Advocacy

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.”

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has signed a joint letter with leading business associations to all Members of the Legislative Assembly of BC expressing concerns with proposed amendments to consumer protection laws in Bill 4.

The letter calls for a pause on advancing the legislation to allow for engagement and collaboration to ensure better outcomes for consumers and the overall business environment.

The provincial government unveiled the 2025 BC Budget today in Victoria, on the same day as sweeping U.S. tariffs came into effect, along with Canadian retaliatory tariffs. Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce CEO Leslie Courchesne attended the Budget Speech at the BC Legislature.

“The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce acknowledges that British Columbia is facing significant economic headwinds and uncertainty fueled by the new trade war with the U.S.,” said Courchesne. “While this is an extremely challenging year for the province, we are very concerned this budget does not do enough to help businesses of all sizes weather this storm.”

“The U.S. decision to impose these destructive tariffs is deplorable, and will hurt business, communities and families on both sides of the border. Many of our local businesses thrive on strong economic partnerships with the United States. This is a completely unnecessary trade war that must be put to an end as soon as possible. We urge both the Canadian and U.S. governments to work toward a swift resolution that supports free and fair trade,” said Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber of Commerce Week celebrates the vital role chambers of commerce and boards of trade play in building economically competitive and sustainable communities across the province.

February 10-14, 2025 is Chamber of Commerce Week in BC by official proclamation.

“Many of our local businesses thrive on strong economic partnerships with the United States, and these destructive tariffs will hinder investment, raise costs for consumers, and reduce competitiveness for companies operating in the Tri-Cities. We urge both the Canadian and U.S. governments to work toward a resolution that supports free and fair trade, ensuring that businesses on both sides of the border can continue to grow and succeed,” said Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has joined more than 115 chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and associations across Canada in a letter to the Ministers of Labour and Transport to call for an immediate end to the labour disruption at west coast ports, and mitigate the damage to our economy and reputation as a reliable trading partner.

The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, together with chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and business associations across BC express deep concern over the labour disruption at west coast ports that began at 4:30pm on November 4.