Advocacy
As our Mission states: We champion business success by connecting, supporting, and advocating for our members—providing the resources, opportunities, and community power needed to thrive.
The Chamber supports our members and expresses their views to other agencies, including municipal, provincial, and federal governments.
Policy/Advocacy Initiatives:
August 2025 – Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, the District of Tofino, Tourism Tofino, and the Tofino Chamber of Commerce renewed their 2022 commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that deepens collaboration, coordinated action, and shared stewardship efforts in Tla-o-qui-aht territory. The agreement highlights support for MRDT renewal and local investment, advocacy for new financial tools to sustain community infrastructure, and collective efforts to grow participation in the Tribal Parks Allies program.
June 2025 – The Tofino and Ucluelet Chambers of Commerce submitted a joint letter to Minister Farnworth at the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, raising concerns about communication and coordination on Highway 4 infrastructure projects. The Chambers emphasized the urgent need for improved stakeholder engagement, expanded notification lists, and coordinated scheduling of projects like Taylor River and Pacific Rim Highway 4 to minimize disruption for residents, visitors, and businesses on the West Coast.
March 2025 – Submitted a formal letter to Mayor Law and Council urging the District of Tofino to opt out of Bill 35’s principal residence requirement. The Chamber emphasizes that Tofino’s unique economic and social realities require a locally driven solution that balances housing security, economic sustainability, and community well-being, rather than a one-size-fits-all provincial approach.
January 2025 - Advocating for progress on the much-anticipated Tofino General Hospital Replacement project, both Chambers and the Tofino General Hospital Foundation have submitted a letter to MLA Josie Osborne requesting updates on timelines, milestones, and next steps for this critical initiative. This upgraded facility will play a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of our residents, visitors, and businesses.
November 2024 - in response to concerns over changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, both Chambers, joined by regional hospitality leaders, have submitted a joint letter to MP Gord Johns. The letter highlights the urgent need for balanced reforms to address labour shortages and support the economic resilience of our community.
May 2024 - joint letter to The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Minister responsible for Parks Canada on recreational coastal safety & incident prevention along the shoreline & in the surf zone, within the Pacific Rim National Park and surrounding beaches.
August 2024 - response from The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Minister responsible for Parks Canada on recreational coastal safety & incident prevention along the shoreline & in the surf zone, within the Pacific Rim National Park and surrounding beaches.
August 2024 - media coverage headlines “Tofino BC residents want lifeguards reinstated at Long Beach”