The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce spearheaded a policy resolution calling for federal support of BC Ferries Infrastructure funding at the BC Chamber Annual General Meeting & Conference held this year in Kelowna, May 29 to 31.
“Affordable ferry rates are vital to B.C.’s economy and for the health of our province’s coastal communities,” said Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Carter, one of the conference delegates. “We believe BC Ferries should be eligible to access federal infrastructure funds.”
The BC Ferries policy resolution was one of four local Chamber resolutions passed, all of which are now part of the BC Chamber of Commerce’s policy agenda. The four are:
- Public Investment in BC Ferries Infrastructure,
- Filling the Gap Through Economic Immigration,
- Protecting our Infrastructure, and
- Proposed Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area Reserve.
“Having B.C.’s network of chambers of commerce and boards of trade united on these issues is important news for Greater Victoria,” said Carter. “We collectively have agreed to engage all levels of government on issues of importance to Greater Victoria and our province. With B.C. leading Canada’s economy, we will need to access global talent, contribute to Canada’s competitiveness, and show leadership in areas of interest to Canada and Canadians.”
The BC Chamber of Commerce’s unique grassroots policy-building forum brings together approximately 200 Chamber delegates from across B.C. to vote on new business/economic policies. Over the three-day conference, delegates voted on 55 proposed policies, of which 49 were successful on the policy floor.
Draft versions of these proposed policies are available on the BC Chamber website. Please note that these may not be identical to the versions passed, due to amendments made on the policy floor.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is funded by businesses to support business. One of the province’s largest and most influential chambers, it works to strengthen the region’s business community through networking events, mentorship opportunities, professional development activities and other unique programming.
