BC Gov News

Doing business on the Sunshine Coast just got easier, thanks to a new Mobile Business Licence (MBL) agreement.

The agreement, involving the Town of Gibsons, District of Sechelt and shíshálh Nation, means it will be easier for mobile businesses that provide services – such as plumbers or electricians – to operate on the Sunshine Coast.

The three participating communities have worked together to adopt common bylaws. This reduces costs and red tape by allowing mobile businesses to purchase just one licence, rather than obtaining non-resident permits in each jurisdiction in which they operate.

Working with local governments and First Nations to expand the MBL program in support of economic development is a key commitment in the BC Jobs Plan. The program reflects government’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:

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

“It’s great to see the Mobile Business Licence program is growing. The agreement will reduce red tape by allowing businesses on the Sunshine Coast to operate where their services are needed so they spend less time on paperwork and more time on running their businesses.”

Bruce Milne, mayor, District of Sechelt –

"Our council is always looking for ways to support our business community. The mobile business licence is a common-sense way to reduce red tape, encourage commerce and further positive working relationships with our neighbouring jurisdictions: the shíshálh Nation and the Town of Gibsons.”

Chief Calvin Craigan, shíshálh Nation –

“Co-operation with other governments on the Sunshine Coast contributes to the success of small business by reducing red tape and expenses. The Inter-Community Business Licence is one way we can support businesses within the shíshálh Nation.”

Wayne Rowe, mayor, Town of Gibsons –

"The Town of Gibsons is pleased to have co-operated with the District of Sechelt in establishing bylaws for Mobile Business Licences between our communities. This new licence will streamline processes, reduce expenses and contribute to the success of our small businesses which are critical elements of our communities."

Kim Darwin, president, Sechelt & District Chamber of Commerce –

“The Sechelt & District Chamber of Commerce applauds the implementation of the local inter-government mobile business licence on the Sunshine Coast. It will be of great benefit to many of our business members by reducing costs and administrative burdens. Any time you can save a business owner time and money, well - that’s just good for business.”

Quick Facts:

• With the addition of the Sunshine Coast there are now 11 Mobile Business Licence agreements throughout the province involving a total of 73 communities.
• The 11 agreements include:
  • Metro West
  • Tri-Cities
  • Fraser Valley
  • Okanagan-Similkameen
  • Trail area
  • Courtenay-Comox
  • North Shore
  • Cowichan Valley
  • Capital Region
  • Central Vancouver Island
  • Sunshine Coast
• British Columbia was one of the first provinces in Canada to have a MBL program, though Yukon and Ontario have similar licences that include all of their municipalities.
• Trades and businesses that can take part in the program typically 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