PKOVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY FOR THE TEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31st 1943 PRINTED BY AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY. VICTORIA, B.C. : ; Printed by Charles F. Banfield, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty. 1944. To His Honour W. C. Woodward, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of British Columbia. May it please Your Honour : I beg to submit herewith the Report of the Department of Trade and Industry for the year ended December 31st, 1943. ERNEST CRAWFORD CARSON, Minister of Trade and Industry. Department of Trade and Industry, Office of the Minister, ' Victoria, British Columbia. Honourable Ernest Crawford Carson, Minister of Trade and Industry, Victoria, B.C. Sir,—I have the honour to submit herewith the Report of the Department of Trade and Industry for the year ended December 31st, 1943. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, EDWIN G. ROWEBOTTOM, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry. Report of the Department of Trade and Industry for the Year ended December 31st, 1943. The period covered by this report is again one of brisk expansion and substantial gains, with industrial pay-rolls for 1942 totalling $303,000,000, some $63,000,000 better than for 1941 and setting a new high in the history of the Province. Ship-building was responsible in a large measure, but lumber and metal trades also showed substantial increases, and the decrease in metal-mining was relatively small in spite of its acute labour situation. Employment soared to new levels, with the month of November, 1942, showing a total of 143,760 against a high of 110,771 for October, 1941. Essential war industries drew heavily upon the man-power, but in others of a less essential nature the drain upon male labour was largely offset by marked increases in the number of women workers. Average weekly wages were increased substantially over 1941 through increased war-time production, longer working hours, the reduction of casual employment, and the payment of the cost-of-living bonus; in fact, to the point where the average weekly wage for all adult wage-earners was the highest on record. Occasion is taken again to remark upon the part played by the women and girls of British Columbia in sustaining the war effort. This has been indeed admirable, and the degree of skill which has been developed is more than remarkable. The manner in which the women have adapted themselves to the intricate and exacting processes of the essential war industries is one of the outstanding features of the whole industrial situation. With these preliminary remarks, this report goes on to discuss the various phases and to cover the work of the several Bureaus in detail. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE AT. OTTAWA. Since October, 1939, the Bureau of Industrial and Trade Extension has maintained its representative at Ottawa. During this time our representative has carried on continuous contacts with the Department of Munitions and Supply, heads of the three armed services, members of all purchasing and technical missions, foreign legations, various departments of the Dominion Government, together with Government operated and controlled companies, numerous boards and controls, and war-time manufacturing firms, plus manufacturers of commodities for civilian use. The volume of business placed in British Columbia as a consequence of this work can be safely said to run into very substantial figures. Contacts with Empire and United Nations missions have definitely resulted in export business for British Columbia industries. Valuable assistance has been given British Columbia manufacturers in the securing of primary raw materials, obtaining permission for priority shipment, etc., and acceptance of increased business by importing countries. Definite important business has resulted in at least four South American countries as a result of our representative's work and association with foreign legations at Ottawa, and this business bids fair to continue even in an increased volume following the cessation of hostilities. 3 U 4 BRITISH COLUMBIA. Mention should be made here of the recent visit of the Honourable J. A. Mackinnon, Minister of Trade and Commerce, to South and Central American countries. Despite present adverse shipping and trading conditions, Mr. Mackinnon said recently, " Now is the time to make preparations for post-war developments by the maintenance and establishment, if possible, of business contacts in foreign countries and by cultivating good-will towards Canada—Canadian products and Canadian methods." This is peculiarly applicable to British Columbia, as South and Central American countries appear to offer attractive trade possibilities, and to this end our representative is continuing close contact with all commercial attaches located in Eastern Canada. Many interviews have been had with Eastern Canadian manufacturers with a view to the establishment of new industries in British Columbia following the war. Not only has considerable encouragement been indicated but definite decisions have been made by certain industries in Eastern Canada to locate in British Columbia when the war is over. This phase of our representative's efforts is continuing. As a result of other contacts, certain private capital has shown a very positive interest in the development of British Columbia's natural resources and industrial expansion in the post-war period. Empire-wide recognition is given to British Columbia's ship-building production, as well as productive capabilities of our heavy and complicated intricate precision instruments and machinery. All of these have been declared to be outstanding. Acceptance of British Columbia's manufacturing capabilities is even more pronounced than a year ago. Proprietary articles previously made in the United Kingdom are now successfully manufactured in British Columbia. Many items of heavy and other industries continue to be supplied in large quantities to Eastern Canadian points, the United Kingdom, and other countries within the Empire (South Africa, North Africa, Australia, and New Zealand), and, as previously referred to, South American Republics. The Department's representative continues to direct " Invitations to Tender " to British Columbia manufacturers, priorities have been secured through Ottawa and Washington, D.C., which undoubtedly have been invaluable to certain industries within the Province. Substantial assistance has been given to the securing of raw materials, business licences, plant extensions, and additional equipment. The installation of new and modern equipment will place many of our industries in a position to more readily compete in Canadian and foreign trade following the war. The maintenance of this office at Ottawa is thoroughly appreciated by British Columbia manufacturers. This is evidenced by the large numbers of letters of appreciation and complimentary statements regarding the services being rendered. SPECIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT. Advisory Committee on Industrial Development and Rehabilitation. The Deputy Minister has acted as Chairman of this interdepartmental committee, of which the Trade Commissioner is also a member, and which consists of the following Department representatives:— Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance (Vice-Chairman). Chairman, Public Utilities Commission. Deputy Minister of Public Works. Deputy Minister of Mines. Chief Mining Engineer, Department of Mines. Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Provincial Horticulturist, Agriculture. Markets Commissioner, Agriculture. Chief Forester, Department of Lands. Assistant Forester, Department of Lands. DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 5 Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry (Chairman). Trade Commissioner, Trade and Industry. Deputy Minister of Labour. Assistant Commissioner of Fisheries. Comptroller of Water Rights. Deputy Comptroller of Water Rights. Chief Highway Engineer. The Acting-Secretary, Post-war Rehabilitation Council, attends the meetings of the committee as liaison officer of the Council. To objectively deal with the Interim Report of the Post-war Rehabilitation Council, the committee was broken down to sub-committees which presented specialized reports on fisheries, highways, mines, markets, plastics, and power. Consistent with this, and with a view to presentation of survey reports on reconversion, the committee evolved an approach to industry itself. The Chairman and the Trade Commissioner, with the Acting-Secretary of the Council, were constituted a sub-committee to conduct a series of group discussions under selected industry headings, and they reported progress under the following headings:— (1.) Secured co-operation of the British Columbia Division of the Canadian Manufacturers' Association, through meetings with their full executive and their special rehabilitation committee. (2.) Approached a special committee of the construction industry and carried out intimate round table conference with them in Vancouver. (3.) Conferred with the British Columbia War Industries Co-ordination Committee in Vancouver. (4.) Following the plans of group breakdown within industry itself, discussed specific problems with the Metals Trade Group of the British Columbia Division of the Canadian Manufacturers' Association, comprising the principal engineering firms engaged in war contracts. (5.) Discussed post-war construction projects with the Chairman of the Federal sub-committee on the occasion of his visit to the Coast, and cooperated closely with the construction industry in regard to their own regional submissions to Ottawa, copies of which were sent to our Postwar Rehabilitation Council. (6.) Met the executive of the Vancouver Board of Trade and effected co-ordination of committee activities with their Canadian Chamber of Commerce programme and their own Bureau endeavours. (7.) In follow-up of the plan for group breakdown within industry itself, co-operated with the Metals Trade Group, British Columbia Division, Canadian Manufacturers' Association, in a more intimate survey of principal firms, for conversion period and post-war problems. At the close of the year a progress report was submitted to the sub-committee for further analysis. It had already covered fifteen representative firms where 1943 pay-roll showed 1,756 employees, compared with a total of 471 employees in 1939. In addition to effecting industry contacts, the sub-committee collected valuable data in co-operation with the Bureau of Economics and Statistics, preparing selected lists of imports from foreign countries, and compiled lists of machinery and equipment used by agriculture, construction, fishing, forestry, and