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Key Takeaways: Summer Town Hall with MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones

September 20, 2018

We were fortunate once again to have MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones join us on August 30, to chat with the community. Pamela gave an overview of what’s been happening on a federal level, after which the floor was opened up for questions from the audience. We covered an array of topics, ranging from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the National Housing Strategy to International Trade, with some excellent questions from members of the community.

In case you missed it, here are 5 key points we took away from the event:

  1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
  • We were informed that Ottawa is committed to reviewing the program, with priority focus on Canadians getting jobs first and indigenous jobs.
  • These are all the things Whistler has led on. Our opportunity is to clearly describe the challenges we face here and to lead on the solutions.
  • Pamela reiterated that Immigration is central to our success as a country. She is Meeting with Minister Hajdu and this topic is on the agenda.
  1. Labour crunch impact.
  • It’s important to paint a clear picture for the federal government of the extent of our labour challenges. It’s also important to note the extent of the other jobs and innovation not being fuelled due to a lack of capacity in our workforce.
  1. The National Housing Strategy will see funding flow from Federal to Provincial government.
  • It’s important to keep Ottawa informed on the community level projects that need funding.
  • Real estate prices are one of the top 3 areas of focus for BC MPs.
  1. When it comes to encouraging international trade, Pamela’s goal is for businesses to be export ready from day 1.
  • With the new European trade agreement, there are also some great stories of businesses enjoying dramatically cheaper costs to import products from Europe.
  1. Lastly, a great nugget of wisdom when it comes to leadership: “Respect the wisdom of those who have gone before you, and consult your predecessors.”

Thank you to everyone who joined us.  A special thank you to our venue partner, Arts Whistler, for providing the space at the Maury Young Arts Centre. Please keep an eye out on the Whistler Chamber calendar for our next Advocacy in Action event!

In the meantime, if you have an advocacy topic you’d like to discuss, join us at our next 12 @ 12.