Big Thinking for Small Business Updated to Reflect Evolving Economic Recovery Priorities
Today, the BC Chamber of Commerce released its updated Big Thinking for Small Business, a bold plan to grow British Columbia’s economy by focusing on three pillars: inclusivity, innovation, and competitiveness. Updated from the previous year’s Economic Recovery Submission, the Big Thinking for Small Business plan underpins the pan-provincial priorities as set out by the […]
BC Lobbying Act 2020 – Implications for Non-Profits, Smaller Organizations & Chambers / Boards of Trade 2021
The BC Government’s new Lobbyists Transparency Act (2020) (LTA) has placed considerable burden on the not-for-profit sector, and smaller organizations including Chambers of Commerce/Boards of Trade. In addition, this legislation undermines the democratic process that enables organizations to lobby and advocate to government. It significantly constrains communications and collaboration with government on the impact of […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Applauds Meat Licensing Changes and Increased Access for Local Products
Changes made last month by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries to streamline and improve the meat licensing regulations is welcome news for the BC Chamber of Commerce. Last month, the ministry announced a series of changes that will make significant improvements for local operators who focus on production and processing of livestock raised […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Policy Win as Provincial Government Launches Home Delivery for Non-Medical Cannabis Products
The BC Chamber of Commerce, together with BC Chamber Cannabis Working Group, applauds the provincial government’s announcement that licensed cannabis retailers will be able to deliver non-medical cannabis products directly to consumers starting July 15, 2021. Within the announcement, government also stated it will be removing security verification requirements for cannabis workers. The announcement represents […]
BC Chamber Network Passes Ground-Breaking DRIPA Policy Resolution at 2021 AGM & Conference
At the 2021 Virtual AGM & Conference of the BC Chamber of Commerce on May 28-29, 2021, the Chamber network passed a ground-breaking policy resolution that calls for actionable steps to move forward B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) legislation. The provincial government passed its DRIPA legislation in November 2019 to […]
BC Chamber Celebrates Increased Funding and Expanded Eligibility of Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant
VANCOUVER, BC, April 26, 2021 —Today, the provincial government announced that it is adding more than $75 million to the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, bringing the amount available for hard-hit B.C. businesses to more than $125 million. With the increased funding, eligible businesses will receive up to $20,000 to help with expenses like employee wages, […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Responds to BC Budget 2021
Prudent budget aligns with BC Chamber’s Big Thinking for Small Business three-pillar recovery plan, addresses urgent business recovery needs Today, the provincial government unveiled its 2021 budget that reflects the uncertainty of the environment that both the private and public sectors are operating in. The budget demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to the financial supports […]
BC Chamber Will Continue to Advocate Vigorously for Business Amid New and Extended Pandemic Restrictions
Today, the provincial government announced that it will be extending its provincial health restrictions that came into effect on March 29, 2021 at 11.59pm, for another five weeks until midnight on May 25, 2021, and that include: The variance allowing indoor religious gatherings and worship services between March 28, 2021 and May 13, 2021 is […]
BC Chamber Welcomes Circuit Breaker Business Relief for Businesses Impacted by Recent Restrictions
Today, the provincial government announced that it will provide more than $50 million to help the 14,000 restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, gyms and fitness centres affected by the March 30, 2021, provincial health orders. The new Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant will provide affected businesses with up to $10,000 in one-time funding to help with […]
BC Chamber Responds to Updated Pandemic Restrictions
Today, the provincial government announced that to address rising COVID-19 case counts, protect people and communities and help break the chain of COVID-19 transmission, the provincial health officer is amending the provincial public health orders effective 12:00 AM PDT Tuesday, March 30, 2021. The new amended orders are in effect through April 19, 2021, and […]