FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
North Vancouver, B.C. – The North Vancouver Chamber is celebrating a significant advocacy milestone after all four of its policy resolutions were endorsed by the B.C. Chamber membership, elevating priorities that will benefit businesses, workers, and communities throughout the entire province.
At the recent 2026 BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting, the North Vancouver Chamber presented policy resolutions focused on strengthening B.C.’s craft distillery sector, marine safety, efficient environmental permitting, and seniors’ care.
Developed after hearing directly from our members—including leaders in the distillery, marine & waterfront, and senior care sectors—these policies are rooted in local business needs while addressing challenges facing communities across British Columbia.
“We believe leadership means getting ahead of the issues that matter most to business,” said North Vancouver Chamber CEO Patrick Stafford-Smith. “By working closely with our members and industry partners, we’re identifying emerging challenges early and ensuring North Vancouver’s voice helps shape policies that deliver real benefits to local businesses here in North Vancouver and across British Columbia.”
Four policies adopted by the B.C. Chamber membership
Empowering B.C.’s Craft Distilleries to Fuel Local Prosperity
Building on ongoing engagement with local craft distilleries, this policy calls for regulatory and tax reforms to help B.C. distilleries grow and innovate. A stronger craft distilling sector will benefit manufacturing, tourism, and hospitality in North Vancouver and communities throughout British Columbia.
Boosting B.C.’s Marine Potential Through Safety and Access
Developed through the North Vancouver Chamber’s Marine & Waterfront Sector Roundtable, this policy calls for a coordinated approach to improving marine safety, investing in waterfront infrastructure, and strengthening access to B.C.’s waterways to support a safer and more competitive marine economy.
Reduce Costs & Delays in B.C.’s Environmental Water Quality Regulatory System
Also developed through the North Vancouver Chamber’s Marine & Waterfront Sector Roundtable, this policy advocates for more efficient environmental permitting to reduce project delays while maintaining strong environmental protections.
Developed through the North Vancouver Chamber’s Senior Service Sector Roundtable, this renewed policy addresses the growing workforce impacts of caregiving by advocating for improved access to long-term care and a simpler system for families to navigate.
We also supported the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce to get Protecting BC’s Craft Brewery Industry: The Case for Fair Tax Reform adopted.
North Vancouver Chamber’s policy wins advance to provincial platform
These policy wins reflect the North Vancouver Chamber’s leadership in identifying emerging issues and its collaborative advocacy approach, bringing businesses together through sector roundtables and ongoing member engagement.
The North Vancouver Chamber’s approved policies will now form part of the B.C. Chamber’s advocacy platform with the provincial government.
-30-
About the North Vancouver Chamber:
The North Vancouver Chamber champions a strong, diverse business community, helping members grow, connect, and be heard. Representing more than a dozen sectors and 94% small businesses, the Chamber provides services, benefits, and networking that support member success and a resilient local economy.
Media Contact:
Maria Spitale-Leisk
Membership Promotion & Communications Manager
North Vancouver Chamber
maria@nvchamber.ca
