For years, provincial and federal governments have been aware of the challenges interprovincial trade barriers place on small and medium-sized businesses. These barriers drive up costs, limit opportunities, and create unnecessary complexity. Yet, meaningful progress has been slow.

The chamber network isn’t waiting. Every year, chambers across their respective provinces and across the country, including the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce, bring these concerns forward at the highest levels. Through policy debates and direct advocacy, we push for reforms that will break down these barriers and strengthen economic opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

A recent example is the BC chamber network’s 2024 policy titled “The Grapes of Wrath: Interprovincial Trade Barrier Reform Still an Issue.” This policy highlights ongoing challenges, such as Alberta’s renewed restrictions on direct-to-consumer wine shipments from BC, which continue to hinder free trade within our own country. 

This policy is one of many that our network has championed to ease the burden on SMEs. It’s part of a long-standing effort to hold governments accountable and demand real solutions.

Businesses don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. By engaging with their local chambers, they join a powerful network that is actively working to create a more open, competitive, and fair economic environment.

The pressure won’t stop. The chamber network will continue to fight for progress. Will policymakers finally act? 

View "The Grapes of Wrath" policy here.