The Langley Chamber is in Fort St. John this week attending the 74th BC Chamber of Commerce AGM and Conference, where business and community leaders from across the province are gathering to discuss key economic issues, share best practices, and help shape the BC Chamber’s advocacy priorities for the year ahead.

Representing the Langley Chamber are CEO Cory Redekop, Board President Shaun Howe, and Vice President Christopher Finlay.

The conference provides an important opportunity for the Langley Chamber to bring local business perspectives to provincial discussions, meet with elected officials and government representatives, and work alongside chambers of commerce and boards of trade from across British Columbia to advance policies that support business growth and economic competitiveness.

A key component of the conference is the debate and adoption of policy resolutions that help guide the BC Chamber’s advocacy efforts with the provincial government. This year, the Langley Chamber authored and successfully advanced four policy resolutions that were adopted by delegates.

Exempting Charitable Fundraising Activities from PST in British Columbia

This policy calls on the Province to exempt charitable fundraising activities from Provincial Sales Tax requirements. The proposal seeks to reduce administrative burdens and compliance costs for charities and non-profit organizations, allowing them to focus more resources on delivering programs and services within their communities.

Halting the Expansion of Pay Transparency Reporting Requirements for Small and Mid-Sized Employers

The Langley Chamber's resolution urges the Province to pause the planned expansion of Pay Transparency Act reporting requirements to smaller employers. The policy recognizes the significant administrative burden annual reporting can create for small and medium-sized businesses while questioning whether the additional reporting would produce meaningful outcomes for employers, employees, or policymakers.

Stabilizing Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Allocations to Protect Regional Economies and Workforce Capacity in BC

This policy, co-submitted with the Abbotsford Chamber, calls on the Province to provide greater stability and predictability in Provincial Attestation Letter allocations for post-secondary institutions. Regional colleges and universities play a critical role in developing the skilled workforce needed by local employers, and maintaining appropriate enrolment levels is essential to supporting workforce development and economic growth throughout BC.

Strengthening Eligibility Parameters for BC’s 27-Week Illness or Injury Leave and Reviewing the Cumulative Impact of Recent Employment Standards Act Changes

The Langley Chamber also successfully advanced a policy calling for a review of BC’s new 27-week illness or injury leave provisions and the cumulative impact of recent Employment Standards Act changes on employers. The resolution seeks greater clarity around eligibility requirements while encouraging government to consider how multiple regulatory changes interact and affect business operations, particularly for small and medium-sized employers.

The adoption of these policies, plus others which the Langley Chamber helped advance such as supporting food processing, support for our beer and distillery members,  and fighting the PST expansion,  means they will now become part of the BC Chamber's advocacy agenda and can be advanced directly with the provincial government.

The Langley Chamber remains committed to ensuring the voice of local businesses is represented at both the provincial and federal levels. Through participation in the BC Chamber network and ongoing advocacy efforts, the Chamber continues to work on issues that affect the cost of doing business, workforce development, regulatory burden, economic competitiveness, and the long-term success of businesses across Langley and British Columbia.