L to R: Tri-Cities Chamber CEO Leslie Courchesne, MLA Gavin Dew, MLA Peter Milobar, Tri-Cities Chamber Board Chair Jennifer McKinnon, Tri-Cities Chamber Board Director Mohammad Darwish, at the Chamber's BC Budget 2025 Roundtable, Pasta Polo, Coquitlam.
(COQUITLAM) March 24, 2025 — The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce hosted a roundtable discussion focused on the 2025 BC Budget and future of our economy with Peter Milobar, Critic for Finance and MLA Kamloops Centre, and Gavin Dew, Critic for Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation and MLA Kelowna-Mission, both members of the Conservative Party of BC. The roundtable followed the BC Budget announcement on March 4 in Victoria, attended by Tri-Cities Chamber CEO Leslie Courchesne.
"This year's budget is really a missed opportunity," said Peter Milobar. "There is nothing of any consequence for small business... no tangible actions or contingency funds for the looming tariff threats, and no meaningful tax credits for business, except that of DigiBC."
Gavin Dew spoke of the 41% increase in public sector employment over the past seven years, with private sector employment being relatively flat over the same period. He outlined some key items proposed in Bill 4 and Bill 7, and the potential impacts for business. [Related: Tri-Cities Chamber signs joint letter raising concerns with changes to consumer protection laws proposed in Bill 4]
Held at Pasta Polo, chamber members centered their discussion topics on a wide range of business issues, including the minimum wage increase, business confidence, the ballooning provincial deficit, intra-provincial trade barriers, employer health tax, competitive tax structures, government ministries working at cross purposes, Small Business BC bankruptcy, what solutions are needed for economic stability and growth, and industry specific challenges related to forestry, construction, microbreweries and more.
"The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce works to ensure the voice of business is heard by elected officials both in the governing party and in opposition, and provides opportunities for our members to connect directly with influencers and decision-makers," said Leslie Courchesne. “My sincere thanks to MLA Milobar and MLA Dew for connecting with our Chamber, and to our members who attended this wide-ranging and well-informed discussion.”
The Tri-Cities Chamber advocates on behalf of business to all levels of government. If your business is experiencing challenges related to government policy, programs, or regulations, contact Leslie Courchesne at ceo@tricitieschamber.com.
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Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 1,300+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Courchesne, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com
604.468.6870