Feb. 16-20 has been proclaimed Chamber of Commerce Week in B.C. to recognize the province’s more than 125 chambers of commerce for the work they do to keep B.C. strong and growing, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business Naomi Yamamoto announced today.

This year’s theme, Strengthening Business, Building Communities, celebrates the leadership that chambers demonstrate in their local communities where they play a significant role in building links as business advocates, and by encouraging policies that support business and economic development throughout British Columbia.

The BC Chamber of Commerce represents more than 36,000 small, medium and large B.C. businesses and boards of trade. It has been a key partner in working with the government to achieve the goal of making B.C. the most business-friendly jurisdiction in Canada.

In the past year, the Province has worked closely with the BC Chamber of Commerce on one of governments most important initiatives for small business: the B.C. Small Business Accord. Introduced more than a year ago, the B.C. Small Business Accord recognizes small business as a key driver of job creation and economic growth and helps to ensure government initiatives and services consider their needs.

The BC Chamber of Commerce has been consistent in delivering the message to government that red tape is one of the biggest burdens business owners face. In response, B.C. is leading the country in the fight against red tape. Government has reduced regulatory requirements by more than 42% since 2001, and recently committed to holding the line right through to 2019.

B.C.’s chamber network has been a key partner in the success of the Mobile Business Licence program, which is operating in 69 communities around the province. The program allows mobile businesses, such as contractors and caterers, to operate across participating municipalities and regional districts with one additional business licence, as opposed to purchasing a business licence for each community in which they operate. This streamlines and simplifies the licensing process, reduces time and costs and makes it easier to do business.

Quotes:

Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business Naomi Yamamoto -

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of communities and the economic engine of our province. I really appreciate the important role chambers of commerce play in working co-operatively with businesses and government to strengthen the economy and create vibrant communities throughout British Columbia.”

John Winter, president and CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce −

“As B.C.’s largest, most broadly based business organization, our local - provincial - national network of chambers work together, to actively strengthen our province's business landscape. Chamber week celebrates B.C.’s chambers advocating for business and building stronger communities.”

Quick Facts:

• The chamber network in B.C. is the largest, most broadly based business organization in the province.
• There are more than 125 chambers in the BC Chamber of Commerce’s network alone and 36,000 represented businesses.
• Chambers exist in every corner of the province, from Prince Rupert to Fort Nelson and Fernie to Tofino.
• Small business makes up 98% of all business in the province and employs over one million people.
• Small business provides nearly 55% of all private-sector jobs in British Columbia, the highest rate in the country.
• In 2013, approximately 382,200 small businesses were operating in the province, 81% of which had fewer than five employees.
• British Columbia ranks first in Canada for the number of small businesses per capita, with 83.4 businesses per 1,000 people.

Learn More:

To learn more about the BC Chamber of Commerce, visit: http://www.bcchamber.org/

To learn more about the BC Small Business Accord, visit: http://www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/sbaccord/

To learn more about the Small Business Roundtable, visit: www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca/Home.aspx

To learn more about Regulatory Reform in B.C., visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=AE6F6EBC8B394BDC8B71883FB0942F70

Media Contacts:

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