Destination Vancouver

Information sources for business visitors, investors, entrepreneurs, immigrants and foreign students coming to Vancouver. 

Visiting Vancouver
Immigrating to Canada & British Columbia
Working in Vancouver
Starting a Business
Information Sources for Businesses
Business Premises & Utilities
Finding Capital Investment
Finding Commercial & Industrial Space
Finding Employees
Creating a Healthy & Save Workplace
Selling Products & Services
Exporting Information
Bidding for Government Business
Promoting Your Business in Vancouver
Studying in Vancouver
Government & Non-Profit Services for Immigrants

Visiting Vancouver
Entry requirements for Canada depend on where you live and the reason for your visit. You may need a Temporary Resident Visa. For more information, visit:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit

Some people are not allowed entry to Canada for security, health, financial or other reasons. Consult a Canadian embassy or consulate - locations of Canadian offices abroad are listed at:
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

>>Visitor Links

City of Vancouver Visitor Information
Information on arts, culture, events, outdoor sports and recreation, parks and gardens, self-guided walking tours, transportation and sightseeing.
www.vancouver.ca/visitors.htm

Tourism British Columbia
Tourism information about British Columbia.
www.hellobc.com

Tourism Vancouver
The region’s official source for information and services for visitors, providing maps, travel guides, accommodation listings, and a comprehensive directory of Vancouver attractions and sightseeing ideas.
www.tourismvancouver.com
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Immigrating to Canada and British Columbia
Canada and British Columbia welcome thousands of new residents every year. In most cases, you must apply at a Canadian visa office outside of Canada; in some cases, you can apply to become a permanent resident after you arrive in Canada. Different rules may apply depending on whether you are:

  • A skilled worker or professional
  • An investor, entrepreneur or self-employed
  • A family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • An applicant recognized by B.C.’s Provincial Nominee Program

Immigration resources are available at:
www.ag.gov.bc.ca/immigration

BC Immigrant Entrepreneurs Program
The Government of British Columbia offers accelerated immigration for qualified entrepreneurs who have the ability to develop a successful business.
www.sbed.gov.bc.ca/ProgramsAndServices/PNP/BC

Citizenship and Immigration Canada provides useful resources and services for people looking to immigrate to Canada, including a variety of publications.
www.cic.gc.ca
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Working in Vancouver
There is a broad array of services and resources available for job seekers in Vancouver. Before beginning your job search, make sure you are allowed to work legally in Canada. Newcomers who do not have Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status, or who wish to acquire a work permit, can visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s “Working Temporarily in Canada” website:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/work

>>General Information
For general information about working in Canada and B.C., visit the following websites: 

Service Canada – Employment Services
Information and resources on obtaining employment in Canada, including online services and forms, and links to regional employment resources.
www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/subjects/employment

WorkBC
A website created by the B.C. government to provide job search, career planning and other employment resources related to B.C.’s job market.
www.workbc.ca

Work Futures
Intended for learners, individuals interested in changing careers or re-entering the labour market, and for career practitioners, Work Futures provides a comprehensive description of close to 200 occupations as they relate to the B.C. labour market.
www.workfutures.bc.ca

Working in Canada
A resource created by the Government of Canada to provide information about Canada’s labour market, job titles, and employment facts by occupation and city, town or region.
www.workingincanada.gc.ca

>>Careers in the Public Sector

B.C. Public Service
The B.C. Public Service is the province’s largest employer, with over 30,000 employees.
www.employment.gov.bc.ca

City of Vancouver Employment Opportunities
The City of Vancouver employs 9,000 people.
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/humanresources
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Starting a Business
The process to set up a business in Vancouver is determined by the type of business, and by the location of the business. 

Business Registration, Incorporation and Licenses
Small Business B.C. provides information and assistance.
Toll Free in B.C.: 1-800-667-2272
www.smallbusinessbc.ca

Federal Company Incorporation and Name Searches
Industry Canada provides many services and programs for business, including federal company incorporation and name searches.
www.ic.gc.ca

Obtaining a Business License
All businesses operating within the City of Vancouver require a business license; some require multiple licenses, depending on the goods or services provided. To find out about licensing, including requirements, fees, inspections and enforcement, visit:
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/licandinsp

Self-Serve Business Registration
The B.C. Business Registry operates a “one-stop” business registry, enabling proprietorship and partnership businesses to register online with multiple public sector agencies in one step.
www.bcbusinessregistry.ca
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Information Sources for Businesses
B.C. Ministry of Economic Development
Promotes commerce and investment in B.C.
www.investbc.com

B.C. Stats
The statistical agency of the B.C. government.
www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca

City of Vancouver
The City of Vancouver publishes extensive business-related information on its website.
www.vancouver.ca/business.htm#resources

Metro Vancouver
A partnership of 21 municipalities and one electoral area that provides regional services throughout Greater Vancouver.
www.gvrd.bc.ca

Vancouver Public Library
The multi-branch library has many resources for businesses.
www.vpl.ca
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Business Premises & Utilities
Construction of and changes to commercial and business buildings require permits, including permits for development, building, occupancy, plumbing and electrical work.

