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 […]
BC Chamber Supports Regional Health Measures Implemented in Central Okanagan to Contain COVID-19 Outbreak
Yesterday, Interior Health announced that due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in the central Okanagan, a regional mandatory mask order for all public indoor spaces will be effective Thursday July 29, 2021, at 12:00am. The order applies to individuals older than 12 years of age in the central Okanagan communities of Kelowna and Lake […]
BC Chamber Survey Shows Strong Optimism from Businesses, Workforce Support Next Hurdle
The recent, and final, COVID-19 Pulse Check survey conducted by the BC Chamber of Commerce revealed that businesses are hopeful about the future with 60 percent of respondents saying they are optimistic or very optimistic about the next 12 months. However, while BC’s Restart Plan is well underway with COVID-19 restrictions easing, businesses continue to […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Launches Seven Regional Resource Guides to Support Small Business in BC’s Restart Plan
Today, the BC Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the provincial government’s Sector Labour Market Partnership Program (SLMP) and with funding provided by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training, launched seven regional Resource Guides for Small Business Resiliency. The Resource Guides are tailor-made to support businesses in each of the seven economic regions […]
BC Chamber Welcomes Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, Calls for Patience as People and Businesses Transition
Yesterday, the provincial government announced that the province of British Columbia will move to Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan at 12:00am PDT on Thursday, July 1, 2021. The news comes following confirmation that the criteria for moving to Step 3 i.e. at least 70% of the 18+ population has been vaccinated with dose 1, […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Federal Government’s $5.5million investment in Shop Local Campaign in B.C.
The BC Chamber of Commerce welcomes the announcement made by the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Digital Government and M.P. for Vancouver Quadra, on June 24, 2021, that funding of up to $5.5 million is ear-marked for British Columbia as part of a national Shop Local initiative designed to encourage people to shop locally and […]
BC Chamber Welcomes BC Restart Plan
VANCOUVER, BC, May 25, 2021 —Today, the provincial government unveiled its four-step restart plan to safely bring the people of British Columbia back together. Starting May 25, 2021 there will be a gradual return to business, important social connections, and activities. Driven by data, including the number of adults vaccinated, COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations and […]
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 […]