Strong business. Strong communities.

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.