The Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce’s policy resolution addressing the growing impact of repeat non-violent crime on businesses and communities recently received unanimous support from chambers and boards of trade across B.C.
“Addressing the Economic Impact of Repeat Non-Violent Crime” was presented by chamber board president Vanessa Riplinger at this week’s 74th BC Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting and conference in Fort St. John where it was supported by all 286 voting delegates.
“The 100 per cent vote demonstrates that repeat non-violent crime is not just a Williams Lake issue, it is a challenge affecting businesses in communities throughout the province,” stated chamber board executive director Tamara Garreau.
The policy calls for practical actions to improve reporting, strengthen prevention and intervention measures, enhance data collection, and support businesses affected by chronic repeat offenders.
It was developed through the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce’s Policy Committee that was established to identify and advance issues that matter most to the local business community.
Garreau noted the committee worked closely with businesses to understand the real impacts of repeat non-violent crime, including theft, vandalism, increased security costs, staff safety concerns, and the time spent dealing with repeated incidents.
“Vanessa did an excellent job speaking to the importance of the issue and ensuring the voices of Williams Lake businesses were heard on the provincial stage,” Garreau added. “What was particularly encouraging is that the conversation did not end with the policy debate. The following day, delegates reviewed all approved policies and identified the top priorities to bring forward directly to government and ministers. While all approved policies will be presented to government, our resolution was selected as one of those priority issues.”
As part of the conference, Northern B.C. chambers of commerce also participated in a roundtable discussion with provincial Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, Ravi Kahlon, on key challenges facing northern communities, including transportation corridors, immigration policies that could further worsen labour shortages, and crime and public safety concerns.
“Having our policy identified as a priority ensured that the impacts of repeat non-violent crime on businesses were part of that conversation,” Garreau said, adding the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce is proud that the concerns raised by Williams Lake businesses have helped shape a province-wide discussion.
“The unanimous support and subsequent prioritization of this policy sends a strong message that businesses across B.C. are looking for solutions that improve prevention, intervention, reporting, and accountability. We look forward to working with the BC Chamber of Commerce and provincial government to advance meaningful action on this issue.”
Earlier this year Riplinger said the policy resolution, if endorsed, could make its way to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and reach federal government.
This year’s BC Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting and conference was held Monday, June 1 to Wednesday, June 3.