UPDATED 12/14 3:36PM – BC Chamber of Commerce Shop Local Funding Receives 88 Applications Across British Columbia
British Columbians Urged to Support Local Businesses this Holiday Season and into 2022 Today, the BC Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the federal government, is pleased to announce that 88 applications have been received, seeking over $5 million in asks to support Shop Local initiatives across the province, encouraging British Columbians to “Shop Local” […]
Fiona Famulak: Small business deserves thanks, and support, this Small Business Week
Opinion: I urge you to support your local businesses not only during Small Business Week, but also through the fall and upcoming festive season. Shop local. Dine at your favourite restaurant or try a new one. Instead of ordering something online, buy it locally. Travel again and spend a weekend at a small hotel in […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Responds to Proof of Vaccination Program
Today, the provincial government announced that it is introducing a Proof of Vaccination program for British Columbia. In response to the announcement, the BC Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Fiona Famulak, released the following statement: “Last week, we and other organizations representing businesses across the province called on the provincial government to introduce a […]
A Need for a Long-Term Post Pandemic Strategy for the Air Transportation Industry 2021
The air transportation industry has barely survived the pandemic. The impacts are evident in air cargo, commercial, and leisure transportation flights. The air transportation industry has received some support, however, there is need for a long-term strategy. Many nations in Europe are implementing rapid testing at airports and providing substantial information on the efficacy of […]
Focused Support for the Local Tourism and Hospitality Sectors in the Economic Restart 2021
The tourism and hospitality sectors1 have undoubtedly been seriously devastated and impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Realization and awareness of the depth and long-lasting nature of these impacts on the province’s economy; for SMEs, jobs and the ability to restart is imperative. Despite some provincial and federal relief, the industry is at a critical juncture […]
Categorizing Cinema and Professional Performing Arts Venues as ‘Business’ 2021
The BC Provincial Health Order has mis-categorized cinemas and professional performing arts venues as ‘events’. This has led to a catastrophic effect on the arts and culture sectors during times of crisis. Due to the incorrect segmentation of this industry, both movie theatre and live performance venues are unfairly shuttered. Background In 2020, COVID-19 rapidly […]
Work From Home Here to Stay – CRA Needs to Make the T2200 Short Form Permanent 2021
COVID-19 has resulted in a new normal. More employees are working from home, and that has led many to the question: what expenses can be deducted? The CRA’s current calculation of work-at-home- expenses only allows for a very minor reimbursement, which is less than the current reality of working from home. You should be able […]
Resource Industries – A Critical Ingredient in the Post-Pandemic Recipe 2021
Canada must not only maintain our competitive advantages, but also actively leverage and enhance them in the recovery effort. As Canada emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential that policy makers and the public understand the critical role that natural resource industries will play in rebuilding the provincial and federal economy in the short- and […]
BC Investment Fund Needs Board of Trade/Chamber of Commerce Industry 2021
COVID-19 has led to many levels of government providing grants and bursaries to businesses to keep them afloat. This has resulted in massive debt levels. Additionally, once the BC Government invests to support small and growing business sector and they reach a certain level of profitability, they are then acquired by capital south of the […]
Empower Municipalities to Support Their Business Communities in Times of Crisis: Amending the Community Charter 2021
“The Community Charter provides the statutory framework for all municipalities in BC except the City of Vancouver…and sets out municipalities’ core areas of authority…”1 Within this framework, grants or financial support to business is expressly forbidden.2 This provision hampers municipalities who wish to support their business community during times of crisis. Background In 2020, COVID-19 […]