Resource Revenue Sharing among themes supported by Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce at recent BC Chamber AGM

The Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce joined up with a pair of other Northwest Chambers to champion the importance of sharing the benefits of Major Northwest resource development projects, raising the topic at last month's BC Chamber Annual General Meeting.

Prince Rupert and Houston offered their support to the Kitimat initiative that highlighted the need for revenue sharing and distribution agreements with the province, part of a common goal when it comes to the development of resources in the region.

Carl Sampson, who currently leads the Prince Rupert & District Chamber of Commerce policy committee outlined how the issue is a key one for the municipalities of the Northwest.

“The City of Prince Rupert and other Northwest municipalities strongly support the RBA, and it is important for us as Chambers to work alongside our respective cities on their initiatives to create economic growth for our communities. Not only will this benefit Prince Rupert, but it will benefit the Northwest as a whole.”

Another policy, this one from Smithers, also received the backing of the Prince Rupert Chamber, as past President Dave McKeever outlined the Chamber's support towards a program called the Foreign Worker Navigator Program which is designed to help fill employee shortages, particularly in the restaurant and retail sectors.

“A program like the Foreign Worker Navigator can help alleviate issues in staffing for small business in Prince Rupert. Not only can it fill positions in retail and restaurant industries, but it can also grow our city culturally and economically as a rise in residents can create foot traffic through the doors of our local businesses.”

The two Prince Rupert chamber reps were joined by Chamber Manager Anthony Yecyec at the May event, which delivered a number of policy initiatives for the Provincial Chamber to submit to the provincial government for further comment and potential approval.

More notes related to the city's Chamber of Commerce and the commercial sector can be explored from our archive page here.