Key Issue: Local & Regional Government

The provincial government today unveiled its 2022 budget that reflects its plans to support priorities such as childcare, homelessness and mental health, reconciliation, and the continued transition to a low carbon economy. “The budget provides significant resources to support inclusive and clean growth as outlined in the government’s economic plan of last week,” said Fiona […]

In response to the B.C. Government’s release of their new economic plan, StrongerBC: A Plan for Today, a Vision for Tomorrow (StrongerBC), Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement: “The B.C. Government’s economic plan unveiled today provides a compelling vision. “The government’s pillars for inclusive and clean […]

The BC Chamber of Commerce, along with chambers of commerce and boards of trade across B.C., is celebrating Chamber of Commerce Week in British Columbia, February 14-18. Once again, the majority of this year’s celebration will be held virtually due to the pandemic. “This week, we are celebrating the chambers of commerce and boards of […]

Statement from BC Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and BIABC President Today, Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, and Teri Smith, President of BIABC, are issuing the following statement on behalf of their members and in support of the BC Urban Mayors’ Caucus call for complex care housing: “Access to […]

In response to the provincial government’s introduction of permanent paid sick days, Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement: “It is important to make sure employees are safe and healthy. Reducing transmission of illness in the workplace is a benefit to both individuals and their employers. “Our […]

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 […]

As highlighted in the 2016 report titled, The Economic Importance of the Lower Fraser River, the region under discussion stretches from Richmond to Hope, and is one of the prime economic generators in BC. As such, the Lower Fraser is a significant contributor to the national economy. Without clear strategic management between all levels of […]

The BC Urban Mayors Caucus was formed to draw attention to issues affecting the largest urban communities in the province. The group produced a document entitled Blueprint for BC’s Urban Future1, that calls for greater action in four specific areas, including Mental Health, Substance Use and Treatment; Affordable Housing; Public Transit; and A New Fiscal […]

“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 […]

BC’s businesses continue to face financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local governments are feeling the same financial stressors, due to facility closures and the halting of other revenue streams. Raising municipal revenues through property taxes would only serve to increase costs to businesses. As a result, the pressure on local governments […]