As British Columbia navigates a transformative decade in the labour market, New Westminster stands at a critical crossroads. With over 1 million job openings projected across the province by 2035, our city is uniquely positioned to lead in the health, tech, and creative sectors.
In an era of rapid economic shifts, the Chamber provides the essential platform where local business owners, policymakers, and the next generation of talent meet to influence the trajectory of our community.
This Business Breakfast is more than an information session; it is a collaborative forum designed to ensure the voice of the New West business community is heard, understood, and integrated into the city’s growth strategies.
Speakers:
Moderator: Hayley Woodin Hastings
Who Should Attend?
HR Professionals: To understand local labour supply shifts and recruitment opportunities.
Educators & Training Providers: To ensure curriculum stays in sync with the "Future Forward" roadmap.
Students & Recent Graduates: This is a prime opportunity for the "future workforce" to network with potential employers, learn which industries are hiring, and discover the specific skills local leaders are looking for in 2025 and beyond.
About the Speakers:
Honourable Jennifer WhitesideGovernment of British Columbia
Jennifer Whiteside was first elected as the MLA for New Westminster (now New Westminster-Coquitlam) in 2020.
Jennifer was appointed the Minister of Labour in November 2024. She previously served as Minister of Education, and most recently as Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
Jennifer was the chief spokesperson and lead negotiator for the Hospital Employees’ Union, where she fought for strong public healthcare and healthcare workers’ rights. She has dedicated her career to advocating for working people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked tirelessly to protect seniors and workers in nursing homes across the province.
While leading B.C.’s first campaign for a living wage, she fought to ensure that work lifts people out of poverty and allows them to support their families and fully participate in their communities.
Jennifer has worked for community organizations and labour unions at the provincial and national level, and in those roles has championed a wide range of social justice issues from accessible post-secondary education and affordable public childcare, to Medicare and health equity.
Jennifer was born and raised in New Westminster, holds a degree in History from Simon Fraser University, and is passionate about making life better for people in her city and across B.C.
Laura Kinderman, PhD
Yorkville University
Laura joined Yorkville University as the Dean of Business, BC in July 2025, where she oversees the Bachelor of Business Administration program in two modes of delivery, on campus in New Westminster, and online across Canada. Prior to this, Laura served as Dean of Business and Professional Studies at Capilano University, where she oversaw a range of programs, fostering learning grounded in practical application, connected through community and industry engagement.
Over the past 17 years, she has overseen a diverse range of programs, worked with faculties and schools in developing new innovative programs, and supported revenue generation while upholding values that foster teaching and learning excellence and centre students are partners. Laura holds an Executive MBA (Queen’s), a PhD in English (Queen’s) an MA in English (Dalhousie), and honours Bachelors in English and German (UVic) and is a Certified Executive Coach (CEC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC). Her academic leadership experience is complemented by her expertise as an educator, researcher, and educational developer, underscored by a vision of collaboration, inclusion, and innovation.
Mark DavidsonNew Westminster Schools
Mark Davidson joined New Westminster Schools (SD40) as its superintendent at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Prior to that, he led Medicine Hat School Division and has served in K-12 education since 2000 as a teacher, vice-principal, principal, and deputy superintendent in addition to superintendent/CEO. He also worked for Alberta Education as a senior education manager.
Ryan MittonCanadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
As Legislative Director for British Columbia, Ryan leads strategic public policy, research, advocacy, and communications initiatives to support small businesses across the province. He works closely with government and stakeholders to advance key priorities such as tax reform, red tape reduction, housing policy, and economic development.
With over eight years of experience in provincial politics, Ryan brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. He holds an M.Sc. in Public Management and Governance from the London School of Economics and a B.A. in History and Political Science from McGill University. Originally from Kelowna, Ryan is now based in Victoria, where he continues to champion the interest of small business owners throughout British Columbia.
7:45 am to 10:30 am
Inn at The Quay
Secured on-site underground parking is available for a small fee.
We also encourage you to take transit via bus and/or the New Westminster Skytrain Station.
Individual Tickets:
Chamber Member Rate: $65 +tax per ticket
Non-Member Rate: $75 +tax per ticket
Student Rate: $30 +tax per ticket (Please use your post-secondary institution email to avail this rate, and bring your valid student ID card on the day of the event)
Table Tickets:
Chamber Member Rate Table of 8: $520 +tax
Non-Member Rate Table of 8: $600 +tax
Chamber Member Rate Table of 10: $650 +tax
Non-Member Rate Table of 10: $750 +tax
Have a login? Login Now
{{vm.loginInfo.errorMessage}}
Create an Account
Forgot your Username or Password?
Register as Guest
Address
Phone
{{slot.Name}}
{{ vm.EventInfo.EventSettings.NoShowPolicy }}