The BC Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a strong alignment between its business advocacy priorities and the new BC Conservative government's platform, with nearly 70% of the BC Chamber network's policy positions reflected in the party's commitments.

In an article written by BC Chamber President & CEO Jen Riley, the organization outlines how chambers of commerce and boards of trade across the province have helped bring forward policy recommendations addressing key business issues.

Areas of alignment include:

• Fiscal accountability and taxation: Reviewing provincial finances, reconsidering the expansion of the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and improving the Employer Health Tax threshold.
• Small business support: Bringing back the Small Business Roundtable to strengthen communication between business owners and government.
• Public safety: Addressing repeat offences and improving court capacity to help reduce the impact of crime on businesses.
• Resource development and infrastructure: Supporting natural gas, forestry, electricity capacity, transportation corridors and port expansion.
• Regulatory efficiency: Improving permitting processes and reducing unnecessary regulatory delays.

These priorities reflect advocacy efforts from chambers and boards of trade throughout British Columbia, demonstrating the value of a connected provincial business network in bringing local business concerns to the attention of government.

As the BC Chamber notes, platform commitments are only a starting point. The next step is turning those commitments into legislation, regulations and tangible action.

Read the full article: BC Chamber Network Positions and the New Conservative Platform