British Columbia Institute of Technology
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Kathy Kinloch, President of BCIT, represented the Institute as the Chair of the Emerging Economy Task Force (EETF). The EETF was brought together in July 2018 by the Provincial Government of British Columbia (B.C.) to provide a better understanding of how global conditions and emerging technological advancements will shape the future of B.C.’s economy. The EETF was composed of 14 members, appointed for their expertise, experience, and demonstrated ability to contribute to the discussion and delivery of the mandate.

The task force examined the current state of B.C.’s economy with a view to providing analysis and advice on emerging trends, including new technologies and innovations that will change the nature of business and society over the next 25 years. They explored options for cutting-edge government policies in response to these changes, to ensure B.C. stays at the forefront of emerging economic developments.

The EETF has made 25 recommendations that recognize and build on B.C.’s existing strengths and capacity in order to enhance well-being, sustainability and shared economic prosperity for the province and its residents. Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, social inclusion and environmental sustainability are cross-cutting themes, vital and necessary for a prosperous future economy and, as such, are reflected across the recommendations. The recommendations are presented within five key strategic priorities:
• embracing technology and innovation
• leveraging B.C.’s green economy
• building a highly skilled and adaptable workforce
• ensuring an effective enabling ecosystem
• demonstrating public sector leadership
The report will also be a valuable resource to help inform the province’s COVID-19 pandemic economic recovery.

The final report is available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/emerging-economy-task-force

BCIT Director of Institute Sustainability, Dr. Jennie Moore, is a member of the Global Urban Monitoring Framework (UMF) Task Team, an international group of experts working with UN Habitat on the UMF for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. UN Habitat works in over 90 countries to promote transformative change in cities and human settlements through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance and collaborative action. Effective advocacy, monitoring, and partnerships are vital for achieving sustainable urbanization and reducing urban poverty, which are key aims of national development policies and strategies. Improved monitoring of urban conditions complements efforts that bring sustainable urbanization to the attention of national policy and legislative debate processes. Involving strategic partners boosts these efforts. The UMF will efficiently and effectively track the progress of cities in their efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Tom Roemer, Vice-President Academic represents BCIT’s President on the Steering Committee of the Cascadia Innovation Corridor (CIC) – a cross border initiative. Vancouver, BC, Seattle, WA and Portland, OR have much in common: unsurpassed beauty; proximity to Asia; and market-leading capabilities in key economic sectors. By linking these cities, the CIC Initiative will create opportunity and prosperity beyond what they and their surrounding regions could achieve independently. The common vision is maturing the CIC into a single sustainable region, with a shared sense of identity, growth, employment and connectivity. The CIC Committee will leverage key assets and infrastructure to advocate for and support a strong cross-border economy and position the region as a global innovation hub. With a focus on areas including sustainable agriculture, life sciences, higher education research excellence research, transformative technologies, the efficient movement of people and goods across border, best and diverse talent, transportation, housing and connectivity, the CIC is committed to enhancing the lives of people living in the region, and beyond.