Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto was joined by nine Fraser Valley municipalities in Surrey today to announce that they have agreed to implement a one-year, inter-municipal, business-licence pilot, making it easier for businesses to operate in those communities.

The Mobile Business Licence (MBL), also referred to as an Inter-Municipal Business Licence, reduces red tape by allowing mobile businesses to operate in more than one municipality by purchasing one licence, rather than by obtaining non-resident permits in each municipality in which they operate.

The nine Fraser Valley municipalities, lead by the City of Langley, worked together with their chambers of commerce to agree to adopt a common bylaw allowing businesses to purchase an Inter-Municipal Business Licence for specified trades. The municipalities include:

• City of Langley

• Township of Langley

• City of Surrey

• City of Abbotsford

• City of Chilliwack

• District of Mission

• District of Maple Ridge

• City of Pitt Meadows

• District of Hope

The MBL was successfully piloted in 2007 by 17 communities in the Okanagan-Similkameen, and since then, Sicamous and the Central Okanagan Regional District have joined that group.

Working with local governments to expand the MBL program is a key commitment in the BC Jobs Plan, and these communities implementing an inter-municipal licence reinforces that commitment. The B.C. government plays a supporting role in these agreements, offering assistance with co-ordination of local governments.

Quotes:

Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto -

"Reducing red tape at all levels of government is key to making it easier for business to do business in B.C. That's why the Mobile Business Licence is so important. It allows mobile businesses to operate in several municipalities with only one licence - so business owners can spend less time doing paperwork and more time on making their businesses a success."

BC Chamber of Commerce CEO John Winter -

"Anytime we can reduce red tape for small businesses, it's a great achievement. The B.C. Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the nine Fraser Valley chambers of commerce and municipalities who worked together to make this Inter-Municipal Business Licence a reality. It streamlines the licensing process, reduces costs and makes it easier to do business in the Fraser Valley and the province."

City of Langley Mayor Peter Fassbender -

"The City of Langley is delighted to have spearheaded the support from the participating communities in the Fraser Valley, leading to the successful implementation of an Inter-Municipal Mobile Business Licence for a one-year pilot project. This initiative will create a more business friendly environment in the region by reducing red tape for eligible small businesses operating in multiple municipal jurisdictions. We would also like to acknowledge the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce for presenting this initiative for Council's consideration."

City of Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts -

"By allowing businesses to obtain one license that can be used in multiple municipalities, we are cutting red tape, simplifying processes and helping to foster a competitive environment for investment."

Learn More:

To find out more information about the Mobile Business Licence program: http://www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/mobile.html

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 356-8177