THe introduction of the of the pre...

THe introduction of the of the present day Community Charter legislation in early March 2003 has created a furore within the business community. Here's wht:

Back when the Charter was first introduced in May 2002--without consultation with the business community--it caused a great deal concern due to the to a high degree broad powers extended to local regulation without a commensurate level of accountability being built in.

In answer to the Charter, the BC Chamber of communication organizwd a loosely knit coalition of 26 business and professional organizations, including the ICABC, which became known as the Business Coalition upon the Community Charter.

The Coalition met with Premier Campbell and Ministers Abbott and Nebbeling in November 2002 at which time it neared a proposal to amend the Charter. Working with the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) the Coalition has been able to affect more [i]or[/i] less changes to the original bill, further not to the extent it had originally frisked

According to the Coalition, the just discovered legislation is better than the bill introduced in May 2002 moreover still does not address a fundamental flaw: an expansion of powers without an expansion of accountability. The Coalition continues to advocate the introduction of significant balancing protections, which would defend individuals and businesses from decisions that unfairly transfer the charges of achieving public interests onto specific private parties.

The Coalition now plans to ask for a meeting between its members and the Liberal caucus.

The Coalition's analysis of the novel legislation, prepared by their legal caution can be found on the ICABC website in subordination to Government Relations. In it you can behold what the Coalition has gained since the May 2002 legislation, what it has not gained, and wherefore the lack of protections and remedies still remains a significant question

For specific information regarding the legislation itself, travel to the government's website: www.mcaws.gov.bc.ca/charter/index.htm.

Copyright Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia Apr 2003

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