The Government Relations Committee (GRC) represents the views of the business community. They provide a forum for members to engage with elected representatives, government officials, and third parties. The GRC meets with representatives from all levels of government to identify, research, and discuss salient issues in the business community, such as transportation and employment & training.
Interested in joining our Government Relations Committee?
Carl Funk is Director of Industrial Planning and Development at Beedie, where he leads complex industrial development projects across Metro Vancouver. With over a decade of experience in real estate development and urban planning, Carl brings deep expertise in municipal approvals, policy, and stakeholder coordination. He takes a strong interest in shaping resilient, business-friendly communities and contributing to thoughtful governance that advances Burnaby’s economic growth.
Daniel Getz is a BBOT director and Chair of the Government Relations Committee. He has served on the Board since 2024. He is Associate Dean of Broadcast and Media Communications at BCIT, overseeing a range of different educational programs. Prior to joining BCIT, he worked in a series of roles with CBC News, including as an Executive Producer with The National and CBC News Network. He also practiced litigation at a downtown Vancouver law firm. Dan has a passion for not-for-profit governance and community outreach, including in amateur sport. He also takes pride in having taught Media Law to dozens of journalists working in B.C. and beyond.
HollyNorth has been a member of the Burnaby Board of Trade for nearly 28 years. HollyNorth supplies the film, TV, Theatre, Arts and Entertainment industries in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island as well as provincially, nationally and around the globe.
I have been on the board in various positions – Director, Vice Chair, Chair Past Chair, Chair of the Board of Governors, and Governor – as well as several committees and task forces for over 15 years. In the past, I've been on various boards and committees with many associations involved in the production of film, TV, and TV commercials.
I joined the Government Relations Committee several years ago to represent the industry I serve as well as provide input from small businesses in Burnaby. Currently, I represent BBOT as a member of the City’s Public Safety Committee.
Paula Skaper is a growth strategist who helps professional services and SME leaders build resilient businesses that reflect their vision and grow sustainably. She works with established firms to move from reactive firefighting to intentional, strategic leadership – creating the clarity and confidence to focus on what matters most. As founder of 33 Dolphins and author of Rethink, Realign, Reinvent, Paula partners with leaders ready to build something that lasts.
Paula has been a member of the Burnaby Board of Trade since 2010 and a director since 2017. She previously served as both Chair and Chair of the Board of Governors.