Recent Policy Successes
Past Policy Successes |
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Skilled Workers Fast Tracked - December 11, 2012
Skilled temporary foreign workers will soon be able to transition to permanent residence in Canada faster than ever before the Federal Government has announced. 3,000 skilled trades-people under the new immigration stream will have the opportunity to be fast tracked starting January 2, 2013.
This policy win is a great example of the power of the Chamber of Commerce Network, with the BC Chamber by working with the Canadian Chamber to address a critical issue.
Federal Government News Release -
Fair Rail Freight Service Act - December 11, 2012
The federal Government introduced the Fair Rail Freight Service Act bill to give companies that ship goods by rail the right to a service agreement with railways.
This has been a longstanding policy issue for the Chamber Network. This Act will help create business growth within the shipping industry and enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and reliability of the entire rail freight system.
Federal Government News Release -
Mobile Business Licence - November 8, 2012
Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto has announced that nine Fraser Valley municipalities will implement a one-year, inter-municipal, business-licence pilot, with the goal of making it easier for businesses to operate in those communities.
This is another policy success flowing directly from BC Chamber policy, and the hard work of the Fraser Valley chambers of commerce.
The Mobile Business Licence (MBL) reduces red tape by allowing businesses to operate in more than one municipality by purchasing one licence, instead of having to purchase multiple licences for each municipality they do business in.
Provincial Government News Release -
Auditor General for Local Government - November 7, 2012
At the BC Chamber of Commerce Premier & Cabinet Luncheon, Premier Clark announced that Basia Ruta has been appointed BC's first Auditor General for Local Government (AGLG).
The concept for the AGLG in BC was developed by the BC Chamber of Commerce in a policy paper, and was originally announced by the Premier at our Liberal Leadership event last February.
The AGLG will perform value for money audits of municipal spending to ensure that taxpayer interests are protected, and that municipal elected officials are held accountable. Through these audits, the Auditor General will provide recommendations about how to find efficiencies and improve the effectiveness of local government operations.
BC Chamber News Release
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Tourism Marketing Organization “Destination BC” Announced - November 5, 2012
A new industry-led, legislature-funded Crown corporation named Destination BC has been created, and will work directly with the tourism sector to market BC as a tourism destination.
The creation of Destination BC is the direct result of tireless advocacy from tourism sector professionals, tourism organizations, and a policy success for the BC Chamber of Commerce. Several recommendations from Predictability for Provincial and Regional Destination Marketing Organizations, such as protected funding and executive leadership from independent tourism professionals, are included in the new organization.
BC Chamber Policy Resolution
Provincial Government News Release
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Small Business Accord Announced - October 22, 2012
The BC Chamber of Commerce and the Hon. Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Small Business, jointly announced a consultation process to create the Small Business Accord. This Accord will ensure that the government is held accountable for its actions in regulating business. The consultation will develop a regulations framework to reduce red tape and help make BC the most business-friendly jurisdiction in the country.This initiative was started by the BC Chamber of Commerce when it sent a letter to Minister Yamamoto calling for the establishment of a Small Business Accord in BC.
Government News Release -
BC-wide metal theft law came into force July 23
Canada's first provincial metal theft law and regulations come into effect Monday, July 23, with identification and reporting requirements designed to limit the resale market for stolen assets and ensure thieves are identified and prosecuted.
Government News Release
Read the BC Chamber Metal Theft Policy Paper
