Kelowna:  The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce joined chambers from across the province last weekend to debate and decide on what policies they would support for the 2017-2018 policy year.  Ten policies were brought forward by the Kelowna Chamber, the Greater Westside Board of Trade, and the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce.  All were adopted by the delegates at the session on May 27.

The Kelowna Chamber’s policies included:

  • Safe Communities and Strong Economies: Mental Health and Addictions in BC
  • Rent Control Policy:  Allowing Municipal Control of Maximum Allowable Rent Increases
  • Competitive Tax Environment for Credit Unions
  • Moving Forward with the Strong Business Case for a South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park
  • Providing Certainty for Business Through the Timely Administration of Justice

All Okanagan chambers supported the five Kelowna Chamber policy resolutions.

Tom Dyas, President of the Kelowna Chamber, who attended the three-day sessions, said he was very pleased at the unanimous support for his Chamber’s resolutions.  “It’s a grueling three days of not only policy sessions, but of education and learning across a range of topics. But we all go for the policy: advocacy is key to our members’ having a grassroots voice in how we get things done in BC.”

The Kelowna Chamber has had many successes with its advocacy policies in its 116-year history.  One of the most recent was the resolution calling for immediate action on invasive mussel species in BC waters.  Numerous measures are now in place following intensive interaction with local elected officials and provincial bodies.

The BC Chamber of Commerce's dynamic policy-building process is key to their success as BC’s premier business advocate.  The chamber network of member businesses works tirelessly to craft forward-thinking, innovative policies that respond to the current, on-the-ground needs of BC’s businesses.

When these policies are voted into force at the BC Chamber's annual AGM, they carry the backing of more than 30,000 represented businesses. These businesses range from sole proprietorships and micro-businesses to BC’s largest corporate players. The chamber network captures the views of every region and sector in the province.

The BC Chamber's rigorous policy-building process, coupled with its strategic advocacy efforts, has driven an outstanding track record of policy results.  The BC Chamber works closely with its partner, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, to ensure that made-in-BC policies have national impact.

The Kelowna Chamber annually participates in the Canadian Chamber's policy process to ensure BC’s needs and innovative solutions are brought before its peers from across the country. This year’s Canadian AGM will be in Fredericton in September. 

For more information:

Tom Dyas, President

250-861-8834