Presidents Message
As we begin to travel more for business and pleasure, we are reminded of the challenges from the pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine, inflation and economic uncertainties that has affected so many people and businesses.
I recently travelled to Australia for the first time in 3 years. I had forgotten how long it had been since I walked through a deserted Melbourne airport in February 2020, when Australia had begun to close its borders. Meeting with people in Australia reminded me again how Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians had been similarly affected by the pandemic, and continue to face the same challenges. Although the supply chain issues appear to be resolving in North America, I was reminded that some goods are still subject to long wait times, particularly in Australia (with many popular cars with a wait time of about two years).
We also shared similar stories of the responses to the pandemic, and inspiring stories, of actions that protected and helped people and businesses; and we shared the hope for the next chapter and for reconnecting and reinvigorating business between our countries.
Thank you to all those who attended our annual Australia-Waitangi celebration in person. We look forward to seeing you at ANZAC Day and our spring events.
Tony
Tony Crossman
President
Australia Day / Waitangi Day 2023
In February we hosted our annual Australia Day / Waitangi Day celebration, the first time in three years. It was wonderful to be back in person.
Thanks to our event sponsors Air Canada, COBS Bread and the Australian and New Zealand Consuls for their support.
Corporate Member Spotlight
Miller Thomson LLP
Miller Thomson LLP is a national business law firm with approximately 525 lawyers based in five Canadian provinces. We celebrate the diversity of our people. We are united by shared values. Our people are leaders and pro-active thinkers, focus on providing the highest level of client service, and who are encouraged to leverage the power of teamwork.
Our firm’s focus is on the delivery of pragmatic litigation and advisory services. Its advantage is the ability to combine local knowledge with national bench strength. It is conveniently located across Canada in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, London, Waterloo Region, Toronto, Vaughan and Montréal. Key Vancouver practice groups include: Business; Global Trade and Customs; Labour and Employment; Indigenous; Litigation; and Tax.
Miller Thomson’s Vancouver office was established through a merger with Swinton & Company (established in 1951). Since that time our firm has enjoyed a lengthy and illustrious history in British Columbia and Canada. Reflecting our deep community roots is our deep support for many non-profit organizations and charitable causes. The Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, the Justice Institute of BC Foundation, the University of Victoria, the Vancouver Police Foundation, and Variety BC are some examples of our commitments to community life. Our firm is also a long-standing supporter of many business, legal, and trade entities ranging from the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada to the Vancouver Board of Trade.
Upcoming events
We have some exciting events planned for the next few months, as always check the website for the full list.
ANZAC Day Commemoration April 25
CANZBA Conversations: New Zealand’s Economic Outlook 2023: May 18
CANZBA Summer Celebration June 15
