BC R&D tax credit program facing mandated review

The British Columbia Technology Industries Association (BCTIA) has launched a letter- and email-writing campaign to save the 10% provincial R&D tax credit program. The provincial scientific research and experimental development tax credit program is set to expire in August/04 and is currently the subject of a mandated review. The BCTIA is urging provincial technology executives to write Finance minister Gary Collins to reinforce the importance of the program, which is costly but considered key to regional competitiveness. The new Quebec government recently reduced Quebec’s 40% tax credit incentive to 35% as a cost-cutting measure (R$, June 23/03)....

Technology workers access better job standards

Canada’s technology professionals will have improved access to references for categorized work experience and knowledge following a recent licensing agreement between the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) and the Canadian Technology Human Resources Board. (CTHRB). The deal provides the CCTT with access to the CTHRB’s standards, creating better hiring criteria, a closer fit between jobs and employment requirements and easier transferability across firms and Canadian jurisdictions. FMI: www.cthrb.ca or www.cctt.ca....