What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A Chamber of Commerce is incorporated under the Government of Canada Board of Trade Act "for the purpose of promoting and improving trade and commerce and the economic, civic and social welfare of the district."

Who may become a member?
The Board of Trade Act states that membership is open to "any number of persons, not fewer than thirty (30), who are directly or indirectly engaged in trade, commerce or the economic or social welfare of any district, whether residents of the district or not."

Is a Chamber of Commerce some sort of political organization?
No. The by-laws specifically state that the Kingston Peninsula chamber of Commerce "shall be non-sectional and non-sectarian and shall not lend its support to any candidate for public office."

Who will manage and operate the Chamber of Commerce?
An Annual General Meeting of members of the Chamber will elect the Council of the Chamber which is made up of a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, a Secretary, and eight members who will be responsible for the management and operation of the Chamber in accordance with the established by-laws.

How are the by-laws established?
The by-laws of a Chamber must be submitted to the Government of Canada's Minister in charge of Corporate Affairs to ensure that they comply with the provision of the Board of Trade Act. The Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce has developed a sample by-laws which the Kingston Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has followed in drafting its by-laws.

What are the by-laws?
Click here to read the by-laws.

How are board members elected?
The by-laws provide that at the initial Annual General Meeting, one third of the officers be elected for three years, one-third for two years, and one-third for one year. At the expiration of these terms, they may be re-elected at subsequent Annual General Meetings for up to two more periods of three years.

Are board members paid?
No. The by-laws provide that Council Officers will serve without pay but may be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.

How often does the council meet and who may attend the meetings?
The by-laws provide that the Council meet at least bi-monthly and shall be open to any member of the Chamber who may participate in the discussions but without vote. Initially, during the setting up period, the Council will meet bi-weekly on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

What is the annual membership fee?
The by-laws provide that the "annual dues payable by members of the Chamber shall be determined annually by the Council subject to the approval of the General Meetings whenever a change in the original amount is involved."

Bearing in mind the initial set-up costs of establishing a Chamber, and the anticipated expenses to produce the proposed Peninsula map, brochure, and classified business directory, an annual fee of $60.00/business has been established.

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