LOBBYING

Any organization that has staff collectively work on advocacy addressing specific provincial legislation, and that work by any/ all staff on any/all advocacy that is listed which exceeds 100 hours/year, must register as an in-house lobbyist. Most Chambers of Commerce/boards of Trade would easily surpass the 100 hours, if they are in the least bit active with their local MLAS, their policy/letter writing/op-eds, and other such advocacy.

RECOMMENDATION TO BC GOVERNMENT:

1. Remove and acknowledge that Chambers of Commerce/boards of Trade are exempted from the list of organizations that are required to register regardless of 100 hours minimum, unless they are acting as a paid agent to a third party;

2. Remove the need to register all intents to act, just track/register the actual act (letter, meeting, policy) upon completion; and,

3. Simplify the online form by developing a portal specific to Chambers of Commerce/boards of Trade.