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Greater Victoria, June 27, 2017 – The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has adopted the policy resolution, Regulate and Manage the Emerging Short-Term Rental Business Enterprise, at its Board of Director’s meeting June 27. This policy, recently adopted by the BC Chamber of Commerce and its member Chambers, calls for the provincial government to: 1. work with affected stakeholders, including Destination BC and Tourism Industry Association of BC, to clearly articulate related issues and explore resolution options, 2. rescind 78(1)b of the Provincial Sales Tax Exemption And Refund Regulation; and 3. implement a timely reporting process and structure, so that upon request, a local government can access a complete list of properties registered to collect the Hotel Room PST and the MRDT. “The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce supports short-term residential rental providers operating within a fair and competitive environment,” said Catherine Holt, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. “There is good work underway by the City of Victoria to regulate short-term vacation rentals in a manner that will support local businesses and protect consumers.” Regulate and Manage the Emerging Short-Term Rental Business Enterprise is one of the Greater Victoria Chamber’s 16 policy resolutions, i.e. specific recommendations to governments, which can be read in full in the Greater Victoria Chamber 2017/2018 Advocacy Book, released June 27, 2017. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is the largest business association in Greater Victoria, with over 1,400 member organizations. It is funded by businesses to support business, and works to strengthen the region’s business community through advocacy, networking events, professional development and other programming to support its members. More info at www.victoriachamber.ca. -30-