mining. With assistance of the special departmental representative at Ottawa, the subcommittee was able to secure co-operation with the Department of Munitions and U 6 BRITISH COLUMBIA. Supply for the supply of confidential data covering employment in British Columbia plants engaged in war-work, and this forms a valuable statistical basis for study of conversion problems. Industry accepts the indicated policy of the main Advisory Committee, and the special work of the sub-committee, as a practical form of leadership in meeting conversion period problems. Industrial Research Programme. The machinery of the Advisory Committee on Industrial Rehabilitation has been used in the furtherance of the industrial research programme with which the Department has been intimately concerned during the year under review. The British Columbia War Metals Research Board, founded early in 1942, demonstrated that worth-while results can be obtained in a co-operative effort between the Dominion and Provincial Governments and the University of British Columbia. This war-time Board was a logical nucleus organization to use in a programme of expansion. The Department of Trade and Industry became associated with the War Metals Research Board with this expansion programme as a definite objective. The Department has consistently worked along these lines during the year in co-operation with others concerned towards a comprehensive and permanent research organization:— (1.) To co-ordinate the work of existing or prospective research units and avoid danger of duplication. (2.) To initiate and channel new research-work in all fields of particular interest to British Columbia. (3.) To relate this problem to other problems of industrial rehabilitation in the post-war period. (4.) To assist in the application of research results in actual trade extension programmes, and to relate the work of laboratories and field units to the industrial production of the Province and the markets which may be found for that production. Under the auspices of the War Metals Research Board a series of meetings have been held with the University. The Trade Commissioner has established and maintained personal contact with the Federal departments at Ottawa concerned and their regional field officials in British Columbia. The machinery of the interdepartmental committee has been used to consolidate and co-ordinate the interests of Provincial departments in the programme. TIMBER TRADE -EXTENSION WORK. At the suggestion of British Columbia Lumber and Shingle Manufacturers' Association themselves, the Department suspended the special grant to the Timber Trade Extension Bureau during the year under review, due to market and other disruptions imposed by war conditions. The Timber Trade Extension Bureau, however, is determined to maintain their overseas services upon cessation of hostilities, and the Department is co-operating with them in the maintenance of skeleton machinery, in preliminary surveys of post-war possibilities, and analyses of pre-war movements and war-time trade disruption. The industry are of opinion that the efficacy of trade extension work is indisputable, and that results in British Empire markets for 1932 onwards are ample justification for its continuance on an extended scale. It is agreed that active trade extension work must be continued if the Province is to meet the inevitable competition of the post-war period. DEPARTMENT OP TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 7 LOANS AND GUARANTEES. ("Department of Industries Act, 1919.") Following is a statement covering loans and guarantees outstanding under the " Department of Industries Act, 1919." Every effort is being made to liquidate these accounts as soon as possible. Statement of Loans and Guarantees outstanding, December 31st, 1943. . Loans. . pr;ncipal. Interest. Charles Cormack (Acme Cabinet Works) $1,203.47 $4.51 B.C. Livestock Producers' Co-operative Association - 25,000.00 B.C. Livestock Exchange, Ltd 2,654.69 Canadian Western Woodworkers 9,363.30 Gordon Campbell, Ltd 20,231.34 36.02 T. H. Waters & Co 15,407.16 1,908.63 Guarantees. Big Bend Cedar Pole Co., Ltd. (White Pine Lumber Co., Ltd.) ■ 4,962.77 REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF INDUSTRIAL AND TRADE EXTENSION. As indicated elsewhere in this report, a great deal of the Trade Commissioner's time has been devoted to special activities under such headings as industrial rehabilitation, research programme, and intimate contacts with industry in survey of plans for the conversion period. In addition, he has acted in special representative capacity for Ottawa boards and controls, as noted elsewhere in the report. However, the Bureau, through the Trade Commissioner, has continued to maintain close co-operative contacts with Federal and Provincial departments in ordinary trade extension problems and with commercial and other organizations in the Province, in furtherance of industrial contacts. CO-OPERATIVE CONTACTS. The restricted sphere of activities due to war conditions has again been reflected for this year in Provincial department policy. There has been closer collaboration with Ottawa offices and with the Trade Commissioners on special duties there. A start has been made on co-ordinated plans with Federal departments for survey of the post-war export situation in its. special relation to the Province. Producers and exporters themselves have again maintained close co-operation with the Bureau. The Federal Trade Commissioners' offices overseas (in their war-time spheres) have again used the Bureau as a clearing-house for many problems affecting exporters in British Columbia. The Department has continued constructive contact with the Agent-General for British Columbia in London, England. During the year the Bureau has again been associated with a number of market programmes of interest to other Provincial departments at Victoria, and has been associated with distribution problems, linking such assistance with the war-time controls involved, through regional administration and direction at Ottawa. The Department of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa, Munitions and Supply, Fisheries, and Agriculture have again used the facilities of the Bureau in special U 8 BRITISH COLUMBIA. endeavours where a clearing-house is useful, in approaches on market problems of sales promotion, affected by emergency conditions. NEW INDUSTRIES. The survey in connection with post-war plans has revealed a surprising range of new products which are actually manufactured in the Province. The possibilities presented here for selected cases of continued enterprise are a matter of deep and practical concern to the Bureau, whose machinery will be used to take every possible advantage of the situation presented. Apart from war production, there have been selected cases for new industry follow-up in the year under review, where preliminary surveys have been made in co-operation with leading industrialists and data collected for them. The Bureau has consistently maintained its key contacts for branch factory establishment, with particular reference to possibilities in the post-war period. The flow of European capital and the application of new methods introduced by those who provided this capital were noted in the reports of the last three years. The extension of these industries, with particular reference to war production, has again been a feature of industrial development in the Province during the year under review. Federal Construction Control authorities (through their Provincial Advisory Committee) have consistently used the Bureau facilities for assistance in surveys for plant extensions. WAR METALS RESEARCH BOARD. The work of the War Metals Research Board is referred to elsewhere in this report, and the Department of Mines and Resources, Ottawa, with the Department of Mines, Victoria, have been associated with its work from the outset two years ago. Definite results have been obtained in war-time metals and minerals research and in the application of these results to war industry. By Order in Council, June 8th, 1943, the Department of Trade and Industry made a grant of $2,500 to the work of this Board, with the understanding that its facilities might be extended, not only in war-time application of current investigations, but also in a broader approach to industrial research in the Province, including wood products, fisheries, and agriculture. The Trade Commissioner was named a Director of the Board, and constructive use has been made of departmental contacts with Federal Departments and with industry. SUMMARY REVIEW OF TRADE EXTENSION EFFORTS. As in previous years, even under restricted war conditions, the main types of trade extension efforts have fallen under definite headings:— (1.) Contact with foreign markets through co-operation with the Federal Trade Commissioners overseas. (2.) Special export surveys in co-operation with Ottawa or other Government departments. (3.) Independent export surveys arising from war conditions:—■ (a.) Loss of existing markets: (b.) Opportunities to replace exports from Germany: (c.) Survey of new markets opened by disruption of Scandinavian or other sources of supply. (4.) Increased war-time co-operation with agricultural interests on special marketing problems. (5.) Assistance in extension of war industries of the Province. (6.) Co-operation on market problems with the committee for general industrial survey of the Province. DEPARTMENT OP TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 9 (7.) Assistance in timber trade extension. (8.) Specialized assistance to unorganized producing and exporting groups. SPECIAL EXPORT ENDEAVOUR. Control of the Peat-moss Industry. The arrangements made for 1942 have been consolidated and extended during the year. When restrictions on sphagnum peat-moss were first imposed in 1941, the material was placed under export permit, and permits restricted to provide for special war-time requirements. This machinery, however, did not provide effective over-all control of the production, or access to supplies, and the position was further defined by Metals Controller's Order No. 20 of July 15th, 1942. At that time peat-moss was declared a vital war metal, all trading in it placed directly under the Metals Controller, and administrative authority for the control was passed to the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Trade Commissioner as authorized representative of the Metals Controller. Using central warehousing and shipping machinery, the Department has acted as a clearing-house for control of the industry, for all market outlets. (1.) Movement to Defence Plants Corporation in the United States for metallurgical requirements: (2.) Commercial movement under export permit to the usual distributer connections in the United States: (3.) Movement through the Feeds Administrator, for local poultry and horticultural allotments. The independent production of twelve companies is covered by the Control. In addition, the Industrial Peat Company, a United States Government development, is now responsible for large volume output for war purposes, and operations there have been included in the scheme of centralized direction. By a balanced movement from all sources of supply, the Control has maintained uninterrupted volume flow from 1943 production, to the United States, for magnesium requirements. In addition, the independent producers have been allowed commercial releases to the export market to an approximate total of 300,000 bales during the year, after systematic survey and periodical adjustment of reserve requirements. Consolidated arrangements concluded with the Feeds Administrator, Wartime Prices and Trade Board, resulted in orderly distribution of 50,000 bales to the domestic market for poultry and horticultural purposes. All organization and other arrangements on these disposals have centred in the Trade Commissioner's office, and many related problems of the industry have been directed to him. _ __ _ Special Products Board. Extending the contacts and machinery evolved two years ago, the Bureau has again been closely associated with the war-time export movement of foodstuffs from the Province, including eggs, fruit, fisheries products, dehydrated vegetables, and canned milk, under contract to the Ministry of Food in the United Kingdom, in cooperation with the Federal and Provincial Departments of Agriculture, and with the special Boards set up at Ottawa to act as collecting and purchasing agents for the material. The Trade Commissioner continues to act as agent for the Special Products Board, with particular reference to movement of fruit and fruit-pulp to the United Kingdom. Since 1941, the Department has shipped over 3,500 long tons net fruit-pulp and fruit in SOo solution of all varieties to the United Kingdom, drawing from the Interior as well as Coast areas. All this was directed to the Ministry of Food under a clearing- U 10 BRITISH COLUMBIA. house plan with the Provincial Department of Trade and Industry as shipper, handling all'detail of furtherance, financing, and space arrangement, in a co-ordinated plan, the machinery for which has continued during the year under review. General war development, the additional heavy demands on available shipping space and improved crop conditions' in the United Kingdom were responsible for revision of the general programme. In addition, low yields and adverse weather conditions in the Province reduced the quantity available, apart altogether from the fact that food conservation at home was an added factor in precluding overseas movement of fruit and fruit-pulp during 1943. During 1943 the Bureau has co-operated with the Special Products Board in the matter of contracts for dehydrated vegetables for overseas movement and for Munitions and Supply delivery. Since publication of the last annual report, there was a movement of 500 long tons of strawberries in S02 solution to the Ministry of Food from 1942 crop. The clearinghouse arrangements organized by the Department were fully utilized in all arrangements made for these deliveries. BRITISH COLUMBIA PRODUCTS. Again mentidn should be made of the co-operation extended to the British Columbia Products Bureau of the Vancouver Board of Trade, and to the British Columbia Division of the Canadian Manufacturers' Association, and with other organizations concerned in the increased sale of British Columbia products. ASSISTANCE IN TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS. The Department made a grant of $3,500 to the Vancouver Board of Trade for special services rendered by the Transportation and Customs Bureau in connection with shipments of raw and manufactured products affected by maximum car loading orders issued by the Transport Controller of Canada. Results attained through representations of the Transportation and Customs Bureau were very satisfactory to industry in general. REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS. The Bureau, as a fact-finding and advisory body, has been working under increased pressure during the year under review. War conditions have brought new projects into being, forced the suspension of peace-time studies, and dislocated the personnel. The essential statistical services, largely performed for other Provincial departments as well as for the Department of Trade and Industry, have been maintained. All agreements or working arrangements relating to the collection, co-ordination, and publication of statistics existing between this Bureau and the Dominion Bureau of Statistics, Ottawa; the Wartime Prices and Trade Board, Ottawa; as well as the Provincial Departments of Mines, Labour, and Provincial Secretary, have been satisfactorily executed. A number of important studies have been inaugurated while others have been completed in the Research Division. A full description of these research projects, together with an account of the statistical services performed, has been provided under the appropriate divisions which follow.* REVIEW OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. Business activity in British Columbia during 1942 continued to increase, influenced by expanding war-time industrial projects. An estimated net value of production of * A description of the Bureau of Economics and Statistics, showing the internal organization, will be found in the 1939 Eeport of the Department of Trade and Industry. DEPARTMENT OP TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 11 $472,000,000* in 1942 compares with the production figure in the basic industries during 1941 of $379,925,005.t The increase can be attributed to greater production and higher values in the agriculture, fishery, and forest industries. Agriculture showed a substantial increase in 1942 with the total value of production estimated at $72,000,000 compared with $58,577,539 in 1941, followed by fisheries with a value of $38,059,559, and forestry products were valued at $124,720,000. Mining had a slight decrease to $75,551,093. The Provincial gross pay-roll in 1942 was estimated at $302,892,946, being approximately $63,367,487 over the estimated 1941 gross total of $239,525,4594 Additional purchasing power influenced rising price-levels in the merchandising field, both for the wholesale and the retail markets. The increased volume of commercial payments, as shown by the 17.05-per-cent. rise in bank debits, represents a reliable measure of business activity for the Province. An improvement of 21.5 per cent, was shown by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics monthly index for employment during the same period of the previous year. Table 1 sets forth the outstanding characteristics of the changes in business activity in 1942 compared with 1941. Table 1.—Economic Activity in British Columbia, 1942, compared with 1941. Unit. 1942. 1941. Percentage Increase ( + ) or Decrease (—). Mining— Total value of production1.. Gold production1 Silver production1 _ Copper production1— Lead production1 Zinc production1 Coal production1 Forestry— Total.value of production2- Timber scaled2 Paper production2.. Fisheries— Total value caught and marketed6.. Pack of canned salmon3 Agriculture— Total value of production4 Apples— Total shipments5 Domestic shipments5.. _ Export shipments6 External Trade— Export of canned salmon6.. _ Exports of planks and boards, Douglas fir6- Exports of red-cedar shingles6 Internal Trade— Index of wholesale sales6.. — Index of retail sales6— Department stores _ Grocery stores Long ton M.B.M. Ton Case Box Box Box Cwt. M. ft. Square 1935-39=100 1935-39=100 1935-39=100 75,551,093 477,422 38,245,536 1,938,158 124,720,000 3,014,488 327,474 38,059,559 1,814,297 72,000,000 5,094,689 4,409,603 685,086 776,574 741,303 2,636,078 174.1 159.5 156.9 78,479,719 614,801 40,231,518 1,802,353 119,920,000 3,522,750 351,241 31,732,037 2,295,433 58,577,539 3,940,797 2,536,599 1,404,198 681,142 953,933 3,205,465 155.0 134.8 137.2 flllfBl — 3.73 — 22.35 + 7.53 + 4.00 — 14.43 — 6.77 + 19.94 — 20.96 + 22.91 + 29.28 -j- 73.83 — 51.21 + 14.01 — 22.29 — 17.76 + 12.32 + 18.32 + 14.36 1 British Columbia Department of Mines. 2 British Columbia Department of Lands, Forest Branch. 3 British Columbia Department of Fisheries. 4 British Columbia Department of Agriculture. 5 British Columbia Tree Fruit Board. 6 Dominion Bureau of Statistics. * Preliminary estimate by the Bureau of Economics and Statistics. f Dominion Bureau of Statistics. . British Columbia Department of Labour. U 12 BRITISH COLUMBIA. Table 1.—Economic Activity in British Columbia, 1942, compared with 1941 —Continued. Unit. 1942. 1941. Percentage Increase ( + ) or Decrease (— ). Internal Trade—Continued. $ 000 gal. Not available 73,187 10,653,698 70,995 + 3.09 + 3.95 Kailway freight loaded in B.C.6 Ton 9,500,400 9,139,480 Consumption of electric power6 000 k.w.h. 2,565,905 2,407,480 + 6.58 000 $ 40,673 29,361 + 38.53 Construction— 000 $ 10,201 14,509 — 29.69 Finance— 000 $ 2,841,100 2,427,200 + 17.05 Tourist Trade— No 55,947 92 032 39.21 Estimated expenditure of United States tourists $ 8,253,000 12,769,000 — 35.40 Employment— 1926—100 164.8 135.6 + 21.50 + 39.70 1926 — 100 230.4 164.9 Iron and steel products... 1926=100 725.4 268.5 + 170.20 1926—100 137.4 132.1 + 4.00 Pulp and paper. 1926=100 157.1 146.2 + 7.50 1926—100 191.4 173.3 + 10.40 1926—100 172.0 169.2 + 1.70 1926—100 104.6 114.3 — 8.50 Logging. 1926=100 114.2 107.1 + 6.60 Construction 1926=100 122.6 102.8 + 19.30 1926—100 129.1 117.6 + 9.80 1926—100 101.5 99.7 + 1.80 1926—100 144.6 142.1 + 1.80 1926=100 166.1 159.6 + 4.10 G Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 7 Bureau of Economics and Statistics. THE RESEARCH DIVISION. Occupational Survey of Public School Students, June 30th, 1942. In collaboration with the Department of Education and with the co-operation of School Boards and teachers throughout the Province, the Bureau of Economics and Statistics has conducted an annual occupational survey of students leaving Grades VII. to XIIL, inclusive, since 1938. The objective of the survey has been to ascertain the probable number leaving school, their reasons for leaving school, and the nature of the occupations or special training which the students would seek thereafter. Final tabulation has revealed that 3,810 students were registered in the 1942 June survey. Of this number, 1,663 students were uncertain whether they would or would not return to the public school system in September. The remainder, 2,147 students were definite in stating that they would not return. Students who knew definitely in June that they would be returning to school in September did not complete the questionnaire. The principal reasons given for leaving school, as shown in the 1942 survey, have been compared with similar figures for 1940 and 1941, in the following table:— DEPARTMENT OP TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 13 Table 2. Number op Students. Percentage. Principal Reason. 