September 12, 2023 - Surrey Leadership Series - Immigration and its Impacts on Business

The Surrey Board of Trade invites you to be a part of the upcoming Surrey Leadership Series: Immigration and its Impacts on Business. Learn from industry experts about how immigration policies and trends impact local businesses, and find out ways to benefit from having a diverse workforce.
Key Focus: Housing, Workforce Development, and Skills and Labour Shortages

Come and be a part of an exciting panel discussion where you will get the chance to listen to specialists in the immigration and business sectors. Gain knowledge about the newest immigration policies, delve into the economic influence of immigration on our society, and uncover fresh strategies for drawing in and holding onto skilled international professionals.

PANELISTS:

Megan Dykeman, Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-profits, Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Megan Dykeman is the Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits to the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. She was elected in 2020 and represents the community of Langley East. Megan is deeply connected to her community of Langley, where she has worked as a small business owner and farmer and has taken on many public service roles. Before being elected to provincial office, she served as Chair of the Langley Board of Education. First elected in 2011, she served three terms as a trustee with the Board, working hard to make public education in Langley better for kids and families. Megan holds a Master's in International Relations from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, where her research focused on food security. In 2017, she completed a certificate in Negotiation and Leadership at Harvard Law School. She lives on her specialty poultry farm in Langley with her two children and their farm's turkeys, geese, ducks, quail, chickens, and goats.

Daniel C. Lee, Associate, Fasken
Daniel C. Lee is an accomplished immigration advisor specializing in corporate immigration law, compliance, and global employee mobility. With a strong track record in various sectors, he guides Canadian and foreign companies through complex immigration processes. Apart from his legal role, Daniel contributes to The Lawyer?s Daily and volunteers extensively. Recognized as a "Changemaker" in Canadian Lawyer?s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers 2022, he aids Ukrainian conflict refugees moving to Canada. Dedicated to seamless immigration solutions and legal excellence, Daniel remains committed to his impactful work.

Trevor Hargreaves, Senior Vice President of Policy Research & Government Relations, BC Real Estate Association
Trevor Hargreaves is BCREA's Senior VP of Policy Research and government Relations. He is also an Adjunct Professor with the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia. With a background in advocacy and strategic communication, including prior and current roles in agricultural policy with BC?s dairy and cranberry sectors; Trevor brings a seasoned perspective to provincial land-use and housing affordability challenges. He aims to proactively address industry challenges, unify real estate's influence, and foster collaborative solutions. His approach emphasizes broad sector stakeholder consultation, research, and alignment for collective advocacy success.

Raj Hundal, Senior Director of Employment, Planning & Program Development, Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society
With over 13 years in Employment Programs, Raj Hundal is a seasoned expert in employment counseling, workshop facilitation, and program management. Holding a Law Degree and a Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) designation, he's skilled in diverse client engagement, PR, and communications. Raj's background includes roles at the City of Vancouver, Provincial and Federal governments. As Senior Director at Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS), he drives Employment, Planning & Program Development. Formerly a part-time Instructor at Langara College, he now sits on the Surrey Board of Trade Health and Technology Committee and ASPECT BC Board. Raj received the Community Crusader Award for his impactful leadership and community betterment.

Kerry Jothen, CEO, Human Capital Strategies
Kerry has over 45 years of experience in diverse human capital roles, including 22+ years as CEO of Human Capital Strategies, a prominent BC-based workforce planning, research and strategy consultancy. He has excelled in leadership roles in private and public sectors, including as CEO of the BC Industry Training & Apprenticeship Commission. He has advised several industries on strategic workforce planning, strategy development and Indigenous engagement, including four global LNG proponents (Chevron, Petronas, Woodfibre and now Ksi Lisims LNG), a global leader in aluminum production, mining companies, and several construction and knowledge-based organizations. Kerry has led 60 Indigenous engagement and workforce development projects and also has extensive experience in engagement and research on immigrant employment and is an advocate for diversity and maximizing opportunities for new Canadians.