News release: GVBOT champions West Coast business priorities at national AGM

GVBOT champions West Coast business priorities at national AGM

For Immediate Release
Sept. 25, 2017

FREDERICTON, N.B. — This year, all resolutions submitted or co-sponsored by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade were adopted at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s annual general meeting in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Each of the resolutions addressed a pressing issue facing our region’s business community. One of the most high-profile resolutions — co-sponsored by nine chambers or boards of trade from across the country — called on the federal government to refrain from changing the current governance model of Canada’s ports and major airports, given that they are economic drivers for our national economy and crucial pieces of transportation infrastructure.

Another resolution adopted with near-unanimous support was entitled “Protecting the National Economy by Managing the Lower Fraser River.” Submitted by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsored by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and others, the resolution recommended the federal government support the continuous flow of commerce to and from foreign markets and ensure the sustainability of marine transportation resources, such as the Lower Fraser River.

“The Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM brings together more than 300 chambers of commerce from across the country to discuss and debate the most pressing issues facing Canadian businesses and our economy,” said Iain Black, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. “Each year, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade works to ensure the interests of businesses in the Lower Mainland are represented at the AGM and elevated to the national stage.”

In addition, a special urgent resolution was added to this year’s AGM, calling on the federal government to extend its 75-day consultation period for proposed business tax changes and establish an independent commission to recommend ways to modernize and simplify Canada’s tax laws. The unprecedented resolution passed with 98.8 per cent support.

Iain Black was one of four chamber CEOs from across the country who had an opportunity to speak in support of the resolution from the AGM floor. For more information, read his Special Message to Members.

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About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:

Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Pacific Canada’s leading business association, engaging members to impact public policy at all levels of government and to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.’s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through four unique Signature Programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events programs in the country, providing a platform for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.’s business leaders.

Media contact:

Greg Hoekstra
Communications Manager
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com