The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce welcomes the recent decision by the provincial government to pause Bill 12, the Public Health Accountability and Cost Recovery Act.     This pause recognizes the need for broader consultation and clearer parameters to ensure that any new "public harms" legislation does not create unintended consequences or inadvertently place undue burden on BC businesses.  While media coverage of this new law was focused on social media safety, this legislation, if passed, could expose a wide range of businesses to unpredictable liabilities in the future, increasing the risks and costs of operating countless businesses in BC. 

While we support the government's intention to protect public health, many have been concerned about the broad scope of the legislation and the potential for it to create significant legal and financial challenges for businesses. We appreciate the government's willingness to engage with stakeholders and encourage a new, more targeted approach as opposed to continuing with Bill 12.  It is crucial that any government actions are balanced, reasonable, and provide certainty for businesses to operate and thrive.

The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce looks forward to future opportunities to engage on this issue to ensure that any similar legislation does not compromise the viability of BC business.