Provincial victory: NV Chamber’s policies on distilleries, marine safety, & seniors’ care advance

By

Maria Spitale-Leisk
North Vancouver Chamber CEO Patrick Stafford-Smith presents one of four policies to delegates at the BC Chamber AGM.

Provincial victory: NV Chamber’s policies on distilleries, marine safety, & seniors’ care advance

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.

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.

(Left) Copperpenny Distilling Co-Founder Jennifer Kom-Tong shows North Van Chamber CEO Patrick Stafford-Smith some of the distillery’s award-winning gin. (Right) Patrick with Celia Chiang, owner of The Woods Spirit Co., during a Business After 5 event.

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.

Members of the North Vancouver Chamber’s Marine & Waterfront Sector Roundtable, including Seymour Salmonid Society, Aqua-Guard Spill Response Inc., Envirochem Services Inc., and Alive Creative Services, celebrate their policy win.

Investment in Senior Care—Securing B.C.’s Workforce by Fixing Access, Affordability & Navigation (renewed)

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.

Members of the North Vancouver Chamber’s Senior Service Sector Roundtable, representing a variety of local businesses and non-profit organizations, celebrate their policy win.

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.

We also supported the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce to get Protecting BC’s Craft Brewery Industry: The Case for Fair Tax Reform adopted.

The North Vancouver Chamber’s approved policies will now form part of the B.C. Chamber’s advocacy platform with the provincial government.

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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

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