Budget 2023 focuses on affordability, but not on business
Today in Victoria, the Government of British Columbia released its 2023 budget that prioritizes spending for important social and community initiatives but comes at the expense of addressing increasing costs facing BC’s businesses and the province’s competitiveness. “While today’s budget focused on affordability and reducing the cost of living, it provided little support to businesses […]
Pillar Partner Program
Pillar Partner program will harness the power of partnerships. As the largest and most broadly-based business organization in the province that represents 100 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and 36,000 businesses of every size and from every sector and region of the province, the BC Chamber of Commerce is an established voice in […]
2023 Premier & Cabinet Luncheon
The BC Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome Premier David Eby and members of Cabinet to its annual Premier & Cabinet Luncheon, a flagship event that offers business leaders the opportunity to connect with the Executive Council of the provincial government. Attracting two hundred guests from across the province, the event offers a coveted […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Calls on Government to Reduce Costs on Business
In advance of the Government of British Columbia’s release of Budget 2023, expected at the end of February, representatives from the BC Chamber of Commerce are in Victoria today to press for actions to address the cost of doing business in B.C. The meetings with the provincial government, which are taking place during B.C. Chamber […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Celebrates B.C. Chamber of Commerce Week
The BC Chamber of Commerce and chambers of commerce and boards of trade across the province are celebrating B.C. Chamber of Commerce Week, February 13 to 17, 2023. “The BC Chamber of Commerce represents 100 member chambers of commerce and boards of trade, and 36,000 businesses of every size and from every sector and region […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Launches Initiative to Address Acute Workforce Challenges
The BC Chamber of Commerce (BC Chamber) has launched a new two-phase initiative that will address British Columbia’s acute workforce challenges and help build labour force capacity and resiliency. Funded by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, the work will be undertaken in two phases through to January 2024. Phase 1 of the […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Statement on the Rising Cost of Doing Business in British Columbia
In response to recent production curtailment and permanent shutdown announcements by forest sector companies, Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement: “We know that difficult decisions like these are not taken lightly. Similarly, we know their consequences will be felt for a long time by workers, their […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Statement on BC Green Party’s Proposal to Increase Employer Health Tax Threshold
In response to today’s call by the BC Green Party to increase the exemption threshold from $500,000 to $1,500,000 for businesses paying the Employer Health Tax, Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement: “The BC Chamber of Commerce supports the BC Green Party’s call to increase the […]
Addressing the Labour Market Gap
BC is facing an acute labour shortage which challenges both employers and job seekers. Employers struggling to find workers must adapt to the needs and expectations of job seekers to attract and retain talent. Job seekers are striving to secure employment despite the myriad opportunities available. Building labour force capacity and resiliency is a top […]
Jennifer Jones Appointed Director, Events and Partnerships, at the BC Chamber of Commerce
Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce, announced today that Jennifer Jones has joined the provincial association as its new Director, Events and Partnerships. “Jennifer brings a wealth of experience having worked extensively in the events industry and for private and not-for-profit organizations,” said Famulak. “She is a respected leader, a […]
2023 AGM and Conference
One year on and the theme of last year’s AGM and Conference theme, Focusing Forward, still feels like a good fit for 2023. However, as we continue to navigate uncertain times, and with the need to address some of our greatest challenges with increased urgency, this year we want to focus on the importance of […]
Joint business community statement on escalating workers’ compensation system costs
The economic environment is increasingly tenuous for many B.C. businesses grappling with rising input costs, a shortage of workers, supply chain disruptions and rising interest rates. B.C. businesses are also concerned the provincial economy is weakening as the global economy shows increasing signs of slowing down. As B.C. businesses struggle to keep costs down for […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Policy Successes
Representatives of the BC Chamber of Commerce attended the Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Ottawa this week. Over 200 delegates gathered from chambers of commerce and boards of trade from across the country to hear speakers, share ideas and solutions, and discuss issues that matter to businesses from […]
BC Chamber of Commerce Hosts 2022 Small Business Week Summit
The BC Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2022 Small Business Week Summit, Oct. 17-21, where subject matter experts will discuss some of the key issues facing employers and provide practical steps on how small- and medium-sized companies can navigate today’s challenging business environment. “Small businesses are the economic backbone of communities across British Columbia, […]