– Christie Ray is the CEO of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at christie.ray@pgchamber.bc.ca.
PRINCE GEORGE – For many, January is a time commonly focused on new projects and beginnings. But in the Chamber world, September is the month dedicated to re-establishing connections while preparing for the year ahead. This past month has been particularly full of travel, advocacy and planning for myself and our busy staff.
Our advocacy efforts have taken the stage this month as Chamber Board and staff have worked diligently to prepare for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce AGM that took place in Regina from September 17-19.
One of the resolutions that our Chamber presented during policy sessions at the AGM addressed the need for the federal government to develop and support a more competitive air transportation strategy. Our call for help from the government with capital funding is top of mind for our Chamber and regional business community.
The reason for this is that the Prince George Airport Authority is one of six small NAS (National Airports System) airports currently ineligible for funding through the federal ACAP (Airport Capital Assistance Program). The other five airports stuck in a similar situation include: London, Saint John, Charlottetown, Fredericton and Gander.
One of the amazing things about the Chamber network is that industries and businesses across Canada who share similar challenges have the ability to collaborate through advocacy activities in order to bring about real change. This is precisely what happened in Regina as Chambers from all the affected regions lent their support to us by cosponsoring this resolution with us.
Our joint asks listed in the ‘Canada’s Small Airports and Access to ACAP Funding’ resolution included recommending that Transport Canada: 1) increase ACAP funding for all regional and local eligible airports to account for inflation and increased project costs, 2) streamline communications and make the application process more transparent so that airports can complete the process in a reasonable timeframe and be able to follow the progress of the application, 3) and revise the ACAP requirements to include the six small NAS airports that are currently excluded due to their status so that they may fulfill their obligations as NAS airports without financial hardship and remain as large supporters of economic growth within their communities and regions.
Fortunately, this resolution was approved, without amendment, on the floor of the policy session by two-thirds majority of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce membership. We are thrilled to see advocacy in action and to be part of this dedicated business support network.
When our members have challenges in business that are part of a systemic or shared municipal, provincial or federal issue, we are here to help move through the problem toward a solution with the decision makers who can bring about constructive change.
We also invite member businesses to become part of the solution by joining our Advocacy Committee. Anyone interested in contributing to these valuable efforts may contact the Prince George Chamber office by phone 250.562.2454 or by email: chamber@pgchamber.bc.ca.
