There are many policy areas that the Mission Chamber is continuing to advance on behalf of members. Beyond the recent acceptance of the Fraser River Policy Resolutions at the B.C. Chamber AGM, the Mission Chamber also supported new resolutions that advocate for curbing of the Property Transfer Tax, the providing process for better accountability and transparency for Local Government, a registration of buildings used for marijuana grow operations and online provincial and municipal voting.
More than 30 new policy resolutions were adopted at this year’s BC Chamber of Commerce AGM and the Chamber will leverage these resolutions to the benefit of the membership.
Additionally, the Chamber continues to work with local governments for the adaptation of a Fraser Valley mobile business licensing program. Communities from Surrey and Pitt Meadows to Hope are looking to develop a program that would allow businesses to work in this accepted economic region.
For service business, such as contractors, home care and caterers, this could reduce red tape and costs by as much as $2,000 annually.
On a local level, the Chamber has offered its support to the District of Mission development of a sustainable long-term plan for the downtown core.
The Chamber believes in order to draw investment to downtown there is a need for a clear vision and plan that highlights the opportunities and strengths over the long-term. In the continued quest to cut red tape, the Chamber also lent its voice to the core services review development forum. Chamber Manager Michelle Favero spoke to the barriers and challenges in the development process and offered possible solutions that would streamline process.
Many more policy initiatives are continuing to be driven by the Chamber Government Affairs Committee. Members are encouraged to participate in the committee, surveys and roundtables. For more information contact Michelle Favero at manager@missionchamber.bc.ca.