Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto was joined by the municipalities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody 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 Tri-Cities worked together to agree to adopt a common bylaw allowing businesses to purchase a Mobile Business Licence (MBL), also referred to as an Inter-Municipal Business Licence, for specified trades.

The MBL reduces red tape by allowing mobile businesses to operate in more than one municipality by purchasing one licence, rather than obtaining non-resident permits in each municipality in which they operate.

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.

On Nov. 8, 2012, nine Fraser Valley municipalities announced they are also joining the MBL program. Those municipalities include:

• City of Abbotsford

• City of Chilliwack

• District of Hope

• City of Langley

• Township of Langley

• District of Maple Ridge

• District of Mission

• City of Pitt Meadows

• City of Surrey

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."

City of Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart-

"We are thrilled with this announcement as Coquitlam works hard to be responsive to the needs of the business community. It's our responsibility to listen to organizations like the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce who offer suggestions for changes that will improve the local business climate. I'd also like to thank councillors Craig Hodge, Diana Dilworth and Mike Forrest for working together on an initiative that will make it easier to do business in the Tri-Cities."

City of Port Moody Mayor Mike Clay-

"One of council's key goals is to encourage a strong and diversified business climate in Port Moody. I'm thrilled that we were able to work with Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and the Province of B.C. to make the Mobile Business Licence a reality. While the Mobile Business Licence will certainly benefit Port Moody, it's also great for business all across the Tri-Cities."

City of Port Coquitlam Mayor Greg Moore-

"This program was the result of our three cities coming together to support businesses and improve our business licensing processes. After the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce flagged this idea, we developed a joint task force of staff and Council members to determine the best approach for our communities."

Learn More:

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

Media Contact:

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