Business Council of British Columbia

View Original

RELEASE: Sue Paish, Q.C. incoming Chair of BCBC

Business Council of B.C. announces Sue Paish, Q.C. as incoming Chair

Newly elected Executive Committee members and Governors add depth of leadership and sectoral expertise

May 2, 2018 (Vancouver – B.C.) - Recognized British Columbia business leader in health, technology and law, Sue Paish Q.C., was elected for a two-year term as Chair of the Business Council of British Columbia on May 1 at the organization’s 52nd Annual General Meeting.

“At a time when British Columbia is on the cusp of so many opportunities, I am excited to continue the tradition of those who have gone before me to support the important work the Business Council of B.C. undertakes in support of our members, and for the benefit of British Columbia’s people and its economy,” said Paish, who also serves as a Corporate Director with CORIX Group of Companies. “As in every year of the Business Council’s 50-plus years of serving our province, we will succeed and capture our future by working together – with our members, governments, our employees and the communities we serve – to focus on pragmatic solutions which enable our province to act on new opportunities.”

“Working together, I am confident British Columbia can continue to lead the country and be regarded as one of the best places to invest, work and raise a family,” continued Paish. “But we have work to do to attract and retain essential talent, create a thriving investment climate, and inspire innovation across multiple sectors. I look forward to working with the Business Council staff, Board of Governors and members to meet this challenge.”

Paish replaces outgoing Chair, Marcia Smith, Senior Vice President, Sustainability and External Affairs, Teck Resources Limited.

“British Columbia is fortunate to have an energetic, engaged business community, focused on advancing positive dialogue and constructive public policy ideas,” said Smith. “It has been my privilege as Chair to contribute to the work of the Business Council, which supports a stronger economy, stronger communities, and a stronger province.”

Business Council President and Chief Executive Officer Greg D'Avignon thanks Smith for her dedication to the Council and welcomes Paish to the new role.

“On behalf of the members and staff at the Council, I thank Marcia for her leadership and creativity in making a positive difference in British Columbia’s economic future,” said D’Avignon. “In her time as Chair, Marcia has made a significant impact advancing economic reconciliation with Indigenous People through the work of our Champions Table and BCBC’s Memorandum of Understanding with the B.C. Assembly of First Nations; as well as thoughtful policy recommendations to support B.C.’s position as a climate leader while ensuring we remain competitive in the global market.”

“We are excited to work with Sue in her new role as Chair of the Business Council of British Columbia and have no doubt her leadership at our table will build on her many existing contributions to British Columbia’s economic and social prosperity,” continued D’Avignon.

In addition to the election of Sue Paish as Chair of the Business Council, BCBC members elected new representatives to the executive committee and board of governors.

The Business Council welcomes the following newly elected members of the executive committee:

  • Doug French, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, TELUS Corp
  • Walter Pela, Regional Managing Partner, KPMG
  • Ryan Peterson, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Finger Food Studios Inc.
  • Asifa Samji, Senior Vice President, Business Leader, Environmental Services, Stantec
  • Ted Lau, Chief Executive Officer at Ballistic Arts and Board representative for the NEXT Leaders Council.

The full list of Executive Committee Members and Board of Governors is available here.

Click for Background Information:

About the Business Council of British Columbia

Now in its 52nd year as the premier business organization in British Columbia, the Business Council of B.C. is a non-partisan organization made up of 250 leading companies, post-secondary institutions and industry associations from across B.C.'s diverse economy. The Council produces exceptional public policy research and advocacy in support of creating a competitive economy for the benefit of all British Columbians.

Contact

Cheryl Maitland Muir
604-812-5965
cheryl.muir[at]bcbc.com