• News Release - Northern Chambers Meet with Ministers in Victoria: 2/26/2018

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    February 26, 2018
    News Release - February 26, 2018
     
    Northern Chambers met with Ministers in Victoria.

    8 Northern Chambers representing approximately 1500 businesses across the north and the BC Chamber came together in Victoria to meet with Ministers regarding the opportunities and issues facing rural northern communities. 

    We were able to meet with the Honourable Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trades & Technology; the Honourable Harry Bains, Minister of Labour; the Honourable Carole James, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier; the Honourable George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy; the Honourable Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and Staff from the office of the Honourable Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. 

    Topics for discussion were specific to each ministry and included Forestry, Tying Resource Extraction to Communities, Health Services, Broadband Access, Pipeline and Support of LNG, Caribou & Species at Risk, Taxes and Budget 2018, Minimum Wage, Childcare, CN Rail, Technology & Skills Training and the recent decision in the Greyhound application.  

    All Ministers were very positive about this governments support for LNG with Minister Bains saying "Be hopeful - We are".  The need to rejuvenate BC's forest industry and tie resource extraction to communities was discussed with all ministers and Premier Horgan has made several statements in the news recently regarding connecting the forest industry back to communities.  We are hopeful we will see the government take action in the near future.  

    We would like to thank the Ministers for taking the time to meet with us.  While we may not always agree on the best course of action it is important we work collaboratively for the betterment of our businesses, communities and province.  

     



    Back row from the left:  Dan Baxter, BC Chamber; Jerrilyn Schembri, Tumbler Ridge; Tracey Hittel, Kitimat; Naomi Larson, Chetwynd; Michelle Bryant-Gravelle, Prince Rupert; Val Litwin, BC Chamber; Bev Vandersteen, Fort Nelson; Nelson Stowe, Fort St John;  
    Front row from the left:  Kathleen Connolly, Dawson Creek; Minister Bains, Minister of Labour; Maureen Czirfusz, Houston

    The Fort Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce works hard advocating for our members at all levels of government.  It is only with the support of our members we are able to continue to be the voice of business.  

    Please contact Bev Vandersteen if you would like more information.



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    Contact Information:
    Bev Vandersteen, Executive Director
    bvandersteen@fortnelsonchamber.com
    250-774-2956 


     
    *Upcoming Events:
    March 7, 2018 - 
    Business & Community Excellence Awards
    Sponsored by Chevron Kitimat LNG, NRRM, Down to Earth Health Shop, Belle Escape, NexGen Homes & Contractors, Dalex Auto, Gold Fever and the BBB

    Advertising is now available in the 2018 Business Directory and Gas Field Map

    May 5 - 6. 2018 - 
    Fort Nelson Chamber of Commerce Annual Trade Show