon Regional Development Authority is hosting a lunch with Timothy Lane, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada. Deputy Governor Lane will deliver a speech about competition and innovation and its importance for Canada. Saskatoon, SK September 18, 2017 : Saskatchewan
MANITOBA
International Downtown Association (IDA) 63rd Annual Conference and Tradeshow Winnipeg will host the 63rd Annual Conference themed "AuthentiCITY". The tradeshow will be the place for practitioners to study best practices, explore new ideas, network, and share solutions on transforming cities into healthy and vibrant urban places. Winnipeg, MB September 13-15, 2017 : Manitoba
Projectworld Business Analyst World Winnipeg A unique industry-leading event that empowers Project Management and Business Analysis professionals with the skills to take their careers to the next level.  The Workshops look deeper into Lean, Six Sigma, Agile Environments, Leadership, and Essential Tools. Winnipeg, MB September 18-21, 2017 : Manitoba
Agricultural Bioscience International Conference A premier global meeting promoting innovation in bioscience to ensure sustainable food, feed, fibre, and fuel security as the climate changes. Winnipeg, MB September 25-28, 2017 : Manitoba
Global Forum 2017: Shaping the Future The Global Forum is an independent, high profile, international, non-for-profit event dedicated to business and policy issues affecting Digital Society. This is the first time in 25 years the forum will be held in Canada and will include more than 300 key policy-makers as well as public/private stakeholders from more than 30 countries. Winnipeg, MB October 2-3, 2017 : Manitoba
Southern Manitoba Manufacturers' Summit This annual event provides a forum for Southern Manitoba manufacturers of all sizes and sub-sectors to explore a balanced approach to long-term social, environmental, and economic objectives. Morden, MB October 26, 2017 : Manitoba
The Hemp Fest Cannabis Expo The Expo will feature talks and presentations from industry leaders and exhibitors showcasing industry-related products and services, including licensed Producers, Dispensaries, Nutrient companies, Hydroponics Manufacturers, Medical Clinics, and Health and Wellness providers. Winnipeg, MB November 4, 2017 : Manitoba
Western Business Outlook 2018 The Conference Board of Canada will present its forecast into 2018 and beyond. Winnipeg, MB November 7, 2017 : Manitoba
Grain World Conference The conference will feature panelists and expert speakers from the grain industry and provide global networking opportunities with influential delegates in the agricultural sector. Winnipeg, MB November 14-15, 2017 : Manitoba
Innovating at the Speed of Light The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon session featuring Elyse Allan, CEO of GE Canada. The talk will focus on automation of our workplaces, the state of global competitiveness, and what Winnipeg employers and the workforce must learn to thrive in the Digital Revolution. Winnipeg, MB November 24, 2017 : Manitoba
Western Canada Cleantech Innovation Forum The forum will feature keynote speakers, plenary sessions, technical concurrent sessions, and a special edition of the Green Dragon's Lair. Winnipeg, MB November 29-30, 2017 : Manitoba

Western Economic Diversification Canada

The role of Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is to improve the long-term economic competitiveness of Western Canada by supporting programs and services that enhance innovation, business development, and community economic development. In addition, the department undertakes policy, advocacy and coordination activities in order to advance the interests of Western Canada in national economic decision-making.
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