Doing business on Central Vancouver Island just got easier, thanks to a new Mobile Business Licence (MBL) agreement.

The agreement, which comes into effect on Jan. 1, 2014, means it will be easier for mobile businesses that provide services in a number of municipalities - such as plumbers or electricians - to operate throughout the entire Central Vancouver Island region.

The twelve participating municipalities - Campbell River, Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, Duncan, Lake Cowichan, Ladysmith, Nanaimo, North Cowichan, Parksville, Port Alberni, and Qualicum Beach - have worked together to adopt a common by-law allowing businesses to purchase just one licence, rather than obtaining non-resident permits in each municipality in which they operate.

Working with local governments to expand the MBL program is a key commitment in the BC Jobs Plan. The program reflects the Province's continued commitment to work in partnership with local governments to promote the success of the small business sector, and to reduce barriers to doing business in the province. The B.C. government plays a supporting role in these agreements, offering assistance with co-ordination of local governments.

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business -

"The B.C. government is committed to working with local governments to find ways to support businesses and streamline processes in every community. Mobile business licences cut red tape for contractors and others who may work in more than one community, and we will continue to work to get other municipalities to adopt the program and reap the rewards."

Michelle Stilwell, MLA, Parksville-Qualicum -

"This agreement will cut red tape for business owners in Parksville, Nanaimo and other mid-Island communities. Spending less time and money on bureaucratic paperwork will give people more time to work and grow their businesses, which is good for the economy and the community."

Don McRae, MLA, Comox Valley -

"Anytime we can reduce red tape for small businesses, it's a great achievement. Now business owners on Vancouver Island can spend less time doing paperwork and more time making their businesses a success and contributing to our community."

Chris Burger, mayor, City of Parksville -

"This initiative will make obtaining a business licence easier and less costly for businesses which work, conduct business or provide services in more than one community in our region. We are pleased to support initiatives which prove helpful to businesses such as construction companies and trades people working in several mid-Island communities."

Rob McGorman, owner, Bayshore Construction -

"At Bayshore Construction, we have projects and clients throughout the Central Vancouver Island region. With Mobile Business Licences in place, we can now spend less time on paperwork and more time working hard to provide exceptional service for all of our customers. Thanks to all of the municipalities and the Province of B.C. for simplifying the process. Not only is it easier to do business in the area - it also creates a business environment where we can thrive."

Colleen Evans, president and chief executive officer of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce -

"Mobile licencing will give businesses access to a larger market, across all the participating communities. It will also give consumers a greater choice of service providers. All of this means greater opportunity for businesses to grow their client base, regardless of the client location."

Quick Facts:

• There are now ten MBL agreements throughout the province involving a total of 69 communities.
• The ten agreements include; Metro West, Tri-Cities, Fraser Valley, Okanagan-Similkameen, Trail, Courtenay-Comox, North-West Vancouver, Cowichan Valley, the Capital Region and Central Vancouver Island.
• British Columbia is one of the first provinces in Canada to have a MBL program, though the Yukon has a similar licence that includes all of their municipalities.
• Trades and businesses that can take part in the program include; plumbers, electricians, architects, general contractors and mechanical engineers.

Learn More:

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

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business
250 387-2799