1940. 1941. 1942. 1940. 1941. 1942. 1,873 1,075 23 716 275 36 2,214 1,165 16 608 202 11 22 16 132 1,634 1,012 11 294 294 17 297 33 129 89 44.7 25.7 .6 17.1 0.5 .8 50.5 26.6 .4 13.8 4.6 .3 42.9 26.6 .3 Unable to continue for financial reasons 7.7 7.7 Leaving British Columbia .4 7.8 No further school in vicinity 35 31 130 .8 .7 3.1 .5 .3 3.0 .9 3.4 2.3 4,194 4,386 3,810 100.0 100.0 100.0 Just how many students actually entered the labour market subsequently is, of course, not definitely known. Excluding those students intending to seek special training, those leaving the Province, the invalid, and those required to assist at home, we might reasonably suppose that approximately 2,700 students sought employment in the Provincial labour market during 1940, and nearly 3,000 in 1941, as compared with approximately 2,200 students in 1942. In spite of the- obvious difficulties confronting students asked to state the occupations they intended to seek after leaving school, 2,781 students attempted to answer this question in the 1942 survey.* Of this group, 418 boys and 277 girls reported that they had been assured of an opportunity to obtain employment in their stated occupations. The remaining 996 boys and 1,090 girls reported that they had no assurance of employment in the occupations indicated. It is probably true to say, therefore, that the particular occupations shown by the students were, in many cases, merely indicative. For that reason the occupations have been consolidated into larger industrial groups which, it is thought, provide a better picture of the actual situation. In the following table the occupations have been consolidated in this way:— Table 3.—Occupations sought by Students leaving School, June, 1942. Boys. Girls. Industry. Total. Definitely leaving. Uncertain. Total. "Definitely leaving. Uncertain. 122 3 45 10 278 14 71 59 1 27 333 223 58 55 3 19 5 146 8 33 31 1 11 213 153 29 67 23 16 7 26 5 132 6 38 28 Mining, quarrying, etc .— 85 49 36 Electric light and power 71 1 189 585 24 24 5 97 435 413 42 1 100 424 16 16 3 43 346 172 29 16 120 70 29 6 15 269 89 161 8 8 2 10 42 451 4 27 182 54 89 No definite occupation 241 1,414 707 707 1,367 804 563 * Of the remaining 1,029 students, 1,012 students reported that they intended to take special training and the other students reported that they were leaving British Columbia. U 14 BRITISH COLUMBIA. To indicate in more precise terms the type of employment sought by these students, we have listed (in order of magnitude) the principal occupations sought in Tables 4 and 5. The leading occupations, in the case of the girls, included 435 students seeking office work as stenographers, typists, clerks, and book-keepers; 187 students seeking employment as saleswomen in the retail trade; another group of 50 students reported their intention to seek work as domestic helpers. In the case of the boys, 223 students reported their intention to join various branches of the air, navy, and army services; 122 students were seeking employment as farm and garden helpers; 85 students were seeking work as machinists; and 42 students indicated their intention to seek office-work. Table 4-—Principal Occupations sought by Girls. Principal Occupations. Total. Assured of an Opportunity. Not assured of an Opportunity. 336 187 99 67 50 20 16 14 11 11 143 413 56 50 32 36 15 3 13 5 5 8 45 9 280 137 67 31 35 Dressmakers' and tailors' apprentices __ _ 17 3 9 6 3 98 404 Total 1,367 277 1,090 Table 5.—Principal Occupations sought by Boys. Principal Occupations. Total. Assured of an Opportunity. Not assured of an Opportunity. 157 122 85 54 45 44 42 35 32 25 24 23 19 17 16 15 14 12 10 6 166 451 49 74 20 21 25 16 27 10- 17 17 8 12 5' 3 3 7 5 4 8 3 69 15 108 48 65 33 20 28 Office clerks, book-keepers, accountants, etc 15 25 Mill-hand, sawmill Salesmen, retail 15 8 16 11 14 14 13 8 9 8 2 3 97 436 1,414 418 996 The number of students leaving the public school system, according to grades, has been shown in Table 6. Although the largest number of students is shown emerging DEPARTMENT OP TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 15 from Grade XII., there is a significant outflow from Grades VIII., IX., X., and XI. The table shows that more boys than girls were expecting to leave from Grades VII., VIII., and IX.; 30.5 per cent, of the boys and 15.3 per cent, of the girls were reported in these grades. This situation has been noticed in earlier surveys, and apparently reflects a general tendency. Table 6.—Students leaving the Public School System at June 30th, 1942, arranged by Grades. Total Students. Students definitely LEAVING. Students NOT definitely leaving. Total. Boys. Girls. Total. Boys. Girls. Total. Boys. Girls. VII. -.. 140 412 342 401 447 1,721 267 10 70 95 239 154 175 169 623 104 1 37 Per Cent. 5.95 14.97 9.64 10.96 10.58 39.01 6.51 .06 2.32 45 173 188 226 278 1,098 163 9 33 Per Cent. 2.03 7.82 8.50 10.21 12.56 49.62 7.37 .40 1.49 52 168 117 167 187 1,220 183 8 45 37 103 52 61 67 382 57 1 22 15 65 65 106 120 838 126 7 23 88 244 225 234 260 501 84 2 25 58 136 102 114 102 241 47 30 VIII 108 IX 123 X. 120 XI 158 XII. 260 XIII 37 2 15 10 Total 3,810 1,597 100.00 2,213 100.00 2,147 782 1,365 1,663 815 848 In Table 7 a distribution according to age-groups has been provided. It is shown that of the 3,810 students reporting in the survey, 2,533 students were between 16 and 18 years of age. Similarly, 503 students, or 13.2 per cent., are shown in the 13-15 age-group. With the exception of 42 students who did not state their age, the remaining 732 students are shown to be over 19 years of age. Table 7. Age-group. Total. Total. Boys. Girls. Students definitely leaving. Total. Boys. Girls. Students NOT DEFINITELY LEAVING. Total. Boys. Girls 13-15 years ... 16-18 years.. 19-21 years... 22 and over.. Not stated.— All ages.. 503 2,533 722 10 42 287 984 296 5 25 216 1,549 426 5 17 182 1,401 537 8 19 109 463 193 4 13 73 938 344 4 6 321 1,132 185 2 23 178 521 103 1 12 143 611 82 1 11 3,810 2,213 2,147 782 1,365 1,1 815 848 As might be expected from the distribution of the population in the Province, the largest number of students was reported from the Lower Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island Areas. In Table 8 a distribution by census divisions has been provided. U 16 BRITISH COLUMBIA. Table 8.—Students leaving the Public School System at June 30th, 1942, arranged by Census Division. Census Division.- Total Students. Students definitely LEAVING. Students NOT DEFINITELY LEAVING. Total. Boys. Girls. Total. Boys. Girls. Total. Boys. Girls. 149 238 340 2,137 545 205 40 87 11 58 68 101 149 870 221 96 14 48 4 26 81 137 191 1,267 .324 109 26 39 7 32 67 121 201 1,265 317 91 25 38 3 19 28 49 73 437 114 38 9 22 2 10 39 72 128 828 203 53 16 16 1 9 82 117 139 872 228 114 15 49 8 39 40 52 76 433 107 58 5 26 2 16 42 II. 65 Ill 63 IV 439 V VI 121 56 VII 10 VIII IX X 23 6 23 3.810 [ 1,597 2,213 2,147 . 782 1,365 1,663 815 1 848 The Trade of British Columbia. At the request of the Dominion Bureau of Statistics, External Trade Branch, the Bureau has complied with war-time regulations and has suspended publication of the regular annual reports on the trade of British Columbia with foreign countries and with other Canadian Provinces. As soon as circumstances are again favourable, the Bureau will resume publication of this report which will, in the meantime, be kept up to date. The agreement between this Bureau and the Dominion Bureau of Statistics, concluded in the fall of 1938, has continued in force. Under this arrangement, a monthly coded statement has been sent regularly to the Bureau from Ottawa, showing in detail the importation and exportation of every commodity, regularly listed in the Federal trade reports, moving through customs ports in British Columbia. With the aid of leading retail and wholesale firms and various governmental agencies, the Bureau also develops an annual estimate of the interprovincial trade in order to provide a picture of the total Provincial trade. A summary of foreign and interprovincial trade for the years 1937-41 follows:— Table 9.—The Trade of British Columbia (excluding Gold) with other Canadian Provinces, the British Commonwealth, and all Foreign Countries, 1937-41. Country or Province. Imports into British Columbia. Exports from British Columbia but excluding Gold. Estimated Total Trade (excluding Gold). Other Canadian Provinces— 1937 " $77,153,440 66,361,743 72,966,783 83,405,229 93,523,023 18,669,989 18,628,470 , 17,290,094 18,742,514 22,817,527 $22,673,602 21,293,022 22,149,065 25,234,792 34,225,021 55,905,816 47,569,696 57,555,493 " 67,649,671 56,648,128 $99,827,042 87,654,765 95,115,848 108,640,021 127,748,044 74,575,805 66,198,166 74,845,587 86,392,185 79,465,655 1938 1939 1940 • ' 1941 ... British Empire (excluding Canada) — 1937 1938 .... 1939 . . 1940 1941... _ DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 17 Table 9.—The Trade of British Columbia (excluding Gold) with other Canadian Provinces, the British Commonwealth, and all Foreign Countries, 1937-41—Continued. Country or Province. Imports into British Columbia. Exports from British Columbia but excluding Gold. Estimated Total Trade (excluding Gold). Foreign Countries— 1937 . 1938 1939 1940 - $22,271,603 19,926,329 40,318,115 43,894,774 53,527,611 118,095,032 104,916,542 130,574,992 146,042,517 169,868,061 $62,165,656 45,094,011 54,449,427 56,686,933 81,824,544 140,745,074 113,956,729 134,153,985 149,571,396 172,697,693 $84,437,259 65,020,340 94,767,542 100,581,707 1941 Totals— 1937 > 1938 - 1939 1940 .... 1941 135,352,055 258,840,106 218,873,271 264,728,977 295,613,913 342,565,754 Figures for 1940 have been revised since publication of the last annual report. The Cost of Living in British Columbia. Since 1936, the Bureau has compiled an index of food prices in fifty-two cities, towns, and villages for the private use of the Provincial Department of Labour. In 1939, this food index was supplemented by a new monthly full cost-of-living index, which included clothing, rentals, fuel, and other essential household items in the four Coast cities of Vancouver, New Westminster, Victoria, and Nanaimo. Under arrangements sponsored by the Provincial Department of Labour, this full cost-of-living index was used as a cost-of-living barometer by a number of British Columbia Coast firms until the Dominion War-time Wages and Cost-of-living Bonus Order made the use of the all-Canada index, prepared by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics, mandatory throughout Canada. The food index measures the change in prices as they occur in the case of forty- six selected food items, forming a scientifically tested budget. At the suggestion of the Health Department, the food budget adopted was modelled on the plan of the Sub-committee on Nutrition, British Commonwealth Scientific Conference, Ottawa, 1936; this represented the latest information available when the food budget was created in 1936. The budget contains sufficient quantities of staple foods to maintain, in good health for one month, a family of five; of which two are adults, one an infant —6 months to 1 year old, one a child—6 years to 10 years old, and one a child—11 years to 13 years old. The monthly full cost-of-living index, prepared for the Coast area, covers approximately 64 per cent, of the expenditures made by an average British Columbia family in receipt of an income between $1,200 and $1,400 a year.