May 24, 2019 (Burnaby, BC) – The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce is extremley pleased to be participating again in the annual BC Chamber AGM & Policy Convention 2019 being held this year in Burnaby, BC.
The Chamber’s delegation is comprised of President, Melinda Friesen, Board Director Kevin Mierau and Executive Director, Katerina Anastasiadis. Policies passed at this convention will form critical recommendations to government to voice buisness issues across the Chamber network and Province.
The conference has comprised a busy schedule of keynote speakers and policy discussions, including the Honorable Perrin Beatty, CEO of the Canadian Chamber who spoke at yesterday’s opening night welcome dinner and revealed the Canadian Chamber’s federal 7 pillar platform.
Today’s Policy Session #1 saw the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce successfully co-present with the Richmond Chamber on a timely resolution introducing private auto insurance competition which passed with tremendous support.
The Abbotsford Chamber advocated on issues of critical importance to our local economy and on issues that directly impact the business community and Chamber members. They included resolutions supporting: the sustainability of BC’s natural energy resources sector and the National Energy Board’s re-approval of the Trans Mountain project, also solutions to housing affordability by opposing rent controls and incentivizing the private rental housing market.
“I am pleased that all of our policies today received the support of the BC Chamber Caucus. One of which is the introduction of competition to auto insurance to countering the monopoly of unaffordable premiums. Survey research indicates 82% of British Columbians want more competition and choice.” – Melinda Friesen, President
“It is very timely that we reinforced the importance of supporting our resources sector through our resolution. I was pleased to learn today of the BC Court of Appeals ruling against the Province’s right to stop the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project, which the National Energy Board has approved twice now. There is no question among Chamber members about the significance of this project to our local economies and for the country. We need to stand up for our world class environmental standards and resource projects.” – Katerina Anastasiadis, Executive Director