BBOT Burnaby Board of Trade met with Minister of Jobs, Trade Technology and raises issues facing the business

 

On August 1, the Burnaby Board of Trade met with Minister of Jobs, Trade Technology and raised a variety of issues facing the business community.

BBOT President & CEO Paul Holden, BBOT Board Chair Andrew Scott, BBOT Director Vivian Yuen, and BBOT Director of Policy & Stakeholder Relations Cory Redekop discussed with the Minister the BC PNP Tech Pilot, a special immigration program to help the technology, digital and film/tv sectors access skilled international talent and bring them to BC to fill ongoing labour shortages.  This important program was slated for expiration in June, but the BBOT successfully lobbied for it to be extended for another year.  The BBOT applauded the extension and pressed for a longer-term commitment to the program.

The BBOT also raised the issue of soaring property tax bills which are threatening the bottom-lines of businesses across the region.  The BBOT shared with the Minister the joint letter signed by 12 local Boards of Trade and Chambers of Commerce urging the provincial government to act to create a split classification system to provide relief for businesses being taxed on the redevelopment potential of their properties.

Finally, the BBOT delegation discussed the issue of climate change and ways to engage and support the business community in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.  The BBOT believes it’s award-winning platform The Pledge for a Sustainable Community is a model for how communities across BC can share resources, tips, and best practices to businesses interested in sustainability.

The BBOT is the champion for business with all levels of government, and routinely meets with elected officials to ensure the concerns of business are heard, understood, and addressed.   For more information on our advocacy efforts, visit bbot.ca/advocacy