* The index is made up as follows : Per Cent. :__ 44.05 25.25 14.93 5.37 2.59 2.39 Electricity 2.13 Food Rent Clothing Fuel Furniture Kitchen equipment * Based on a survey conducted by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics in Vancouver, in 1938. 2 U 18 BRITISH COLUMBIA. / Per C Textiles, household 1. ;nt. 39 30 Water 7 _____ 1. Total __:__ ioo. 30 ng indexes liar cost of ie extent to he average Table 10.—The Cost of Living in Canada and in British Columbia For comparative purposes only, the Dominion and Provincial cost-of-liv have been translated to the same period, 1936 = 100.* Caution.—These indexes do not measure the difference in the actual dc living between British Columbia and Canada as a whole. They show only t_ which the cost of living in British Columbia, or in Canada, has varied from ■ cost of living in that area during 1936. Full Cost-of-living Index. Food Index. Canada.* British Columbia Coast Area.f Canada.* British Columbia. J. 1940— * September. October First of Month. 108.46 109.07 109.89 110.09 110.40 110.30 110.30 110.70 111.52 112.64 114.07 115.90 116.92 117.74 118.55 118.04 117.64 117.94 118.14 118.14 118.35 118.96 120.18 119.98 119.67 120.08 120.90 121.10 119.37 119.16 119.47 120.39 120.39 120.80 121.10 121.51 Fifteenth of Month. § 107.02 107.84 108.58 108.79 108.66 109.33 110.21 111.38 111.57 113.79 114.08 115.83 116.89 118.11 119.74 ' 118.52 118.33 119.40 120.23 First of Month. 107.77 108.49 111.15 111.55 112.17 111.25 111.45 112.58 112.17 115.03 119.22 124.03 126.07 125.97 128.22 126.58 125.05 125.87 126.48 126.48 127.10 129.04 133.23 132.52 131.39 132.72 135.38 135.79 130.16 129.55 . 130.57 132.82 132.82 133.84 134.76 136.20 Fifteenth of Month. § 103.33 104.92 106.30 107.39 107.03 107.93 109.02 111.42 111.81 116.09 117.07 120.55 121.10 121.24 123.93 121.57 120.99 122.55 123.71 1941— May- 1942— 120.72 125.12 121.92 128.39 September 134.63 November December 1943— 125.33 March 126.01 134.19 126.24 135.46 July * The Dominion Bureau of Statistics index is ac have been translated into terms of 1936—100 for com . " Prices and Price Indexes " for actual figures used. t Compiled by the Bureau of Economics and Stai Nanaimo, and Victoria. . Compiled by the Bureau of Economics and Stati § Note.—Since May 15th, 1942, the cost-of-living i piled quarterly, giving statements in March, June, Se figures were given. ;ually compiled parative purpos istics for four sties for fifty-tv, ndex and the fo ptember, and D on the basis o es only. See th Coast cities of o centres in th< od index for Br ecember, where • 1935-39=100. i Dominion Bure Vancouver, Nev i Province, itish Columbia is, prior to this These figures au of Statistics 7 Westminster, lave been corn- date, monthly DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 19 INDUSTRIAL SURVEY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. This industrial survey was inaugurated at the request of the Honourable John Hart, Minister of Finance, just before the outbreak of war in 1939. Although the possibility of attracting refugee capital, which was the reason underlying the survey at the beginning, became rather remote after the commencement of hostilities, the survey, in view of its obvious basic importance, has been continued as a permanent object. Efforts have been put forth by those departments of the Provincial Government concerned directly with the natural resources to encourage the establishment of new industries in this Province. The assistance has taken many forms, ranging from the release of general information to positive acts of co-operation with producers anxious to locate their establishments in British Columbia. In the process a large bibliography has accumulated throughout the various branches of the Government. Consequently, when plans for the survey were being prepared, it was considered that a study which intentionally or accidentally duplicated the work that had already been done in this direction would be a distinct waste of effort. To eliminate the possibility of duplication and to assist in the planning and execution of this project, the present interdepartmental committee was invited to serve as an advisory body. After a departmental steering committee had analysed the project, it was decided to delegate the initial preparatory work to the Bureau of Economics and Statistics. Since that time, work on this project in the Bureau of Economics and Statistics has been of necessity irregular; but in spite of the prolonged and frequent interruptions which have disturbed earlier arrangements, the Bureau has carried on a modified programme and has presented several progress reports. OUTLINE OF THE WORK CARRIED ON BY THE BUREAU OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS. In requesting the Department of Trade and Industry to undertake an industrial survey, the Minister of Finance recommended that particular attention should be directed to the following seven topics:— (1.) (a.) What basic raw materials are known to be available in commercial quantities in this Province? (b.) To what extent are these materials being utilized at the present time? (c.) In what form is this utilization taking place? (d.) Is further fabrication possible or likely to be profitable? (2.) (a.) What competitive areas exist from the standpoint of possession of raw materials? (&.) Is this competition actual or potential? (3.) (a.) What markets are available to the products resulting from such industrial expansion? (6.) Is there an established demand, or would such demand have to be created ? (4.) (a.) What protection would such industries have for the British Columbia market by means of freight rates from Eastern Canada competitors ? ^*- (&.) What protection would such industries have for the Canadian market by means of tariff from foreign competition? (5.) Would importation of skilled labourers or technicians be necessary on any large scale? (6.) To what extent are the proposed products imported into British Columbia at present, and from what source? U 20 BRITISH COLUMBIA. (7.) To what extent can this Province undertake the development of a highly- industrialized and self-sufficient economy without there being an upsetting effect on the balance of ^payment ? In general, these questions all refer to native resources which, for some reason, have not yet been brought under development. As such they were found to be—when the Bureau of Economics began its work—more or less the equivalent of section (4), " Idle Resources," in a long-term research plan adopted earlier by the Bureau of Economic Statistics, an outline of which is given elsewhere in this report. Since the Bureau had already laid the preliminary groundwork for its own research in this field, it was decided to conduct the survey along these prepared lines. To isolate, as soon as possible, the most attractive prospects from the less attractive, the Bureau began operations under its own topic (3), " Deficiencies in the present structure from the point of view of self-sufficiency." By concentrating in this way upon an analysis of commodities imported to meet an already established demand, it was felt that a list of commercial possibilities could be readily obtained. The first progress report contained the preliminary data compiled under this heading. The second progress report contains a more systematic and satisfactory treatment of this work. Long-term Economic Research Plan adopted by the Bureau of Economics and Statistics in 1938. (An Outline.) (1.) The fundamental economic factors determining the development of industry in British Columbia. (2.) The present state and structure of industry in the Province, in the case of (1) industries dependent upon 'diminishing resources, and (2) industries dependent upon reproductive resources. (.See the classified list attached.) (a.) The degree of fabrication and, if not fully finished in British Columbia, why: (b.) The degree of waste or scrap and its utilization, if any: (e.) The sources of raw materials and producer's equipment; i.e., British Columbia, other Canadian Provinces, or foreign countries: (d.) The degree of competition encountered by domestic industry from other Canadian and foreign producers. (3.) Deficiencies in the present structure from the point of view of self-sufficiency. Commodities consumed but not produced in the Province, arranged according to use; i.e., raw material for industry, producer's equipment, or consumer goods. Are they physically possible of development in this Province? Would it be economic to produce them? (A.) Articles considered to be physically suited for production, or for which a known substitute might be produced, in British Columbia under natural conditions, but whose production is not necessarily considered to be economic at the present time: (a.) Raw materials for industry. . (&.) Partly processed materials for industry, (c.) Fully processed materials for industry. (d.) Producer's equipment. (e.) Consumer materials, non-durable goods. (/.) Consumer durable goods. (B.) Articles considered to be physically unsuited for production in British Columbia under natural conditions, but whose production is not necessarily considered to be physically impossible under artificial conditions: DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 21 (a.) Raw materials for industry. (6.) Partly processed materials for industry. (e.) Fully processed materials for industry. (d.) Producer's equipment. (e.) Consumer materials, non-durable goods. (/.) Consumer durable goods. (4.) Idle resources. An inventory of known but undeveloped or partially developed resources in the Province. Whether alienated or held by the Crown. Reasons for idleness. What are the prerequisites for development? (5.) Industrial research and new products. A bibliography of current industrial research utilizing materials known to exist in British Columbia. Whether controlled by patent, etc. (6.) Recent industrial expansion in the Pacific North-west States. A review of Federal