Canadian Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development Mary Ng addresses Chamber delegates from across the country at the Rideau Club, Ottawa, October 17, 2022.
(OTTAWA) October 17, 2022 — Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair Jenifer Wright and CEO Leslie Courchesne kicked off Small Business Week in Ottawa.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce hosted 40 member delegates from Chambers and Boards of Trade across the country on Parliament Hill and at the Rideau Club, to connect with elected officials and key Ottawa staff on a number of priorities.
"As one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in B.C., it is important our Tri-Cities voice is heard at the national level," said Courchesne. "Our Chamber is an active member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and Hill Day was an excellent opportunity for us to connect directly with decision-makers in Ottawa."
The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, addressed attendees, and highlighted her announcement to change the Canada Small Business Financing Program, cutting red tape for small business and increasing access to financing.
Delegates also engaged with the Conservative's Deputy Leader Tim Uppal, MP for Edmonton Mill Woods, who fielded questions on strategies to alleviate labour force, immigration, and interprovincial trade challenges.
The Canadian Chamber's President and CEO Perrin Beatty and Chief Economist Stephan Tapp provided an update, including their findings in the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions Report, Q3 2022.
Courchesne attended a roundtable with Olivier Cullen, Director of Operations to the Minister of Indigenous Services, before joining Wright to attend Question Period, followed by a meeting with Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam MP Ron McKinnon in his Ottawa office.
Hill Day followed the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Convention and AGM, also attended by Wright and Courchesne, on October 14-15.
Hon. Perrin Beatty, PC, OC, President & Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce 'Hill Day' Agenda, October 17, 2022.
L to R: Carson Spooner, Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club, Jenifer Wright, Vice Chair, Tri-Cities Chamber Board of Directors, Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam MP Ron McKinnon, Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber, in Ottawa, October 17, 2022.
-30-
Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 800+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Courchesne, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com
604.468.6870