AbCellera,  a 2013 New Ventures BC Competition finalist, has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious list of the  World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2020. The list honours the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and society.  AbCellera’s drug discovery platform searches and analyzes natural immune systems to deliver best-in-class antibody drugs, and currently it’s being used to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. They’re leading a team of industry expert in  the Pandemic Prevention Platform program and working on discovering neutralizing antibodies that could ultimately be deployed to stop the transmission of the coronavirus.

On March 12, AbCellera and Eli Lilly and Company announced they have entered into an agreement to co-develop antibody products for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus. 

Within one week of receiving a blood sample from one of the first U.S. patients who recovered from COVID-19, AbCellera screened over 5 million immune cells looking for ones that produced functional antibodies that helped the patient neutralize the virus and recover from the disease. From this effort, AbCellera has identified over 500 unique fully human antibody sequences, the largest panel of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies ever reported. The next step is to screen these antibodies to find the ones most effective in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2. Many of these antibodies will be expressed in collaboration with partners at the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, and pending agreement with NIAID will be tested for their ability to neutralize the virus.

 

Content in this article is inspired by a feature on Innovate BC platform and AbCellera online news. 

Support for B.C. Businesses Affected by COVID-19

In over 2300 responses to the BC Chamber’s COVID-19 Business Impacts Survey, eighty percent of respondents said that their “revenue and deal flow” is dropping – and almost 90% think it will continue to fall.

Business is asking government for three things above all else:

  1. To work with banks and lending institutions to offer zero-interest loans, load guarantees, or lines of credit
  2. to be more flexible around timelines for tax remittances;
  3. to enhance EI access or wage replacement for employees.

In response to the survey feedback, the government of British Columbia is working to remove red tape and get cash flowing to the business community.

In the meantime, some immediate measures have been announced to assist with SME’s liquidity, operational concerns, and business continuity plans.

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Resources for Business

These resources are made available to mitigate immediate business costs. Note that restrictions may apply, so kindly defer to each organization’s website for details.

Financial Support/Relief

  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has resources available including:
  • BC Hydro: The COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program provides customers the option to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty. Customers are encouraged to call BC Hydro’s customer team at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376) to discuss options.
  • CMHC is working to address mortgage payment difficulties. They’ve said on twitter that they are collaborating with lenders to allow payment deferral of up to six months.
  • Export Development Canada (EDC). In partnership with the federal government and Canadian banks, EDC will ensure customers impacted by COVID-19 have access to credit.

 

Operational/Staffing Support

  • Employment and Social Development Canada: Several measures are available to assist employees who have been laid off, or are unable to work due to quarantine. This includes: waiving the one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits, and priority application processing for related claims.
  • Uber Eats: The company has created a support package to promote “contactless” delivery from local restaurants, which includes waiving delivery fees, and a daily payout option to assist restaurants with cash flow.
  • Work-Sharing Program: Work-Sharing is a federal government adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. Temporary special measures have extended the maximum duration of work-sharing agreements from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for businesses affected by COVID-19

 

General Information

 

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We Are Here to Help. Coronavirus Zona Protetta Update

Above: Duomo of Milan would normally be filled with commuters, shoppers, and tourists at this time of year. This week it’s virtually deserted as travel restrictions have been implemented across Italy in the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada West is close to its friends, families, members and collaborators in Italy during these challenging times.
During its millennial history, Italy has faced many challenges and its proud people have learned how to be strong and unite during times of struggle.
Our thoughts and prayers go to Italy right now, as we keep working to fight back fear and build a future of connections and friendship between Italy and Canada, especially when the Ocean between us feels even larger.

In its ongoing efforts to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus and protect the most vulnerable people in the country, the Italian government implemented severe travel restrictions across the entire country on Monday. These new measurements expand the red zone restrictions that had been put into place early Sunday morning to the entire country. With the new measures in place, Italian residents, except for emergency and work, are no longer allowed to move leave or enter cities or towns. All public gatherings and sporting events have been suspended and banned, all schools have been closed, international and domestic flights have been canceled, and the Italian government is encouraging citizens to stay at home and work from home if necessary.

Here at the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada West, our offices are open as usual as we keep supporting our Canadian and Italian members. We are monitoring the situation closely and recognize that many of our members and friends have family and friends in Italy who have been impacted by the new restrictions. And we are acutely aware of the fallout on Italian businesses, both in Canada and Italy.

Currently, we are working to obtain more information on how the restrictions (zona protetta) is being implemented and its effects. We are also closely following updates from the Italian government on relief efforts and the ongoing campaign to mitigate the continuing health crisis.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada West is here to help: Please feel free to contact us for all information regarding your business with Italy to iccbc@iccbc.com or 604 682 1410. One of our staff members will be happy to speak with you and help you in any way we can.

In the meantime, please stay up-to-date with our social media channels where we will be publishing updates on the evolving situation.

[:it]Consolato Generale d’Italia – Avviso di assunzione impiegato a contratto presso l’Istituto Italiano di Cultura a Toronto[:]

[:it]È indetta una procedura di selezione per l’assunzione di 1 (uno) impiegato a contratto da adibire ai servizi di collaboratore amministrativo nel settore contabilità, manifestazioni culturali e traduzione del locale Istituto Italiano di Cultura.

