Advocacy
This behind-the-scenes work is one of the most important services we provide. When a member encounters an issue that negatively impacts their business, they can turn to us.
For example, Tabor Mountain Ski Resort was concerned about a gravel quarry expansion project that would have led to increased traffic, noise, and cut off the possibility of expansion. Through our advocacy process, we approached the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. Our efforts, combined with others, resulted in the application being denied and the project halted.
This is why the Chamber of Commerce exists: to stand up for the business community. Through advocacy work, we help remove red tape and other roadblocks. We are helping build the best possible climate for business!
To advocate for an issue, it must:
- Be of significance to the Chamber’s membership;
- Be timely;
- Be specific and actionable, (can be impacted by the actions and initiatives of the Chamber and its partners);
- Have a direct relationship to the Chamber’s vision, mission, values, goals and priorities;
- Be clear and understandable.
When an issue falls under these criteria, we will champion the cause to all levels of government. If it has a provincial, federal or international scope, we work with the BC Chamber of Commerce and Canadian Chamber of Commerce to make sure the voice of business is heard.
The Chamber’s Advocacy Committee is made up of Directors and Volunteers from local businesses. They meet monthly to address issues and work on policy initiatives to submit to the BC Chamber at their Annual General Meeting.
We follow a step-by-step process. First, our Advocacy Committee identifies the issue and works to understand it. How wide scale is it? Does it impact one business, or many? In one industry, or many? Will it continue into the future, unless we intervene? We also take into account the parties involved, and whether we can realistically influence the outcome.
If our committee feels it’s within our scope, we proceed to further research the issue. Our Advocacy Committee will draft recommendations, that are then presented to our Board of Directors for approval. The ‘ask’ needs to be specific, tangible and measurable.
The next step is to communicate the policy or position. That can include letter writing, in-person meetings, media releases, info sessions for members, political candidate forums, BC or Canadian Chamber resolution, among other avenues. We follow up and take note of the outcome. Then, we re-evaluate the situation to see if any further action is required. Contact us today for more information!
Prince George Chamber of Commerce Statement on new Short-term Rental Rules
The Prince George Chamber of Commerce recognizes the provincial need:
for long-term rentals to address a long-term housing shortage for residents throughout
the province,
for clear and consistent rules within jurisdictions for short and long-term rentals, and
for support for municipalities in enforcing provincial legislation and municipal by-laws on
short-term rentals.
In this way, the PG Chamber of Commerce welcome’s the Province’s new legislation.
However, provincial needs are not uniform. While all regions of the province appear to be facing
long-term housing shortages, not all regions or municipalities are facing the same pressures from
tourism as the Lower Mainland, Squamish, Kelowna, etc. At the same time, other parts of the
province are facing short-term housing demands driven by the need to bring in health care
workers, construction workers, and other skilled and professional workers for two to three
months at a time to meet economic and health needs of the region.
Because of these regional and municipal differences, different municipalities need different types
and proportions of short and long-term housing to meet their housing needs for their unique
workforce situations. Municipalities such as Prince George need a higher proportion of housing
suitable for two to three month stays for locum health care workers, construction workers, and
others on short term assignments in and around Prince George.
For these reasons, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce encourages the Province to take into
consideration regional workforce issues in defining and limiting the number of short-term rentals
by location. The PG Chamber of Commerce also supports the Prince George City Council in
exploring the option to opt out of the principal residence exemption to the legislation.
Dr Ron Camp, Chair, Advocacy Committee
Prince George Chamber of Commerce