  • Development Permits are required for new buildings, to determine if the building concept and intended use are suitable for the neighbourhood.
  • Building Permits are needed for any new building, or for changes to a building, to ensure that the building is safe.
  • Occupancy Permits are required to ensure the safety of new or renovated buildings for occupancy.
  • Plumbing, Gas and Electrical Permits are needed when new water pipes, gas pipes or electrical wiring are installed in any building, new or old.

If you do not have the required permits, your business-related activities may be stopped.
www.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/developmentservices

City of Vancouver Engineering Services
Provides water supply, sewage, drainage, refuse removal, street access, lighting. For water services call 604-326-4800; for sewage services call 604-326-4680; for other services call 604-873-7300.
www.vancouver.ca/engsvcs/admin/breakdown.htm

Electricity
Provided by B.C. Hydro. Call 1-800-224-9374.
www.bchydro.com

Natural Gas
Available from Terasen Gas. Call 1-888-224-2710.
www.terasengas.com/Business/default.htm
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Finding Investment Capital
Vancouver provides a broad array of financing options for new and established businesses. 

Business Development Bank of Canada
The BDC, a financial institution owned by the Government of Canada, delivers flexible financing, affordable consulting services and venture capital to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses at every stage of growth.
www.bdc.ca

Venture Capital Programs
B.C.’s venture capital programs are designed to encourage investors to make equity capital investments in British Columbia-based small businesses, and to ensure that small businesses have continuous access to early-stage venture capital to help them develop and expand.
www.gov.bc.ca/ecdev
www.equitycapital.gov.bc.ca

Western Economic Diversification
This Canadian government agency assists small businesses and new entrepreneurs through grants, contributions and programs.
www.wd.gc.ca
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Finding Commercial & Industrial Space
To acquire or lease commercial or industrial space, you may consider working with a licensed real estate agent. To find out more about working with realtors and about agency representation options in Vancouver, contact the B.C. Real Estate Association.
www.bcrea.bc.ca

Online inventories of available space:

CSLink.ca
Provided by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, this web site is a regularly updated inventory of commercial property for sale or lease in Greater Vancouver.
www.cslink.ca

Space4Lease
This website provides an inventory of available office, industrial and retail space in all major Canadian markets, using a network of major real estate brokers.
www.space4lease.com
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Finding Employees
Before hiring employees, ensure you understand the B.C. Employment Standards Act, and associated regulations.
www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/does-esa-apply.htm

>>Recruitment

Many employment services, recruitment agencies, online job posting services and ‘headhunter’ or executive search firms provide dedicated services for the Vancouver market. 

Online resources:

Charity Village
Employer and job seeker resources and job postings, exclusively for the non-profit sector.
www.charityvillage.com

go2
Employer and job seeker resources and job postings, exclusively for the tourism industry.
www.go2hr.ca

LifeSciences BC
Employer and job seeker resources and job postings, exclusively for the life sciences and biotechnology industries.
www.lifesciencesbc.ca/Employment

Service Canada JobBank
Canada’s one-stop job listing web site, helping Canadian workers, job seekers and employers connect online, free of service charges.
http://jb-ge.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

T-NET British Columbia
Employer and job seeker resources and job postings, exclusively for technology industries.
www.bctechnology.com

>>Foreign Skilled Workers & Professionals

When a Canadian employer is unable to find a qualified Canadian resident for a position, skilled workers from overseas may come to Canada through one of a variety of immigration programs. 

The rules for sponsoring a skilled worker can change from time to time – check with Citizenship & Immigration Canada.
www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled

The B.C. Provincial Nominee Program is designed to help companies recruit foreign workers in selected industries. Top sectors for provincial nominees are:

  • Healthcare
  • Skilled trades
  • High-tech and information technology
  • Post-secondary education

For more information, visit:
www.pnp.gov.bc.ca

>>Temporary Foreign Workers

Every year, more than 90,000 foreign workers enter Canada to work temporarily to help Canadian employers address skill shortages. Citizenship and Immigration Canada issues work permits to foreign workers; all temporary foreign workers must have a valid work permit.
www.cic.gc.ca/english/work
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Creating a Healthy & Safe Workplace
The Workers Compensation Act (WCA) outlines the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers with respect to health and safety in the workplace.

Five documents outline the minimum requirements for occupational health and safety in B.C.

  • Workers Compensation Act (BC) Excerpts and Summaries (WCA
  • Hazardous Products Act (Canada) Summaries (HPA)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHS Regulation)
  • Prevention Manual (Policies)
  • Guidelines to help interpret and apply the OHS Regulation and WCA

WorkSafeBC is dedicated to promoting workplace health and safety in B.C.
www.worksafebc.com
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Selling Products & Services
Federal and provincial laws govern how consumer and industrial products can be produced and sold, and the legal responsibility of a business to its customers. 

