Tourist hotspots across rural British Columbia have now joined forces to advocate for the needs of their communities through a new business initiative.
The Resort Chambers of Commerce Coalition (RCCC) comprises the 14 provincially designated resort communities in the province, including the Columbia Valley, Fernie, and Kimberley.
“By coming together, we can advocate with a stronger, more coordinated voice,” said Caroline Lachapelle, RCCC Chair. “Working together allows us to make progress on the issues that matter most to our members, from housing and transportation to workforce and economic development.”
In October, the Coalition joined other resort communities across Canada in submitting an immigration and labour-focused policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce conference.
The policy would see these communities included in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot program and flexible population metrics applied to tourism-based communities facing labour challenges. It was formally adopted with 94 per cent of the assembly in favour.
“Our first collaborative policy submission demonstrates the power of the Chamber network,” said Lachapelle. “Resort communities across Canada share similar workforce challenges, and by presenting a united voice, we can bring national attention to the need for immigration solutions that fit the realities of resort economies. ”
The Coalition’s next steps are to work with national partners to bring the policy resolution forward to federal tourism and immigration ministers.
Comments