BC Chamber of Commerce Statement on Government of B.C. Declaration Act Action Plan

In response to the B.C. Government’s release of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan (Action Plan), Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement:

“The B.C. Government’s Action Plan unveiled today is a significant step in our province’s collective reconciliation journey.

“The BC Chamber of Commerce has been clear in its support to advance reconciliation on all fronts and create a path forward that respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples, while also creating transparency and predictability. Today’s Action Plan provides clarity, and we welcome its release.

“We applaud the provincial government and Indigenous Peoples for their diligence to finalize the Action Plan; the hard work that has brought us here, will ensure we are on solid footing as we move reconciliation forward. 

“Last year, as part of our unique grassroots policy development process, our network of chambers of commerce and boards of trade from across B.C., passed a policy asking the provincial government to work with all relevant stakeholders to build a comprehensive action plan to build sustainable business relationships with Indigenous Peoples.  Today, we note government’s commitment to ‘Ensure Indigenous collaboration in the development and implementation of the BC Economic Plan’ (Action 4.40). We are heartened by this commitment and look forward to working with government and Indigenous Peoples to bring the aspirational vision to life through concrete actions that will ensure we have a sustainable economy and that all communities across the province are included in it.

“The BC Chamber of Commerce and its members want to make a positive contribution to our economic, social, and cultural reconciliation, believing there is a role for everyone in the process and we are fully committed to it.”