How the Chamber Advocates for You and Your Business

At the Sunshine Coast Chamber, we are dedicated advocates for our members, tirelessly championing their interests to all levels of government. With the voice and representation of a large Sunshine Coast-wide membership, combined with a strong volunteer board of directors, and active input from local government, we often take a stand on policies, regulations, and decisions that are critical to our local economy and business sector growth.

Before the merger of the three chambers—Gibsons, Sechelt, and Pender Harbour—each played a pivotal role in influencing local, provincial, and national policies and issues. Through collaborative efforts, we ensured a strong and stable environment conducive to business growth and economic development.

Do you have an issue or event that you believe the Chamber could assist with or be involved in? We’re here to lend our support, advocating on your behalf so that you can concentrate on what matters most—your business. Contact us today by email or phone.  

Explore the numerous advocacy issues that the Sunshine Coast Chamber (formerly Gibsons, Sechelt, and Pender Harbour Chambers) has been engaged in over the years. Our track record speaks for itself, and we’re just getting started. Check back regularly as we continue to spearhead new initiatives to propel our community forward.

Your success is one of our key priorities. Join us in shaping the future of business on the Sunshine Coast.

Previous Advocacy Efforts

July 2023

The Gibsons Chamber of Commerce held a roundtable with local business leaders and the current MP to discuss the challenges of the CEBA loan repayment coming due in December 2023

Each business owner was able to tell their story and have their voices heard. Consumer activity has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, and many owners are still feeling the financial pain from lockdowns and regulations. Many businesses across Canada urged the government to act quickly to postpone or extend the CEBA repayment deadline, otherwise a large portion of small businesses would have to consider closing their doors.

On September 14, 2023, revised terms and deadlines were announced for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan program by the Government of Canada, who took the data received from organizations – including Chambers of Commerce.

Under these new terms, businesses with federal government loans under the CEBA program must make repayment arrangements with their lending financial institution before January 18, 2024, or the current CEBA loan will be subject to a three-year repayment plan at 5% interest per year, and lose the forgivable portion offered by the government.

November 10, 2021

Read the letter here: Child Care Capital, Community Services, Ministry of Children & Family Development

 

We, as the Chamber, have received a number of complaints and concerns about the infrastructure on the lower Sunshine Coast. Read more: Transportation Safety across the Sunshine Coast

Read about the  Visitor Information Park in Gibsons. It all started with an idea, an empty, dusty site, a determined board of directors, and a lot of community-minded businesses.

Connect & Collaborate

Have questions or interested in collaborating with us? Reach out to our Chamber of Commerce team—we’re here to connect, support, and empower all members of our community.