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.
Advocacy Wins at the BC Chamber AGM
The Whistler Chamber of Commerce was busy last weekend, May 22-23, attending the virtual BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting & Conference. 67 chambers and boards of trade from across BC gathered online to discuss and debate key policy issues. 70 policies were submitted by 30 local chambers…
BC Businesses Face Major Hurdles Under Phase 2 of Restart Plan
The Whistler Chamber and the BC Chamber of Commerce collaborated on another Pulse Check survey to collect and provide information to government, from a range of Whistler Businesses. Thank you to everyone who completed the latest MindReader Pulse Check survey…
Almost half of BC businesses that are temporarily closed not confident in ability to reopen
The COVID-19 crisis is deepening for British Columbia businesses with four-in-ten (43%) of those surveyed stating they can only continue to operate for up to three months under current restrictions. For businesses temporarily closed, the future is similarly dire…
COVID-19 Provincial Economic Stimulus – Letter to Minister of Finance
During these unprecedented times, the Whistler Chamber continues to work hard to advocate for YOU, our Members. This week we sent a letter to Minister of Finance, Carole James, regarding the COVID-19 Provincial Economic Stimulus and the pressing issues…
Pulse Check Survey Provides New Business Impact Data
The results are in! The Whistler Chamber and the BC Chamber of Commerce have collaborated to collect and provide information to government, from businesses of all sizes within our community. Information gathered will inform a holistic approach between government and society in acting on the COVID-19 pandemic…
Support for Business and Not-For-Profits
Today, Prime Minister Trudeau announced four measures to further support business and not-for-profits who are struggling in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. In brief: The wage subsidy has been increased from 10% to 75% for qualifying businesses, back dated to March 15, 2020.
BC Government Listens to Urgent Business Feedback
As you may know, today the BC Government announced a COVID-19 Action Plan, which includes $5 billion allocated for programs that support businesses, workers, and economic recovery. We know you’re eager to gain more clarity on how to access these initiatives, and the province will provide these details soon…
COVID-19 Business Impact Survey generates almost 8000 responses
The BC Chamber of Commerce(and its 120-member chamber network) in partnership with Small Business BC, The BC Economic Development Association…
A letter from the Minister of Finance regarding EHT
Recently, one of our main focuses has been advocating for Whistler Businesses impacted by the new Employer Health Tax (EHT). To help us better advocate for you on Whistler Business’ concerns…
2019 Annual Member Survey Highlights
Our purpose is to make business easy for our Members. The powerful data from our business community will help guide the development of programs and initiatives to best serve Member needs…