One of the world’s leading economists will open the sixth annual State of the Island Economic Summit at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre Monday (Oct. 15).
Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of Canada, will make his only public appearance in British Columbia in 2012 when he delivers the conference’s opening address.
Carney will be arriving in Canada after attending annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund in Tokyo.
“Mr. Carney needs no introduction to anyone who has been following the news of the Canadian and world economy for the last several years,” said Bill Benoit, chairman of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance. “We are thrilled to have someone of the governor’s international reputation bringing his knowledge and insight to this year’s summit.”
British Columbia Premier Christy Clark will provide the summit’s keynote address on Tuesday (Oct. 16).
The two-day summit is an opportunity for all Island-based communities and economic stakeholders to get together and address common challenges and opportunities, and to market the Island as a group to the rest of the world.
Included in the discussions are civic and business leaders, First Nations, youth, transportation representatives and tourism representatives, among others.
George Hanson, president of VIEA, said the conference has played a significant role in bringing leaders from across the Island together to discuss issues over the past five years.
“It’s an event where about 500 people come together in a diverse environment to network, share ideas, learn from each other and build partnerships. It’s definitely has played a role in increasing the appetite for collaboration,” he said.
Hanson noted that having the opportunity to listen to Carney will be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and that the governor will have some interesting economic insight to share with conference attendees.
“We don’t often have people of this profile come to B.C. never mind to Nanaimo,” said Hanson.
VIEA is a registered non-government, non-profit society funded by memberships and sponsorships. It’s key objectives are to promote a sustainable and diversified economy, promote strong Island communities and promote initiatives that strengthen the Island’s economic development.