projects, such as Bonneville and Grand Coulee, in the North-west; the economic basis for these projects; the consequent industrial development, if any. (7.) Regional surveys in British Columbia. (a.) An economic survey of the area adjacent to the Canadian National Railways between Prince Rupert and Yellowhead. (b.) An economic survey of the area adjacent to the Pacific Great Eastern Railway between Quesnel and Squamish. (c.) An economic survey of Northern British Columbia, between North latitude 55 degrees and 60 degrees. To illustrate the approach made under topic (3), the following extract has been taken from the second progress report submitted by the Bureau to the Interdepartmental Industrial Survey Committee in March, 1942:— Articles imported from Foreign Countries but not at present produced in British Columbia* "There are undoubtedly a number of routes along which one might proceed in search of opportunities for new investment of industrial expansion. One of the most convenient and direct methods is to analyse the import traffic. Commodities are imported to satisfy an existing demand; if the market was not already present, importers would not venture their capital in this trade. Consequently, when we consider imports, we know that there is a market—be it small or large—already in existence. Imports can be readily divided into two classes: those commodities which are also produced in this Province; and those commodities which are not at present produced in British Columbia. While we may be interested to know why it is necessary to supplement domestic production, we are principally concerned with the second group— namely, commodities not at present produced in this Province. We might divide these commodities still further to form two additional groups, A and B, as follows:— Group A. Articles considered to be physically suited for production, or for which a known substitute might be produced, in British Columbia under natural conditions, but whose production is not necessarily considered to be economic at the present time. Group B. Articles considered to be physically unsuited for production in British Columbia under natural conditions, but whose production is not necessarily considered to be physically impossible under artificial conditions. * Extract from Progress Report No. 2 submitted by the Bureau of Economics and Statistics to the Interdepartmental Industrial Survey Committee. U 22 BRITISH COLUMBIA. " In this report attention is directed only to those imported articles falling under Group A. For convenience we have segregated those imported commodities according to whether they are intended for producer or consumer consumption. Six categories have been established: (1) raw materials for industry, (2) partly processed material for industry, (3) fully processed materials for industry, (4) producers' equipment, (5) consumer materials—non-durable goods, (6) consumer durable goods. It was not possible, in the time available, to include the last-mentioned categories, (5) and (6), in the present report." (jSee map, Chart B.) DEPARTMENT OP TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 23 Eh tf < K o p. < S fc a O CO R |SJ8 a his 5 H o rt S rt £|m rt £ <? Z gj H i-i " tf 9 O. H *£g m hiJ <! o O W tf J rt o IO O-l Of) CJ 00 I— -"# t- <M <M rH ta a rH oo to - © <N X Ci ">tf rH •<& Ci Oi IO © Ol t- CO s. 8 c _. s J> ,2 3 a S ■ Ci *» I ■# us 00 <Nt o ft A 33 u Pi 03 ri -Q ti Oi C. o S 'fi H-* *c A p <3 H H H Pi c a II 3 3 O ° S o Jh CO o a | g. § _»? " § 3 CJ M «H ._. Q .-H » _ * ■_ ft 2 ■a S o> fl m a) fl m o c ■^ CO r- «0 on ■*. rH © t- o no rH i-H CO CO a. -tf © © © to ■*# CO amojiotHHoo «<o_.t.t-!.ci:D. bo oj .S B to _, O -S J rt .U.S c. oi _y B .a fi -J S | Q Q E-* S H 8 CO CO <N 00 _. io m im CO Ci CO «5 to © "* CO t- M -# O t- o •* c. tO rA &3- X a id 0) fl r to fl m P- u K to h- eo j^ ■». o Oi CO © CO _ "3 'ft ,3 "S _. -s -° ■ © © t- Oi © © t- 00 LO rH O fc- ta tree © tO Ci T-H CO SO co" •<# © of ta ■* t-" N N O ID ffl O H f (N O W IO IO ff M ft .5 p. ! 'fi " 3 0 «■ i. PH fl " a d ffi <u -— .tf 2 oi 3 ph -5 c Id v tn ^3 n fl •H a CD ►__. a q. HbUPrHrH U 24 BRITISH COLUMBIA. PROSPECTS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SUGAR-BEET INDUSTRY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. The introduction of sugar rationing, as a result of war-time exigencies, has once again focused attention upon the fact that British Columbia is dependent upon foreign sources for its cane-sugar requirements. It is natural therefore that at such a time the merits of the sugar-beet industry would appear to best advantage. The establishment of a sugar-beet industry in the Province of British Columbia has often been mooted in the past and, in spite of the lack of success that has attended these efforts, it will probably continue to attract serious attention at various times in the future. In order that the Interdepartmental Industrial Survey Committee might have a convenient source of unbiased information at their disposal, the Bureau undertook to study and to summarize in a brief way some of the economic factors that have militated thus far against the establishment of this industry in British Columbia. The conclusions were embodied in Report No. 3 to the Interdepartmental Survey Committee. Subsequently the report was included in the Appendix to the Interim Report of the Post-war Rehabilitation Council, page 239 et seq. PROSPECTS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIBRE FLAX INDUSTRY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. The Bureau made a comprehensive survey on this subject and submitted its findings to the Interdepartmental Survey Committee. CO-OPERATION WITH THE POST-WAR REHABILITATION COUNCIL. Shortly after appointment in the spring of 1942, the Post-war Rehabilitation Council requested the full-time assistance of the Bureau. In order to provide the Council with technical advice in its organization stage the services of the Director were made available on a part-time consulting basis, and the services of members of the Research and other Divisions of the Bureau arranged on a request basis. These arrangements have worked thus far very satisfactorily. As the work of the Post-war Rehabilitation Council progresses, it is anticipated that the services of the Bureau of Economics and Statistics will be called upon increasingly to provide basic information and to undertake economic analyses in various fields. OTHER REPORTS. In addition to the projects outlined previously, the Bureau has prepared numerous special reports and memoranda for officials of the Provincial Government. A further supplement to the British Columbia Trade Index is now in course of preparation and will incorporate information given in the earlier edition. Despite many changes in personnel, owing to entry in the fighting services or technical industries, the Bureau has dealt with an increased number of special compilations for corporations and private individuals, as well as other Government departments. The Bureau has at all times received the fullest co-operation from officials in other departments of the Provincial and Dominion Governments. Special information has been prepared, also, in response to written inquiries from corporations and from private individuals on a wide range of subjects. A compilation was made for the Comptroller-General analysing Provincial expenditures for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 1942, and covering salaries and wages, number of employees—permanent or temporary, and the departmental classification given, as well as the functional classification. This survey was requested by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics in connection with Public Finance Statistics, and occupied three members of the staff for about three months. DEPARTMENT OP TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 25 THE LABOUR STATISTICS DIVISION. With the increasing importance of labour statistics in relation to the general work of the Bureau, the work in this Division continued to expand during the past year, and while the Labour Division is primarily engaged in compiling the statistical sections of the annual report of the Department of Labour, the detailed information collected has been found of great assistance to the Bureau in dealing with questions relative to labour data. Further progress has been made in the study of labour turnover, and since the Bureau undertook the work of collecting data on the subject in 1938 it has been conducted on a research basis. As a result of changes made simplifying this question in the 1942 and 1943 questionnaires, it is anticipated a greater degree of accuracy in the returns received will ultimately warrant publication of this material on an annual basis. Close co-operation has been maintained between the Labour Division and officials of the Department of Labour. During the year a visit was made by members of the Board of Industrial Relations to the Bureau, at which time the work of the Labour Division was reviewed and discussion took place relative to the compilation of additional statistical material for the annual report of the Department of Labour. The Statistician has been transferred from the Department of Labour to the Bureau, and in addition to his former work will be available for general research duties. THE MINING AND METALLURGICAL STATISTICS DIVISION. Continuing the co-operative agreement entered into by the Provincial Department of Mines, the Dominion Bureau of Statistics, and the Bureau of Economics and Statistics, all mining statistics of the Province are collected and compiled by this Division, primarily for the annual report of the Minister of Mines. The second phase of the agreement is that the Dominion Bureau of Statistics receives identical information, so that Dominion and Provincial mining statistics are substantially in accord, and it follows that the information obtained is readily available to the Bureau of Economics and Statistics for any special study. During the year under review there has been completed and made available to the Department of Mines a record of production by individual mines in the Province, giving details of tonnage mined and metal content. The study was commenced by the Bureau of Mines and carried on by the Mining Statistician when that official was transferred to the Bureau of Economics and Statistics in 1939. As mentioned before, the Deputy Minister of Mines has a set of the records compiled and this Division has the other, and on the completion of the yearly statistics the two sets are brought up to date. The information now readily available covers the period from the early '80's up to 1942. The normal flow of work during the year was carried out and several special compilations made for the Department of Mines, one giving details on lode-mining for the