Le domande di ammissione alle prove per l’assunzione, da redigersi secondo il modello disponibile presso il Consolato Generale d’Italia in Toronto oppure scaricabili tramite il presente link, dovranno essere presentate entro e non oltre le ore 24 del giorno 24 febbraio 2020.

Le domande potranno essere trasmesse per via telematica, firmate, scansionate e corredate dalla copia di un documento d’identità valido, all`indirizzo email archivio.toronto@esteri.it; alternativamente le stesse domande, firmate e corredate dalla copia di un documento d’identità valido, potranno essere presentate su carta libera indirizzata al Consolato Generale d`Italia in Toronto – 136 Beverly Street – Toronto, Ontario M5T 1Y5.

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FOOD AS AN ART FORM – Deadline January 27 – Emilia-Romagna in Canada

Opportunities for food importers in Western Canada and for food manufacturer based in Emilia Romagna Region

 

“Food as an art form” sponsors promotional activities and participation to tradeshows  (Cibus and Sial Montreal) both for Italian food companies already represented in Canada (Quebec, BC, Alberta) and for companies looking for an importer.If you are an importer in Western Canada and represents one or more companies from the Emilia Romagna region, you may want to contact your supplier and recommend they apply to this grant.January 27th is the last day to apply to the project.

For more information about the project please contact ilaria@iccbc.com or 604 682 1410.

About the Project

 

Unioncamere and the Chambers of Commerce of Emilia-Romagna will carry out a project in 2020 to support the internationalization in Canada (Province of Québec and Province of British Columbia) for the Emilia-Romagna agri-food sector.

The Project is co-financed by the Emilia-Romagna Region under the Call for the granting of contributions to projects to promote the regional production system on European and non-European markets 2019-2020 – 6th year.

The Project is intended for companies in the agro-food sector – with registered office or operating unit in Emilia-Romagna – already present in Canada with its own importer or not yet present on the Canadian market. A particular focus will be on productions obtained from organic agriculture, products for celiacs, vegan products and dairy / dairy products.

The Canadian organic products market – linked to consumer interest for healthier food products – is estimated at 4.4 billion Canadian dollars (2.6% of the food market), with a growth of 60% compared to 2010 with the province of Québec having the highest growth, with an increase of 85% between 2010 and 2017.

The project objectives are set out for the two target categories of the beneficiary companies:

  • Target 1 companies not yet present on the Canadian market (Provinces Québec and / or British Columbia): facilitating access to the market;
  • Target 2 companies already present on the Canadian market ( Provinces Quebec and / or British Columbia): facilitate market rooting through the HO.RE.CA. channel and / or Retail.

 

The flat-rate participation fee for each company is € 2,000.00 plus VAT, net of the contribution of the Emilia-Romagna chamber system and the Emilia-Romagna Region. Travel and accommodation costs in Canada are excluded from the participation fee, which therefore remain the responsibility of the participating company.

Registration:

The deadline for collecting adhesions is set for January 27, 2020.

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Due to heavy snow conditions please note that our offices will be closed today.

Please leave a message at 604 6821410 or iccbc@iccbc.com and we will contact you asap.
Sorry for the inconvenience.

Happy Canadian Winter | Buon Inverno Canadese

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING PERFECT PASTA MASTERCLASS – NOV 19

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The Art of Espresso Premiered At Una Serata Incantata

Valcucine Celso Speaks

“I would like to express my best greetings tonight on behalf of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada West or La Camera di Commercio Italiana in Canada Occidentale, and I would like to thank Montauk Sofa and Valcucine’s team for being such a great partner in organizing this event and for hosting us once again in this fantastic location for this “Serata Incantata”. Celso Boscariol, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada West

 

On Sep 2019, on the occasion of IDS, The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada West hosted an event at Valcucine Showroom.

This by-invitation Serata Incantata (Enchanted Evening) gathering was a special event as it celebrated many important occasions.

The teaser of our documentary The Art of Espresso was displayed on the screens for the first time. The Art of Espresso is a unique documentary that investigates the secret of the perfect espresso, and the rare “art” behind it!

The documentary features conversations and deep interviews with some of our esteemed members and friends who over the years and/or through family traditions have mastered this art:

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Within the occasion, we also welcomed and celebrated the arrival of the new Consul General Fabio Messineo and thanked him for his presence at the event.

The event also celebrated our guests from Italy, that were representing 2 design companies Italamp and Sogni di Cristallo, who through new trade agreements – made possible through the INN Veneto program – will be soon exporting more of their quality handcrafted 100% Made in Italy chandeliers to Vancouver!

The event was partially sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development within the program The Extraordinary Italian Taste, a program that for the last 3 years allowed us to promote awareness in North America about the authentic and certified Italian food products.

 

Valcucine Celso Speaks
Valcucine Italian Chamber Of Commerce And Italian Guest
Valcucinee Chambers Staffs Ready
Valcucine Networking Italian Chamber Of Commerce
Valcucine Italian Evening
Valcucine=with Italian Chamber Of Commerce
Valcucine Chamber Desk
Valcucine With Thee Musician
Valcucine Pre Event
Valcucine Italian Chamber Of Commerce Neetworking

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