Chamber of Commerce AGM backs wineries, eyes Airbnb, B.C. real estate
VANCOUVER — British Columbia’s business leaders have adopted a list of policies they want addressed by government including more equitable taxation for wineries and Airbnb-style rentals and protection for old-growth forests.
The resolutions are among those approved this week by delegates from 125 chambers and boards attending the BC Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting in Kelowna.
Chamber interim CEO Maureen Kirkbride says delegates want a break for B.C. wineries, noting the operations are mainly agricultural but are taxed at the light industry rate rather than the much lower farm rate.
She says it’s also vital to tax the rapidly growing sharing economy, such as Airbnb, in order to level the playing field for all tourism-related businesses.