Over the course of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce's annual conference held June 3-5, delegates heard from a range of policy experts, industry representatives and thought leaders who shared their insights on how businesses can best navigate the complexities of today’s business environment. Delegates also had the opportunity to engage with representatives from local, provincial and federal governments and opposition parties
The theme of this year’s conference was "Stronger Together: Building the Future of Business through Collaboration," in recognition that collaboration is the key to unlocking growth in today’s interconnected world. The AGM was attended by Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce president Rebeckah Hornung and executive director Tom Thomson. Throughout the conference, we explored what makes successful collaborations possible and shared ways to strengthen partnerships and leverage collective expertise to create lasting impact.
One of conference’s highlights each year is the annual policy sessions, where delegates debate and discuss issues of critical importance to the small business community, which help define the B.C. Chamber’s and Nelson Chamber's advocacy priorities for the next year. This year, 40 policy resolutions, submitted by 16 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, were tabled, debated and voted upon; 38 policy resolutions were approved and will be included in the 2025-26 Policies and Positions Manual along with policies currently on the books.
The approved policies cover a broad spectrum of provincial and federal issues critical to the success and well-being of B.C.’s business community and reflect the issues many British Columbians are concerned about. 2025 policy resolutions make recommendations to both federal and provincial governments about ways to improve B.C.’s business environment. The resolution topics included: the need for regulatory reform, reducing interprovincial trade barriers, managing trade, support for small businesses, and diversification of markets. In addition, policies were discussed that address other challenges facing members including housing, healthcare, crime, labour and immigration.
The Nelson Chamber worked in collaboration with producers and retailers of the local and regional cannabis sector to develop a policy for the AGM designed to improve profitability for the sector. Elimination of the 15 per cent excise tax was a major piece of the policy. That policy was approved near unanimously at 96 per cent support.
B.C.’s cannabis industry is facing severe economic challenges due to excessive taxation, burdensome regulations, and a lack of enforcement against illicit operators.
It’s estimated that in 2024, sales of regulated cannabis reached or exceeded $6 billion and B.C. is already home to some of the industry’s most celebrated brands. Despite significant growth and early optimism, B.C.’s best operators remain unprofitable. The reasons for this are numerous and complex but can be summarized as excessive taxation, illicit market pricing and BCLDB's 15 per cent "proprietary fee."
The federal government legalized cannabis to increase public safety, displace the illicit market, and stimulate the economy. The challenges currently facing B.C.’s regulated cannabis industry directly undermine those goals. To ensure B.C.’s regulated cannabis industry survives and becomes a meaningful contributor to the provincial economy, new policies are urgently needed.
Other key policy successes included:
• A reduction of inter-provincial trade barriers in Canada protects the B.C. economy.
• Federal immigration policy changes and their impacts on Canada’s workforce and post-secondary institutions.
• Accelerate new housing developments by focusing on target completion.
• Addressing immigration and regulatory barriers to attract allied health professionals to rural and underserved communities.
• Amending paid sick leave in B.C.
• Maximizing Canada’s energy potential for economic growth and global competitiveness.
• Post-graduate work permit.
• Removing barriers to increasing the supply of rental accommodation.
The Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce Chamber serves as a platform for businesses to collectively express their concerns and priorities to policymakers. We actively engage with governments, lobbying for policies that promote economic growth, reduce red tape, and foster a business-friendly environment.
President Rebeckah Hornung notes the chamber works hard for all local and regional businesses year in and year out, but the B.C. Chamber AGM helps guide our provincial advocacy. By advocating for policies that support business, chambers contribute to the overall economic prosperity of their communities.
Tom Thomson is executive director of the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce. News and Views appears monthly.
