ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Whistler Chamber progressing province-wide labour shortage solutions
During UBCM Whistler Chamber CEO, Melissa Pace and Board Chair, Theresa Walterhouse met with Minister of Labour, Harry Bains regarding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the effects the province-wide labour shortage is having on our community.
Melissa and Theresa walked Minister Bains through the village demonstrating first-hand the effects of the shortage on our local economy. The walk and talk highlighted the volume of help wanted signs in store windows and Melissa explained that many Members have been forced to shorten hours, reduce menus, close sections in restaurants and more.
Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, also joined the conversation and arranged a meeting with his Asst Deputy Minister, Rob Mingay the next day.
Progress for our Members:
- Assistant Deputy Minister Mingay has committed to writing a letter to Minister Ralston outlining the state of labour in the Province – calling it now a ‘labour crisis’ – seeking direction and strategic initiatives to support the business community of BC.
- While the TFWP and working holiday visas are only one piece of a multifaceted challenge, your chamber continues to advocate on housing, transportation, and solutions to support our business community now and into the future.
- We will continue to follow up with the Ministers to ensure progress and changes are made.
BC’s PST Expansion: What Businesses Need to Know
Budget 2026 expands the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) to professional services for the first time, including things like accounting, security and engineering. These are services almost every business in BC uses. The government’s rationale is that BC’s economy has shifted toward services, many of which have never had provincial tax applied. Here are the need-to-know details.
Sea to Sky Business Leaders Meet Minister Valdez
MP Weiler and Minister Valdez Roundtable Patrick Weiler, MP West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country, invited local business leaders from his constituency to meet with the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of...
Northlands Rezoning – Chamber Position
Northlands Rezoning - Chamber Position The Whistler Chamber supports the Northlands / Beedie project moving forward as soon as possible. We recommend employee housing as a priority for CAC allocation. The allocation of CAC funds should not delay the project any...
Summer 2025 Gallery
Summer 2025 Gallery Business walking tour with MP Weiler Business Lunch: State of the Municipality with Mayor Crompton presented by Capilano University ALSO Information on commercial real estate rates is available on request Read Pique Newsmagazine: Resort Chambers...
Business Resources for Navigating Tariffs
U.S tariffs on Canadian goods went into effect March 4, 2025. In response, Canada has imposed retaliatory tariffs of 25% on $30 billion in goods imported from the United Sates, followed by further tariffs on $125 billion worth of American products in another 21 days.
All Candidates Meeting Wrap Up – Provincial Election
The Whistler Chamber in partnership with Arts Whistler and the Pique Newsmagazine recently hosted the Whistler All-Candidates meeting ahead of the Provincial Election. The video recording is available to view now.
All Candidates Meeting Wrap Up – Federal Election
The Whistler Chamber in partnership with Arts Whistler and the Pique Newsmagazine recently hosted the Whistler All-Candidates meeting ahead of the Provincial Election. The video recording is available to view now.
Summer 2024 Gallery
Summer 2024 Gallery Business Lunch: State of the Municipality with Mayor Crompton presented by Capilano University Business Roundtable with MP Patrick Weiler Whistler's All Candidates Meeting Sea to Sky Chamber Connect (North Van, Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton)...
What You Missed at the State of the Municipality lunch
The Whistler Chamber of Commerce hosted the State of the Municipality with Mayor Crompton, presented by Capilano University on March 19 at the Westin Resort & Spa. Here’s what you missed.
Whistler Chamber Advocacy in Action: Focus on Function
Advocacy in Action: Focus on Function April 11, 2024 The Whistler Chamber headed south of the village to hear what’s on the mind of businesses in Function Junction. Many thanks to the businesses who attended and to the Whistler Brewing Company for hosting us, keeping...