The Clearwater and District Chamber of Commerce is calling upon newly re-elected Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola MP Frank Caputo to address the region's economic priorities.
Caputo was re-elected for his second term as MP on Monday, April 28, during the 2025 Canadian Federal Election. In a release put out by Kaare Long, the president of the chamber of commerce, she congratulated Caputo on his victory and called on him and the federal government to establish a single market within Canada.
"One that removes unnecessary provincial barriers, enabling businesses and consumers to engage in seamless trade and investment without restrictive regulations hindering productivity and growth," Long said.
Long also listed several concerns Clearwater residents and businesses face on a regular basis. She noted that economic resilience for the area hinges on direct federal support for small businesses, increasing funding for rural and smaller districts and ensuring sustainable regional development by expanding business opportunities.
She also said tourism plays a vital role in the local economy and called for reducing restrictions on land use to foster growth in the tourism sector, while preserving the area's natural beauty. Long said sustainable resource management must be prioritised to protect both the environment and people's livelihoods.
Outside of economic concerns, Long said Clearwater residents want infrastructure improvements, particularly in the realm of transportation, to better connect communities. She noted health care also remains a pressing issue locally, especially when it comes to recruiting physicians and the availability of emergency care.
"Additionally, housing affordability and availability continue to be major concerns, especially for workers and families looking to settle in the area," Long said. "Federal investment in housing initiatives that support diverse income levels and tenure options will be essential in sustaining Clearwater’s growth.
"Now is the time for leadership that puts prosperity first, enabling communities like Clearwater to flourish alongside the broader national economy. We look forward to working with MP Caputo to ensure that the voice of rural British Columbia is heard at the federal level."
