2019 Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM
Last week our CEO, Melissa Pace, attended the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM in Saint John, New Brunswick, where leaders from over 300 chambers across the country submitted and voted on over 75 resolutions to elevate Canada’s business climate. B.C. was well represented with 71 delegates from 16 regional chambers and boards of trade. Our delegation submitted 27 policies of which 23 have now become part of the Canadian Chamber’s Policy and Positions Manual for 2019/20.
It was important to note that the need for more rental housing is felt all over the country. Kelowna Chamber stood up for continued access and affordability with policies that speak to driving investment, amending the Income Tax Act and removing the GST from new rental housing. While the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade had their policy passed, which called for revisions to credit card merchant fees to support SME’s with already high operating costs.
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce’s policy on improving ‘Start-up Visa Processes to Decrease Wait Times’ was passed, as was the Surrey Board of Trade’s policy to ‘Enhance child care quality, and address the sector’s recruitment and retention crisis’, which aims to increase child care services to support parents in the workplace.
We were delighted that the Whistler Chamber’s policy on ‘Improved access to labour for the Tourism Sector’ was passed, with a 99% in favour vote!
We continue to work hard on moving the dial on issues affecting Whistler’s business, so it is vitally important for us to know what’s on Whistler Business’ mind. Our Members play an important role in helping us to Make Business Easier, by joining us at events such as Power Lunches, participating in our surveys throughout the year and attending power packed 12@12 Member Input Sessions, which are designed for our Members, to let us know where to take action.
Join us at our next 12@12 Member Input Session >>
COVID-19 Provincial Economic Stimulus – Letter to Minister of Finance
During these unprecedented times, the Whistler Chamber continues to work hard to advocate for YOU, our Members. This week we sent a letter to Minister of Finance, Carole James, regarding the COVID-19 Provincial Economic Stimulus and the pressing issues…
Pulse Check Survey Provides New Business Impact Data
The results are in! The Whistler Chamber and the BC Chamber of Commerce have collaborated to collect and provide information to government, from businesses of all sizes within our community. Information gathered will inform a holistic approach between government and society in acting on the COVID-19 pandemic…
Support for Business and Not-For-Profits
Today, Prime Minister Trudeau announced four measures to further support business and not-for-profits who are struggling in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. In brief: The wage subsidy has been increased from 10% to 75% for qualifying businesses, back dated to March 15, 2020.
BC Government Listens to Urgent Business Feedback
As you may know, today the BC Government announced a COVID-19 Action Plan, which includes $5 billion allocated for programs that support businesses, workers, and economic recovery. We know you’re eager to gain more clarity on how to access these initiatives, and the province will provide these details soon…
COVID-19 Business Impact Survey generates almost 8000 responses
The BC Chamber of Commerce(and its 120-member chamber network) in partnership with Small Business BC, The BC Economic Development Association…