The Lloydminster Chamber holds a policy development roundtable each year to hear from members about what the issues are that are affecting business in our community. In addition, Chamber board members have their ear to the ground and are interested to hear from members and non-members alike about any concerns you may have.
Once the policy resolution or recommendation is developed at the local Chamber level, it is taken forward to the appropriate level of government. In the case of local issue, the Chamber board meets with Mayor and Council as well as with the Community Leaders group and issues are discussed and suggestions are made for ways to resolve the issues. A provincial issue will be taken to the floor of the provincial Chamber Policy debate at either the Saskatchewan Conference on Business or the Alberta Chamber Conference in May. If it is a federal issue, it is taken through the Canadian Chamber at their policy conference in October. When our local voice is combined with the voice of business provincially and federally it is a very strong voice indeed.
Some of the wins that the Lloydminster Chamber Political Action Committeehas had in recent years include:
• Coordination of Trades Training so that highschool credits can be applied to apprenticeship programs.
• Alberta Farm Fuel Benefits Program where the government has put in place measures to ensure that only those eligible can take advantage of the tax-exempted fuel program.
• Labour-force enhancement and quality prekindergarten programs – 9400 new spaces have been created in Alberta – more than half way to goal.
Other policies still in the works include:
• Railway overpass for Lloydminster
• Reduction of traffic congestion on Highway 17
• Photo radar for Saskatchewan
• Policy on sidewalks in Lloydminster
• Creating a safer community
• Meat inspection and food safety standards in Saskatchewan