Chambers & Advocacy – What is it and why do we do it? 

Chambers were originally founded to promote and support the local business communities that they represent. They serve as a platform for businesses to connect, network, and collaborate with one another. A large part of Chamber world is advocating for those businesses that they represent.  

How a Chamber Advocates for Business: 

What are some examples of Chamber engagement with the different levels of government? 

Local: 
Advocating for fair property tax rates or better infrastructure 

Provincial: 
Lobbying for small business grants or changes to employment laws 

Federal: 
Representing businesses on trade policies, tariffs, or taxation issues 

Why is it important? 

Chambers act as a bridge to connect the voices of business to the different branches of government. They act to cut through and reduce unnecessary red tape that businesses struggle with when dealing with the autocracy of local, provincial, and federal entities. Chambers are a protection for businesses from harmful policies and new regulations and ensure these don’t negatively impact local businesses.  

How does the Ridge Meadows Chamber Advocate right now? 

The Ridge Meadows Chamber focuses on building and maintaining relationships between businesses and the municipalities we represent. We actively participate in several local campaigns and committees in both the City of Pitt Meadows and City of Maple Ridge – such as Pitt Meadows’ Economic Development Committee and Maple Ridge’s Choose Maple Ridge campaigns.  

Our CEO, Kristi Maier, and Chamber President, Jerry Kok, actively engage with and support policy work at a provincial level through our membership with the BC Chamber and their Annual General Meeting.  

Our Advocacy in Action page keeps members of the chamber as well as the public informed on ongoing advocacy and policy work that our team at the Ridge Meadows Chamber continues to engage in.