The District of Kent and Corporation of Delta are joining the Fraser Valley Inter-Municipal Licence Program, expanding the partnership in the Lower Mainland.

The expansion means it will continue to be easier for mobile businesses that provide services in a number of municipalities – such as plumbers or electricians – to operate throughout the Fraser Valley and Metro West.

The Mobile Business Licence (MBL), also referred to as an Inter-Municipal Business Licence, reduces red tape by allowing mobile 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. B.C. is a recognized leader in cutting red tape.

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch –

“The Mobile Business Licence (MBL) program is a great example of how cutting red tape makes it easier for small business owners to complete the business licence process. By purchasing a single license mobile businesses – such a plumbers and electricians – can operate throughout the Fraser Valley and Metro West. Working with local governments to expand the MBL program is a key commitment in the BC Jobs Plan. This program reflects our 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.”

Laurie Throness, MLA, Chilliwack – Hope –

“The expansion of the Mobile Business Licence program makes it easier for businesses to operate throughout the Fraser Valley. We are supporting the growth of our local businesses by reducing these type of barriers.”

Scott Hamilton, MLA, Delta North –

“The small business sector makes up 98% of all business in the province and it is our goal to make B.C. the most competitive jurisdiction in Canada. The mobile business licence program is one more tool to help small business and generate jobs in the province.”

Lois E. Jackson, mayor of Delta –

“For more than two years, the Inter-Municipal Business Licence program has saved local construction and trades-related businesses time and money. Delta Council is happy to make this program permanent and participate in the expansion into the Fraser Valley; offering even better service to our residents, collaborating with our neighbouring communities, and helping local businesses.”

John Van Leerhoven, mayor, District of Kent –

“We are proud to now be included as part of the Inter-Municipal Business Licence Program with our adjacent municipalities in the Fraser Valley. We thank the Province for working with B.C. municipalities to enable the Inter-Municipal Business Licence Program to make it more affordable for those businesses that operate in multiple jurisdictions to service our communities.”

Quick Facts:

• There are now 11 MBL agreements throughout the province involving a total of 73 communities.
• The Fraser Valley agreement includes: the 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, and the District of Hope, Corporation of Delta and District of Kent.
• The Metro West agreement is made up of the City of Burnaby, Corporation of Delta, City of New Westminster, City of Richmond, City of Surrey and City of Vancouver.
• British Columbia was one of the first provinces in Canada to have a MBL program, though the Yukon and now Ontario have similar licences that include 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