Before most meetings I attend, typically, I have a bit of routine. I think to myself "it would be really great if you didn't really say much, but just really focused on listening". I'd like to think I have become better at this. I find huge value in listening to people. It is something that I have struggled with, for sure.
I was very excited to attend the Kamloops Chamber member's policy round table last week. It is awesome that the Chamber provides such opportunities for input as it has had a lot of success lobbying governments at all levels to implement or change policies and practices. There was quite a bit of discussion on commercial property taxes, offroad vehicle regulations, and airport access beautification. Many other topics came up as well. The above image is the list I made at the meeting.
There seemed to be a reluctance by some Chamber board members present to discuss the HST. It was, however, raised by some of the people present - mostly in the form of wanting exemptions for their own business types. I tried to listen intently to the points raised by others. One of the 2 items I did raise was around institutionalizing in legislation public consulation on initiatives where the government change its platform on a big ticket item like the HST. Our trust in politicians keeps on sinking.
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