The Comox Valley Walk of Achievement has named Jock A. Finlayson as its latest inductee.
Each year, the Comox Valley Walk of Achievement honours a worthy past or present Comox Valley citizen who has achieved distinction in their field of endeavour. The induction includes a recognition ceremony, followed by the unveiling of a personal plaque located on a sidewalk location in downtown Courtenay.
Jock Finlayson will be officially inducted as the 2018 Walk of Achievement on Saturday, Nov. 25 at noon, in the Sid Williams Theatre foyer.
Jock is the executive vice-president and chief policy officer at the Business Council of British Columbia, an organization representing 260 large and mid-size B.C. companies and affiliated industry associations that together account for approximately 25 per cent of all jobs in the province.
Finlayson manages the council’s policy and research staff and oversees the organization’s publications, presentations and other outputs. He previously served as vice-president of research at Canadian Council of Chief Executives, a leading business association in Ottawa. Prior to that he worked in the market research field and gained experience at two Canadian consulting firms.
Valley born and raised
Finlayson was born in Comox, at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
His parents owned and operated Finlayson Furniture in Courtenay and Campbell River. Growing up in the Comox Valley he was educated at Courtenay Elementary, Lake Trail Junior High, and G. P. Vanier. As a young man he worked at Elk Falls pulp mill in Campbell River.
Finlayson holds a master’s degree in business from Yale University, undergraduate and M.A. degrees from UBC, and a post-graduate diploma in economics from the University of London. He received an honorary doctorate of laws from Royal Roads University in 2014.
He is the author/co-author of two books, book chapters and monographs. A frequent commentator on economic, business, and public policy issues, Finlayson was a regular business panelist on CBC Radio’s Early Edition program.
From 2007 to 2013, Finlayson was a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Canada, where he chaired the corporate governance committee and served on the board’s human resources committee. He is currently a member of the National Statistics Council, the principal advisory body to the Chief Statistician of Canada, and sits on the Boards of the Institute for Research on Public Policy and Genome BC. He is also a member of the C.D. Howe Institute’s prestigious National Council.
Finlayson is a Fellow of Royal Roads University. He is a past president of both the Association of Professional Economists of BC and the Ottawa Economics Association. He resides in West Vancouver with his wife Marlene.
“As one of Canada’s best known and respected economists, thinkers and commentators on public policy matters, Jock consistently assembles vast arrays of economic data, academic literature, political realities and business knowledge into digestible and practical advice that decision makers everywhere seek out and apply,” said Greg D’Avignon, president & CEO, Business Council of BC.
“His advice and policy ideas, once adopted, have improved business outcomes and made meaningful contributions to BC’s overall quality of life.”
“We invite all residents in the Comox Valley to attend the ceremony honouring Jock A. Finlayson for his achievements and his positive contributions to the BC business environment as an economist,” said Jackie Green, Comox Valley Walk of Achievement committee chair.
Nominations for 2018
The Comox Valley Walk of Achievement committee is calling for nominations for worthy recipients for 2018.
“The Walk of Achievement is a unique way of recognizing Comox Valley residents who have made significant and lasting contributions in their professional or personal lives,” said committee member Dave Durrant.
“We already have a substantial list of worthy recipients for future inductions but we always encourage more nominations. Potential recipients are generally very busy individuals and finding time to be here for an induction can be a challenge,” added committee member Erik Eriksson.
“The strength of this initiative is that it will inspire others to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. The submissions we receive represent incredible people who have achieved amazing things in their lives.” said committee member Neil Havers.
Nominations can be emailed to walkofachievement@gmail.com or mailed to Comox Valley Walk of Achievement, 391-11 St., Courtenay, BC V9N 1S4. Deadline for submissions is March 15, 2018.
The Walk of Achievement Committee is comprised of Jacqueline Green (Chair), Neil Havers, David Durant and Erik Eriksson.
“We know there are many people worthy of the honour,” says Green. “I ask that you please send in the nominations.”