period 1930-41 in the lode-gold, copper, and silver-lead-zinc mines. The information gave data on capital employed, salaries and wages, fuel and electricity, process supplies, number of shipping mines, net value to shipper, gross value of lode minerals produced, and number employed in such mines, concentrators, and smelters. In addition to the duties of the above division, the Mining Statistician was appointed Acting-Director of the Bureau. THE MECHANICAL TABULATION DIVISION. The preparation of large-scale statistical surveys and reports can be more rapidly accomplished with the use of Hollerith mechanical tabulation machines, and this Division, utilizing punch-card equipment, is responsible for such work in the Bureau. The equipment used consists of two duplicating key punches, one automatic summary punch, U 26 BRITISH COLUMBIA. one alphabetic key punch, two card sorters (one with card counting attachment), one numeric tabulator, and one alphabetic tabulator with an automatic carriage. The Division is operated as a service department, and facilities available are being used by other Government departments. During the period under review work was undertaken for Messrs. Yarrows, Limited, engaged in ship-building for the Dominion Government. The contract involved the processing of nearly 1,750,000 cards and the preparation of daily, semimonthly, monthly, and special reports. The extra work involved made it necessary to increase the staff of the Division. During the year progress was made on new punch-card applications. The Provincial Board of Health instituted a punched card control of expenditures, and the Department of Public Works started preliminary work on a summary of District Office inventories. The following gives an idea of the work done for Government departments:— Attorney-General—Motor Records—Provincial Police. Department of Finance—Tax Rolls—Surveyor of Taxes. Department of Labour— Industrial and General Statistics. Female Minimum Wage Statistics. Department of the Provincial Secretary— Board of Health. Division of Tuberculosis Control. Division of Vital Statistics. Division of Venereal Disease Control. Child Welfare Branch. Department of Welfare, Field Service. Control of Expenditures. Department of Public Works— Accounting Branch. District Office Inventories. Department of Trade and Industry—Bureau of Economics and Statistics. The total value of work done during the period under review was $20,948. REPORT OF THE BRITISH COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT TRAVEL BUREAU. GENERAL. In 1941, little had transpired to interfere with the flow of recreational travel. Mild regulatory measures were in force governing the sale of gasoline, but fuel and tires were still freely purchasable to all intents, and the influx from the United States —the universally accepted barometer of Tourism in Canada—still stood high. The picture changed abruptly, and the years 1942 and 1943 showed a marked diminution. How marked is clearly shown by the following brief comparison of cars entering from the United States on Travellers' Vehicle Permits:— July, 1941 _ 17,593 July, 1942 7,019 July, 1943 _ 5,246 These figures tell the story quite sufficiently, without the need of burdening these pages with lengthy tabulations. At the same time the situation actually was by no means so dismal from the Resort-owners' standpoint. The American tourist disappeared, practically, from the DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 27 general picture—although, " short hauls " being the order of the day, the cities of Vancouver and Victoria, from their extreme accessibility, still benefited handsomely—but his place was taken to an encouraging extent by visitors from other parts of Canada— on the Coast by visitors from the Interior and in the Interior by visitors from the Coast. Almost it would seem that numbers of British Columbians saw British Columbia for the first time in 1942 and 1943! It has always been the Bureau's practice to keep closely in touch with the Resort- owners throughout the Province, the Bureau being fully alive to the fact that the close and friendly co-operation of the Resort-owners is essential to its proper functioning; and here it might be added that the Bureau is deeply conscious of, and warmly grateful for, the feeling of confidence which now exists between the industry and itself, and for the many expressions of that confidence which it has received. From those contacts it soon became apparent that the Resort-owners were finding no great difficulty in securing patronage; that in many cases, indeed, their accommodations were overtaxed, and that their chief problems arose from shortage of help, equipment, and supplies. That transportation facilities would be curtailed was inevitable, that priorities would take effect and rationing be applied were eventualities for which every one was prepared; and the concensus of opinion appears to be that, on the whole, those necessary war-time regulations have been implemented in a manner to make their impact much less severe than might easily have been the case. Actually, the situation in the period under review is highly encouraging. It reveals that Tourism as a factor is much too firmly established and too deeply rooted to suffer material damage; that it is long past the stage when it has to be nursed and shielded, but is now able to stand firmly upon its own feet and to take its place among the basic industries. It shows that Tourism has become so intimate a part of life as we have accustomed ourselves to live it that nothing can permanently injure it. It makes it plain that those engaged in it recognize it for what it is—an industry as definitely and as strongly founded as any of those on which our economic structure is reared. Here it might be pointed out that Tourism is under a heavy handicap in the absence of complete and comprehensive statistics. With the other basic industries the matter is relatively simple—so many millions of board-feet, so many tons, so many cases; but with Tourism the statistics are all so very personal—how many were in the party, where did they go, how long did they stay, how much did they spend—that there can be no compulsion; the visitor can only be invited to co-operate. Such statistics as are available are excellent, so far as they go, but they fall far short of presenting the complete picture. Were that picture presented in its entirety, there is little doubt that it would show at once that Tourism has been consistently underestimated as an economic factor. Opinions vary as to what the industry is worth to British Columbia, but all are agreed that the amount is substantial and well worth our energetic and sustained efforts. On the experience of the past, an extremely conservative estimate would be $20,000,000 in a normal year; and there is no doubt whatever that, when freedom of movement is restored, we shall see an instant response and a volume of travel far in excess of all previous records. The Bureau feels that to secure those complete and comprehensive statistics should be one of its first responsibilities, and is at the moment engaged upon a plan by which it is confident of obtaining them. This plan is based in large measure upon the goodwill and co-operation of the Resort-owners, whose attitude gives the Bureau every reason to believe that it is entirely feasible. Without those figures, the industry is at a serious disadvantage. With them, it can at once be placed in its proper niche and given its proper measure of recognition. U 28 BRITISH COLUMBIA. Here would seem to be an appropriate place in which to comment upon the attitude of the Resort-owners of British Columbia. The Bureau cannot praise too warmly those operators (and there are extremely few exceptions) who have made it their wholehearted endeavour to serve the travelling public efficiently, consistently, and well. In British Columbia we have without question many of the finest establishments of their kind upon the American Continent, and a great number of less elaborate places where the operators are making the utmost of the facilities at their command. In spite of the severe handicaps imposed by war-time conditions, those operators have continued to serve with a cheerful courtesy which nothing has impaired, and which in itself constitutes one of our outstanding assets. Our visitors are strikingly unanimous in their comments; and our scenery, our climate, our resources, our accommodations, and the universal courtesy of our people are praised enthusiastically and without reserve. The Bureau has been immensely encouraged by their attitude, and thanks them most cordially for their friendly co-operation, which has gone so far to facilitate its operations. PUBLICITY. Naturally, in all the circumstances, the Newspaper and Magazine Campaign of 1943 was much restricted in scope and volume, and the theme attuned to the spirit of the times. With the enormously increased tempo of the war effort and of demands upon all forms of transportation, positively no direct appeal was made for tourist travel, and the tone was strictly, " Not now, but later. Buy War Bonds now, and save for that grand Post-war Vacation." The policy was continued of conducting the campaigns through recognized advertising agencies, and the response in both cases was extremely gratifying, so very gratifying indeed as to confirm the wisdom of continuing to advertise if only on a very limited scale. Frankly, the campaigns of 1942 and 1943 were largely in the nature of " token " campaigns, with the main purpose of maintaining the pleasant relations which had already been established and of keeping the name of British Columbia constantly before the public. In this policy, the Province of British Columbia found itself aligned with several other organizations prominent in the travel field, notably the All-year Club of Southern California, the City of San Francisco, and the Evergreen Playground Association, whose co-operation has been excellent. Field-work. Here again, the Bureau felt justified in continuing its activities and maintaining and expanding its contacts in the eleven Western States. In the past, Outing Shows have been a prominent feature, but these, for obvious reasons, have been abandoned for the time being. It is intended, however, to develop this angle substantially with the return of normal conditions, and to take full advantage of the unique opportunities which they afford. Largely through the instrumentality of our Field Representative, an interesting and constructive meeting was arranged in November, 1943, between the Spokane Chamber of Commerce, the British Columbia Government Travel Bureau, the Game Commission, and representatives of the communities and press of the West Kootenays, where definite progress was made towards the formation of an international body for the