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Exporting Information
Canada Export Centre
A centre that promotes, supports and matches exporters to buyers from around the globe, working with government, trade and industry associations and foreign consulates to capitalize on incoming trade delegations.
www.canadaexportcentre.com

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)
CME is Canada’s largest trade and industry association, promoting the continuous improvement of Canadian manufacturing and exporting.
www.cme-mec.ca/bc

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Export services for Canadian companies, provided through the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, including foreign market industry reports, key contacts searches, target market briefings and trade events.
www.infoexport.gc.ca

Export Development Canada
Canadian government agency providing innovative financing, insurance and bonding solutions to Canadian companies that export goods and services, or invest in other countries.
www.edc.ca

ExportSource.ca
An online resource centre developed by the Government of Canada to provide comprehensive information and practical tools for new and experienced exporters.
www.exportsource.ca

Small Business BC
Non-profit society offering new and potential exporters services to help export Canadian goods and services.
www.smallbusinessbc.ca

Trade Team BC
A group of federal, provincial and local export-service agencies that provides information, programs and services to companies looking to expand into new export markets outside Canada.
www.bctradeevents.com
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Bidding for Government Business
Opportunities to sell goods or services to municipal and provincial government departments and agencies can be found through the following programs: 

City of Vancouver
Bidding opportunities can be accessed on the City of Vancouver website.
www.vancouver.ca/bid

Government of British Columbia
A government procurement e-service that allows private corporations and individuals the opportunity to browse and compete on public sector tender opportunities in B.C. 

Using B.C. Bid, registrants are sent notifications, via e-mail, of government bid opportunities that match pre-selected criteria; registrants can also submit bids electronically.
www.bcbid.ca

Businesses may also register to find out about business opportunities related to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
www.2010commercecentre.gov.bc.ca
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Promoting Your Business in Vancouver
There are many industry associations that address the needs of companies in specific industries. Useful organizations and resources for businesses in all industries include: 

BC Business Magazine
Monthly magazine covering business in B.C.
www.bcbusinessmagazine.com

Better Business Bureau
Non-profit promoting fairness and honesty in the marketplace.
www.bbb.org

Business Council of British Columbia
An association representing over 200 large and medium-sized business enterprises.
www.bcbc.com

Business Improvement Areas (BIAs)
Non-profit associations of commercial property owners and business tenants who work to improve the economic vitality of their business districts. There are 20 business improvement areas in the city of Vancouver.
www.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/cityplans/bia

Business in Vancouver
Weekly magazine that provides business community news and information and publishes a variety of business-related annual publications.
www.biv.com

Canadian Business for Social Responsibility
Non-profit that encourages socially responsible business practices.
www.cbsr.ca

Ethno Business Council of B.C.
Non-profit that supports entrepreneurs who are immigrants to B.C.
www.ethno.org

Vancouver Board of Trade
Business association that provides advocacy efforts, events, business programs, and member benefits.
www.boardoftrade.com
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Studying in Vancouver 
Vancouver is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students. If you wish to apply to more than one B.C. educational institution, visit the Post-Secondary Application Service of B.C., an online service to help you apply to most public post-secondary institutions.
www.pas.bc.ca

B.C. Centre for International Education
Non-profit that promotes and helps develop international education in B.C.
www.bccie.bc.ca

Canadian Education Centre, Study Canada
A multilingual guide to post-secondary education institutions in Canada.
www.studycanada.ca/english/about-bc.htm

Citizenship & Immigration Canada
The Canadian Government issues permits for foreign students to study in Canada, and to work in Canada during and after their studies.
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp

“Studying in Canada: A Guide for Foreign Students,” is available at:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/study.asp

LearnLiveBC
Website on public post-secondary institutions in Vancouver and B.C., with information on making applications, transferring credits, scholarships and financial assistance.
www.learnlivebc.ca
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Government & Non-Profit Services for Immigrants
City of Vancouver
The City’s Social Planning department provides extensive resources and publishes a Newcomer’s Guide to Services in Chinese, English, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese.
www.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/socialplanning

Immigrant Services Society of B.C.
Provides English as a Second Language training, job search, job skills training and other services to new immigrants and refugees. Call: 604-684-7498.
www.issbc.org

MOSAIC
Provides immigrants services such as language instruction, employment programs, orientation, settlement counselling, family support, paralegal counselling, interpretation and translation, and community outreach.
Call: 604-254-9626
www.mosaicbc.com

Multicultural Helping House Society
Provides a variety of services to immigrants, including an employment support program for immigrants in professions and trades and settlement support services. Call: 604-879-3277.
www.helpinghouse.org

Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society
Provides settlement and integration services to immigrants including case management, job finding, and wage subsidy program for work placement assistance. Call: 604-324-7733.
www.pics.bc.ca

Skills Connect for Immigrants Program
Helps immigrants secure jobs that fully utilize their pre-arrival skills.
www.ecdev.gov.bc.ca/ProgramsAndServices/IQU/SkillsConnect

S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Provides many services for immigrants, including settlement information and referral, family and youth counselling, language training, employment and small business training, volunteer and community development programs. Call: 604-684-1628.
www.successbc.ca

WelcomeBC
Provides information to help newcomers to B.C. find out about English language courses, employment, health, education, recreation and other services and resources in their new communities. Call EnquiryBC at: 1-800-663-7867.
www.gov.bc.ca
www.ag.gov.bc.ca/immigration/index.htm
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