Understanding Policy and Its Impact on Businesses
What is Policy?
Policy refers to the principles, rules, and guidelines established by different levels of government to regulate various aspects of society, especially in politics, economics, and business. It shapes the environment in which businesses operate, influencing everything from zoning laws and tax regulations to employment standards and community development.
Who Makes Policy?
Policy in Canada is created and enforced by 4 different levels of government: municipal, regional, provincial, and federal. Each level has distinct responsibilities that affect businesses in New Westminster.
The Four Levels of Government and Their Responsibilities
| Level of Government | Scope | Responsibilities | Who to Contact |
| Municipal Government (City of New Westminster) | Governs a city, town, or district; responsible for local services and bylaws. | · Parks
· Parking · Libraries · Roadways · Local police · Local land use · Fire protection · Public transportation · Community water systems |
Mayor & City Council (New Westminster City Hall)Effective January, 2025
mayorandcouncillors@newwestcity.ca 604-527-4523 Newwestcity.ca
|
Regional Government (Metro Vancouver Regional District) |
Governs multiple municipalities; provides services best managed at a regional level. | · Air Quality
· Climate Change · Environmental Regulation and Enforcement · Financial Services · Electoral Area A · Emergency management · Water supply & sewage treatment · Waste management & recycling |
Metrovancouver.org |
| Provincial and Territorial Government (British Columbia) | Governs a province or territory; responsible for major public services. | · Regulates healthcare, education, and road regulations
· Oversees WorkSafeBC, minimum wage laws, and business-related taxation · Manages public lands and has the authority to amend provincial laws · Provincial Housing regulations (NEW/Only applied in BC)* |
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
Leg.bc.ca / gov.bc.ca
|
| Federal Government (Canada) | Governs the entire country; responsible for national and international matters. | · Mail
· Taxes · Money · Banking · Shipping · Railways · Pipelines · Telephones · Criminal law · Foreign affairs · National defense · Employment insurance · Aboriginal lands and rights |
Prime Minister & Members of Parliament (MPs)
Ourcommons.ca
|
How to Advocate for Change
Engage with the NWC
- The New West Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of the Canadian and the BC Chambers of commerce adding our voice to the thousands of businesses across Canada. Seeking members’ opinions on business matters and representing those views at local, regional and national levels are fundamental functions of your Chamber, as well as aiding with policy development on key issues affecting local business in New West.
Q&A
- Individual Advocacy vs. Advocacy Through the New Westminster Chamber
Individual can also advocate on their own by contacting municipal, regional, provincial, or federal government representatives directly. In this way, they express their concerns personally, but it may not be as effective because it is singular.
On the contrary, advocacy through NWC offers the added value of collective representation. Many coming together with similar interests or complaints mean voices which can easily garner attention and may get more effective government responses compared to making appeals alone. Strength in number is how business advocacy multiplies, and has increased, the power.
- (*) Provincial Oversight in Housing Development
Housing is no longer solely a municipal issue; it is now a provincial priority as well!
Shortages in housing are to be combated this November 2023 by the provincial government by imposing housing target orders on certain municipalities to build a certain number of housing units within a specified timeframe.
This encompasses the interaction with developers, various stakeholders involved in ensuring the realization of the set targets, if a Municipality defaults such provisions or lacks any action for a specified timeframe, the Province can intervene, take over developmental responsibility in a municipality. All this ensures accountability and accelerates housing solutions whenever and wherever such is needed.
Read more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PREM0062-001706
- Step-by-Step Process for Advocacy
The advocacy process at the New Westminster Chamber (NWC) is not a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, as each case is unique. However, common patterns emerge in how advocacy efforts are handled:
| Listening & Assessing
The Chamber first listens to the concern or complaint presented by the party. |
| Determining Scope & Impact
An assessment is made to determine whether the issue falls within the Chamber’s capacity to influence through advocacy. |
| Membership Consideration
The Chamber evaluates whether the individual or organization raising the concern is a Chamber member or a general community member. As a membership-based organization, priority is given to member-related concerns. |
| Strategizing at Board Executive Level
The Executive Board discusses the most appropriate response, which may include drafting a letter, appearing at a city council meeting, engaging with media, or a combination of actions. |
| Engaging Community Partners
If appropriate, the Chamber considers collaboration with other organizations, such as Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) or Tourism New Westminster, to strengthen advocacy efforts. |
| Board Decision & Finalization
A proposed advocacy motion is either taken to the full Board for approval or finalized at the Board Executive level. |
| Action & Implementation
The Chamber executes the advocacy plan, which may involve sending letters to government officials, requesting meetings, or engaging with the media. |
Required Documentation
The documentation required for advocacy support varies depending on the issue. Typically, it may include a formal written request, supporting evidence, testimonials, or relevant industry data to strengthen the case.
Timeline for Advocacy
The duration of the advocacy process varies depending on the complexity of the issue, the level of government involved, and the response time of key stakeholders. Some matters may be resolved quickly, while others require ongoing efforts over an extended period.
Click here to see our successful advocacy work!
Get Involved!
Do you have an issue you’re passionate about and want to take action?
We’re here to support you!
📢 Join us and make a difference!
✅ Become a member
✅ Reach out for guidance
✅ Take action in your community
📩 Contact us today ! info@newwestchamber.com