furtherance of post-war travel. Spokane was selected as the venue as being the natural gateway to that section of British Columbia, and there is no doubt that travel to the Kootenays will be greatly stimulated. Motion Pictures. As a medium of publicity the 16-mm. motion picture in sound and colour is preeminent, and the Bureau has been very active in that field. A series of pictures is DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 29 planned, of which the first, " Vancouver Island, British Columbia's Island Playground," was released in 1942. Of the companion pieces, " Romantic Cariboo, British Columbia's Historic Highway," will be released very shortly, " The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia's Orchard Playground," is in process of editing, and " The Kootenays, British Columbia's Mountain Playground," will be photographed in the summer of 1944. " Vancouver Island " has already been extensively in circulation, and has been warmly praised by many competent authorities for the excellence of the photography and of the camera technique. The Bureau's official photographer is responsible for this and for the companion pieces, and for the Bureau's large and constantly augmented collection of scenic and industrial " stills," embracing all sections and phases. Literature. The compiling, publishing, and circulating of descriptive and informative booklets, designed to convey a comprehensive idea of the Province as a whole and of its industrial, social, and scenic background, has always been one of the Bureau's main interests. Normally, some 600,000 booklets and folders are distributed in the course of the year, but in the period under review, for reasons which will readily be apparent, a more conservative policy was adopted and wholesale distribution confined to the more immediate field. Very few new publications were added, a notable instance being a profusely illustrated booklet designed to interest the motion-picture producers of Southern California in the possibilities of British Columbia. The Bureau wishes here to express its gratitude to the British Columbia Telephone Company, which placed at its disposal a number of unusually fine half-tone cuts. Another outstanding instance of co-operation was that of the Union Oil Company of Canada, Limited, in granting the use of its plates for the printing of a series of coloured pictorial postcards for free distribution among the men of the armed forces. (The subject of Literature is touched upon again under the heading of " Settlement.") Co-operative Activities. The Bureau is pleased to have been able to co-operate with the Vancouver Board of Trade in the campaign conducted by the B.C. Products Bureau, and the Board has been so good as to express its appreciation of the assistance given by our photographer, whose showings of motion pictures contributed substantially to the success of the numerous exhibitions. Similar expressions of appreciation have been received from the Provincial Civilian Protection Committee (A.R.P.) and from the numerous Service Clubs, where showings have been given. The friendly relations existing between the Bureau and the Vancouver Tourist Association, the Victoria and Island Publicity Bureau, and the Evergreen Playground Association continue to be a source of pleasure and benefit. Mr. A. L. Woods, Secretary of the Vancouver Tourist Association, has been particularly helpful, and the Bureau is much indebted to him. Mention must be made, too, of the excellent co-operation given by Mr. T. J. Monty, Canadian Government Trade Commissioner at Los Angeles, California. TOURIST COUNCIL. This advisory body met in November, 1942, for a general discussion of the travel situation, and many constructive suggestions were advanced for the consideration and guidance of the Bureau. At this meeting, Mr. W. H. Currie was introduced as a member of the Council in place of Mr. J. Gordon Smith, retired. QUEBEC CONFERENCE. The Honourable Minister of National War Services convened a National Tourist business meeting in Quebec City on November 29th, 1943. The following delegates U 30 BRITISH COLUMBIA. represented the Province of British Columbia: The President of the Evergreen Playground Association, the Secretary of the Victoria and Island Publicity Bureau, and the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry. Many important and far-reaching resolutions were duly passed, chief of which were the early formation of a Canadian Travel Advisory Council, to be composed of the Provincial Cabinet Ministers charged with the responsibility of administering the tourist industry in their respective Provinces; the formation of a distinctive Department of Tourism by the Dominion Government; the inauguration of an adequate programme of appropriate good-will advertising in the United States during the year 1944; the furthering of handicrafts within Canada; and the institution of a vigorous programme of improvement and construction of highways by Provincial Governments, with such Federal financial aid as may be necessary. The successful prosecution of the war was at all times the key-note of the conference, and all resolutions were passed with a view to making provision for the maximum employment of -returned men and women and industrial war-workers. SETTLEMENT. - Mention has been made in previous reports of the fact that the British Columbia Government Travel Bureau does not confine itself to travel, but has for several years taken an active interest in settlement. A Travel Bureau cannot hope to function properly unless it has a complete and detailed knowledge of its territory, in the intelligent acquiring of which it is bound to gain an insight into the agricultural and other possibilities of the various sections; nor must it be forgotten that many people who come as visitors return to stay. So active has the Bureau been' in this connection, and so successful in inducing settlement, that it has become, especially of late, the recognized channel through which all but purely routine inquiries are handled. The other interested Departments have been so very co-operative that the Bureau is able now to deal with settlement inquiries in substantial detail and to furnish inquirers with all but strictly technical information. Naturally, this phase calls for close personal attention and the capacity to visualize the needs of the inquirer, even where he himself is vague, and to suggest the locations and activities in which he is likeliest to succeed with his experience and capital. Each inquiry must be considered strictly from an individual standpoint and, although nearly all have certain points in common, standardized or routine replies are impossible. That the Bureau has been so successful is due in large measure to its recognition of those facts and to the pains which it has consistently taken with each and every inquiry. The Bureau feels itself fortunate in having " two strings to its bow," and has every intention of developing the settlement angle. Most of the new publications for which it was responsible in the period under review, or has in mind for the immediate future, are directed to the prospective settler. Notable among them are the small brochure, " Tell Me about British Columbia," and the souvenir map designed specifically for circulation among the men of the armed forces—the former dealing with the industrial, social, and scenic background of the Province, and the latter giving concise descriptions of its agricultural areas. It is not intended to convey that settlement will become permanently the major interest, but it is quite apparent that, at least for some years to come, it will continue to occupy the attention of the Bureau to such an extent as to change its entire complexion. This is, indeed, so very evident that it must be borne seriously in mind in planning and providing for the future. DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY. U 31 BRITISH COLUMBIA OVERSEAS TOBACCO FUND. Following representations to the Government from Mr. W. A. McAdam, Agent- General for British Columbia in London, this Department undertook in February, 1941, the organization and operation of the British Columbia Overseas Tobacco Fund. The work is carried on in conjunction with the office of the Agent-General in London, the cigarettes being shipped in bulk to that office, from which centre individual parcels are dispatched. The fund has been a distinct success and has proven a boon to British Columbia men serving in Britain. Generous donations have been received from individuals and organizations which have provided hundreds of thousands of cigarettes for general distribution at the discretion of the Agent-General in London. To date 102,592,700 cigarettes and 24,777 lb. of tobacco have been shipped to British Columbia House, London. In operating the fund throughout the Province, the fund has been fortunate enough to have the co-operation of the Junior Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce, local branches of the Canadian Legion and B.P. Order of Elks, and various women's organizations, whilst in Vancouver the United Commercial Travellers of America have taken charge for that city. The fund is indebted to local organizations for their generous assistance in providing an exceptionally fine service which is genuinely appreciated by British Columbia men serving in Britain. VICTOBIA, B.C. : Printed by Charles F. Banfield, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty. 1944. ■ 755-144-7541
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PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER… British Columbia. Legislative Assembly [1944]
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Title | PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31ST 1943 |
Alternate Title | DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY. |
Creator |
British Columbia. Legislative Assembly |
Publisher | Victoria, BC : Government Printer |
Date Issued | [1944] |
Genre |
Legislative proceedings |
Type |
Text |
FileFormat | application/pdf |
Language | English |
Identifier | J110.L5 S7 1944_V02_09_U1_U31 |
Collection |
Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Source | Original Format: Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. Library. Sessional Papers of the Province of British Columbia |
Date Available | 2016 |
Provider | Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library |
Rights | Images provided for research and reference use only. For permission to publish, copy or otherwise distribute these images please contact the Legislative Library of British Columbia |
CatalogueRecord | http://resolve.library.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/catsearch?bid=1198198 |
DOI | 10.14288/1.0319029 |
AggregatedSourceRepository | CONTENTdm |
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